Off the Shelf 0708-5

When She Was White: The True Story of a Family Divided by Race

By Judith Stone
© 2007

This book is based on a true story of a young lady who had her color reclassified by the government because she was “different” from her birth parents. She grew up afflicted with the social stigma and cultural dislocation often experienced by mixed race people.

Eventually her parents abandoned her because she chose to live her life as a black woman even though genetically she was white. Over the next few years she suffered abuse, homelessness, and physical illness.

I personally related to some of her stories because I was also seen as being different in my community because of my long term interracial relationship. I have seen first hand how people are treated when they think you are different.

At times this book had me laughing and at other times almost in tears, it was easy to follow and very enjoyable to read.

My recommendation: 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Brenda Stevens-Harrison ACE Computer Systems Technology Instructor

Off the Shelf 0708-4

Sickened
By Julie Gregory
© 2003

Though difficult to fathom, there is a condition called Munchausen by proxy (MBP), which is specific type of mental disorder involving child abuse. It is a rare disorder in which a parent seeks medical attention for their child after creating real or imagined illness. Typically, a mother will deliberately make their child sick and/or report exaggerated or false symptoms which results in doctor's attempts to treat with tests, medications, and even surgeries. The parent usually demonstrates warm and caring attention towards the child, thus creating a web of confusion and deception.

This autobiography is a harrowing account of MBP through the victim's eyes. Reflecting on her childhood, Julie Gregory realizes with horror that her mother was indeed inflicted with MBP. Beautifully written - even in the sadness and ugliness of it all - there are bits of hope buried in facets of her life. She uncovers the cycle of child abuse and explores the vast impact it has on the entire family. The book appears to be serve as a cathartic release for Julie and possibly an attempt to redirect her anger into a more constructive manner. She also has a website (www.juliegregory.com) which, among other things, provides a forum for others to share their experiences.

This book is a must read for health and mental health professionals or for students interested in those career fields - however, consider yourself warned of the stark reality painted in eloquent words that will draw tears of sadness and angry, clenched jaws.

My recommendation: 4 out of 5 stars

Submitted by M. Coleman, Media Specialist

Off the Shelf 0607-30

A Long Time Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
By Ishmael Beah
Audio – CD – Undabridged
Read by Ishmael Beah
© 2007

Beah's story is an important one to read/listen to - but it doesn't make it easy. The majority of the book is centered on the violent atrocities of the recent genocide in the Sierra Leone civil war. The author was twenty-six when he wrote his story - in that relatively short lifetime, he had not only witnessed but participated in the ugliness of humanity gone wrong. Beah was twelve when rebels attacked his home, forcing him and his playmates on the run with only each other and their childish wits. A year later, at thirteen, he became a soldier and fought in the bloody and torturous war against the rebels, fueled by propaganda, hatred and drugs.

The plot takes you on a roller-coaster ride with hope and despair at many turns. Amazingly, Beah's overall perceptions about life took a lucky turn for the better and he outlived the negative aspects of the violence. Reading his account is almost surreal, but there is unquestionably the stark truth written in each line. As he indicates in this interview clip , his story is personal and unique and yet it also reflects a hidden secret about child soldiers world-wide. Though A Long Way Gone is understandably depressing, Beah advocates for the belief in humanity's goodness even through the eyes of evil.

My recommendation: 4 out of 5 stars
Submitted by M. Coleman, Media Specialist

Off the Shelf 0607-29

Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood
By Ibtisam Barakat
© 2007

A Palestinian refugee from the Six-Day War, the author shares her childhood experiences in a homeless and landless environment. This is a story of humanity, survival and conflict – and being caught in the middle of it! Barakat was just 3 years old when her family fled their home on foot to avoid aerial attacks. The chaos that ensued nearly ripped her from her parents, but fortunately, she was able to reunite with them after a short separation. One appreciates the security of our relatively safe environment after reading her memoirs.

Extremely inquisitive, Barakat rivals her brothers’ adventures with endeavors of her own. She seeks security in the imaginary friendship of animals and in the manipulation of alphabetic objects, with interesting results! Her story is rich with cultural views and insightful anecdotes, as well.

Barakat purposefully gives tribute to the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for even having the opportunity to attend school. Interestingly, her writing style appears very natural, flowing with sophisticated descriptors and personal reflections. Though the focus is on the author’s experiences, there is considerable historical perspective to gain, as well.

My recommendation: 4 out of 5 stars
Submitted by M. Coleman, Media Specialist