Sons of Mississippi: A Story of Race and Its Legacy

As recommended by Ed from the U of C alumni bookclub,

This book is truly a gem. It offers a unique perspective on [topic]. The author's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

The story unfolds in a captivating manner, filled with interesting characters and unexpected plot twists. It explores various themes such as [list some themes], which will surely make you think and reflect.

Whether you're a member of the U of C alumni or simply a book lover, this book is definitely worth checking out. You won't be disappointed.

So, pick up a copy today and embark on this literary journey.

In concept, this book was indeed interesting.

It vividly tells the story of seven Mississippi sheriffs who were captured in a Life Magazine photo just before the race riot over the integration of the University of Mississippi (famously known as "Ole Miss").

The author painstakingly examines the lives of each racist sheriff, with some being explored in more detail than others. Then, the author traces the evolution of their racist attitudes forward through the next generations of their families.

However, unfortunately, in execution, this book falls short.

As an initial matter, the lives of the individuals in the photo simply were not that captivating. Although they were sheriffs during an eventful time, the men themselves did little of real significance and for the most part, had little impact on history. Their counterparts were even more insignificant, amounting to nothing more than ordinary individuals.

This results in dull storytelling, and I found myself constantly struggling to stay engaged throughout the book.

In addition, the book was poorly organized,跳跃 around from person to person and family to family. This made it extremely difficult to discern whatever point Hendrickson was attempting to make.

In short, if you are in search of a book on race relations in Mississippi from the 1960s onward, there are likely better options available for that subject. Nevertheless, Mr. Hendrickson does deserve some credit for identifying a novel framework within which to tell that story.

The author employs a captivating picture by the renowned Civil-Rights photographer Charles Moore and elaborates on it.

He closely examines each of the seven men in the photo, conducts interviews with their peers and descendants, and delves into the history of the towns where they served as Sheriff or Deputy-Sheriff.

The author endeavors to uncover the true legacy of these seven individuals in the present-day world.

However, this is a challenging narrative to piece together as he takes numerous tangents. I am intrigued to observe how he will neatly tie them all together at the conclusion.

I have a fondness for this book for several reasons. Firstly, I gleaned a wealth of knowledge - about the chronological sequence of Civil Rights history in Mississippi and about the state itself.

Secondly, I appreciate books that utilize a qualitative approach in evaluating actions, behavior, and consequences. This book was extremely thought-provoking.

Finally, the author does not necessarily arrive at definitive conclusions; instead, he leaves that task to the reader. He appears to be at least somewhat open-minded when it comes to judging people, although not so much regarding events.

I am curious: how does one feel knowing that what one writes about another person might not align with that person's preferences - especially after having been a guest in their home?

One surprise was how tormented James Meredith is/was. It is truly very sad.

This piece of historical research is extremely solid, presenting a unique and captivating approach to documenting a significant event in the history of Civil Rights in America.

It delves deep into the details, uncovering aspects that might have been overlooked by others. The author's perspective brings a fresh light to the subject, making it not only informative but also highly engaging.

By using this particular approach, the research manages to vividly capture the essence of the event, allowing readers to better understand the context, the struggles, and the triumphs.

It serves as a valuable contribution to the field of Civil Rights history, offering new insights and perspectives that will surely spark further discussions and research.

Overall, this is a remarkable piece of work that showcases the importance of solid historical research and the power of a unique approach in presenting complex and significant events.

OST NON-FICTION ADULT STK 305.8 HEN

This is an interesting and engaging non-fiction work for adults. It likely delves into various aspects of a particular subject matter, perhaps offering in-depth knowledge, analysis, and unique perspectives.

The title, along with the specific classification number, gives us an idea of its genre and its place within the broader realm of non-fiction literature.

Readers can expect to embark on a journey of discovery as they explore the pages of this book. It may cover topics such as history, science, technology, or any other area that falls within the non-fiction category.

Whether you are a curious individual looking to expand your knowledge or a dedicated non-fiction enthusiast, this work has the potential to provide valuable insights and entertainment.

So, pick up this book and let yourself be immersed in the world of non-fiction, where facts and ideas collide to create a truly enriching reading experience.

I discovered this to be an extremely intriguing manner to approach a historical event. It was truly well worth the read, and considering the mere $1 price tag at Big Lots, it was an absolute steal.

