Before Christmas last year I had the opportunity to read this book as part of the book tour hosted by I am a reader, not a writer.
Book Summary
Presidential diarist and author Janis F. Kearney transforms civil rights legend Daisy Gatson Bates’ life from black and white, to living color. The author, who interviewed Bates many times; recreates her conversations and interviews to “fill in” places left un-filled, and colors incidents and experiences, to bring Daisy Bates to life. Kearney plums the mysterious murder of Bates’ mother, and the orphan’s childhood; the young woman’s prophetic decision to share a traveling salesman’s life; her non-traditional role as co-publisher of an award winning newspaper; and her leadership role at a time, and place where women rarely led.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place is Daisy’s “look back” at her life, and…finally, a self-analysis of how, and possibly, why she became the Daisy Gatson Bates for which she is known throughout the world. Author Janis F. Kearney recounts the leader’s many friendships, relationships and associations that helps define who she was in the eyes of the world – from Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Clinton; First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt; the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.; Roy Wilson, NAACP President; Thurgood Marshall and Wiley Branton, NAACP attorneys, Maya Angelou and Jackie Robinson… and countless others.
The author met Daisy Bates in the summer of 1969, at the age of 16. From that moment, the high school student dreamed of working for the woman her father called one of Arkansas’ greatest leaders – black or white.
Review
Daisy: Between the Rock and a Hard Place is essentially a book that is reflective of that friendship and influence between Daisy and the author.
The book starts with the early beginnings of Daisy’s life and explains about the issue of Slavery in the south, even with the abolishment of Slavery, Society likes to pigeon people and this period of time was no exception. The book goes on to tell us about the life, determination and achievements of Daisy. How she managed to take all the negative that she felt and turn it into something good. It is the amazing story of Daisy who succeeded and became so much despite the colour of her skin and her background.
It was truly a fabulous read and I am delighted that I had the opportunity to read it and I recommend it!
Janis F. Kearney is a publisher, author, and oral historian. She was one of 19 children born to Arkansas Delta Sharecroppers T.J. and Ethel Kearney. She Graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a B.A., in Journalism, and completed 30 hours in public administration, and Journalism.
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3Ps in a Pod – Excerpt
January 6th
Angler’s Rest – Review
A Casual Reader’s Blog – Excerpt
January 7th
Sarah Ballance – Tens List & Excerpt
Cuzinlogic – Guest Post or Interview
January 8th
MK McClintock – Interview
Indie Author How-to – Guest Post & Excerpt
January 9th
Book Readers – Review
Guerrilla Wordfare – Review
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Aspired Writer – Review & Excerpt
Another Step to Take – Interview & Review
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Laurie’s Thoughts & Reviews – Author Interview & Excerpt
The Ordinary Aunt – Guest Post
January 13th
My Devotional Thoughts – Review & Excerpt
Bookhounds – Interview
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icefairy’s Treasure Chest – Guest Post & Excerpt
Nonfiction Finds – Excerpt
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Beck Valley Books – Guest Post
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Crafty Zoo – Guest Post
Michelle Pickett – Guest Post
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Scribbler’s Sojourn – Guest Post
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January 18th
Books Books the Magical Fruit – Interview
Good Choice Reading – Tens List
January 19th
Read It All Reviews – Interview & Review
January 20th
Bunny’s Review – Excerpt
Blissful Banter – Review & Interview
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