We are all familiar with the stories that encircle an event in history. However, we seldom hear about how those events have a profound impact on the events that unfold in the years to come. And that is precisely the reason why this book is truly worth reading.

It offers an interesting perspective on a group of law men and their descendants. It delves into how the choices they made at the very moment the photo was taken played a crucial role in shaping all of the subsequent events in their lives.

I wholeheartedly and highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in history or a desire to gain a deeper understanding of how past events can have a lasting influence.

Historical subject matter but not really a historical book (ie something written by a historian). At first, I truly didn't enjoy this book. The initial pages seemed rather dull and uninteresting. However, as I delved deeper into it, something magical happened. It became a lot better.

I really enjoyed the way the author went through the different elements of the one cover image. Each explanation added a new layer of meaning to his narrative. It was like uncovering hidden treasures with each turn of the page. The author's ability to analyze and dissect the cover image was truly remarkable.

If I could, I would give it a 3.5/5. But upon further reflection, I don't think it merits a 4 from me. There were still some aspects that could have been improved upon. Maybe the pacing could have been a bit faster in certain sections or the writing could have been more engaging. Nevertheless, it was still a decent read that provided some interesting insights into the historical subject matter.

On the morning of my checkout, I descended to inquire of the desk clerk whether I could peruse a copy of the bill prior to settling it. Having made numerous long-distance calls, I was eager to ensure the accuracy of the charges. As I examined the sheet, I noticed the word “Foreign” inscribed beside amounts such as $1.24, $2.47, and $8.51. “But this can’t be right, sir,” I asserted. “I didn’t place any international calls.” “Oh, that simply indicates out-of-state calls,” he replied.

There is a photograph. It hails from Life magazine, dated September 27, 1962.

It portrays seven sheriffs from across all of Mississippi who, in conjunction with others, have converged upon the University of Mississippi campus. The man in the middle, Sheriff Billy Ferrell, is chuckling while brandishing a club. The sheriffs surrounding him appear equally entertained.

In three days’ time, following several unsuccessful attempts by a black student named James Meredith to gain entry to the University, a riot will erupt. Many will be injured, several will lose their lives, and everyone involved, including Meredith, Ferrell, the other sheriffs, and all of their descendants, will sense its reverberations long after the final brick has been hurled and the last fire extinguished.

There are copious books regarding the Civil Rights movement, even about the riot on the Ole Miss campus (although that seminal event seems to have receded further into memory), but Hendrickson poses a question here that is less frequently asked: what are the longer-term consequences of such virulent hate?

Long after legislation has been enacted and those who were present have passed away as well, does the hate of the perpetrators trickle down to their sons? And what of the victims? Does their pain, their frustrations, and their anguish find its way into the next generation?

In Hendrickson’s profiles of these men, the answer is, like the events of that era, murky. Some are almost tragically unrepentant for the sins of their fathers, not ready to concede that they are sins at all. In others, one can detect the burden in their words, in the directions their lives have taken.

It is perhaps facile to feel some sympathy for these men who are not accountable for the actions of their fathers and grandfathers, but perhaps the most empathetic character for me is James Meredith himself.

No matter how hard we endeavor, it is beyond human ken to fathom what life was like for him as the sole black student there. Trays continuously slamming on tables as he dined in the cafeteria, federal marshals assigned to him uncovering daily new stashes of weapons stored in close proximity to Meredith, as well as the constant threats to his life.

Knowing this, can we forgive the Meredith who, after graduation, would become increasingly erratic and grandiose as the spotlight dimmed around him, culminating in his becoming a clerk for Jessie Helms? Did the daily and insufferable pressure he endured cause something within him to be unable to cope with it any longer later in life?

Meredith’s sons, in their own fashion, even out of their father’s shadow in relative anonymity, each grappled in their own way with his complex legacy.

It is perhaps too apt to quote Faulkner on the past not even being past when discussing the legacy of racism in Mississippi, but when reflecting upon the lives of these sheriffs assembled together on a sunny September afternoon, and their descendants, one can only hope that a grandson, a great-grandson, a granddaughter, will someday gaze upon their legacy and resolve that this is the moment, the time, and the hate ceases with them.