Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 43 votes)
5 stars
10(23%)
4 stars
24(56%)
3 stars
9(21%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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43 reviews
July 15,2025
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This book presents a captivating exploration based on a renowned picture from Time magazine. In the photo, a group of sheriffs can be seen standing in a circle, brandishing billy clubs.

The background story of this photo is that they were there to prevent the integration of the University of Mississippi.

However, the book doesn't merely focus on the actual event. Instead, it delves into the individual stories of each sheriff in the photo, as well as the tales of the photographer and the man who was the first to integrate UM.

Even more interestingly, the author further pursues the stories of the children of each of these men. What follows are a series of narratives filled with grace, fear, love, dominance, and even some certified craziness.

This book offers a unique perspective and is highly recommended for those interested in exploring the complex and often overlooked aspects of this historical moment.
July 15,2025
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It read like what I envision a sweltering hot summer day would be like in Mississippi.

It was slow-paced, filled with fanciful and vivid descriptions that brought the scenes to life. The tales it told were likely mostly true, adding an element of authenticity. The characters had distinct roles to play and were placed in specific places, creating a sense of a well-structured narrative.

What was refreshing was that it avoided being stereotypical, which made it all the more engaging. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but perhaps not one that would be considered truly great. It had its charm and its moments of interest, but it didn't quite reach that higher echelon of literary excellence.

Nonetheless, it was a pleasant way to spend some time, transporting the reader to a different time and place, if only for a short while.
July 15,2025
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Hendrickson's meticulously researched work offers a detailed recounting of the lives of seven Mississippi lawmen during the 1960s.

His vivid portrayal of their stories, along with the history of Natchez and Oxford, Mississippi, provides profound insights into the enduring legacy of racism, not only in Mississippi but across the United States.

The book reaches its climax with the race riots that erupted following James Meredith's registration at Ole Miss. The details surrounding this event, including the unethical actions of the federal government, are truly astonishing.

In the final third of the book, the author delves into the lives of the lawmen's offspring and James Meredith through extensive interviews.

This engaging and thought-provoking book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex history of race in America.
July 15,2025
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The book is really good in terms of information. It provides a wealth of details and insights that are quite valuable. However, it is written by a news journalist, and perhaps due to this, I found that it got kind of boring in certain parts. The writing style might be a bit too dry and factual for my taste.


It is really sad to be reminded of what happened in one of my favorite states. The events described in the book are likely to evoke a sense of nostalgia and maybe even a touch of sadness. It makes me think about the past and how things have changed.


Overall, despite the occasional dull moments, the book is still worth reading for the information it offers. It gives a unique perspective on a particular topic and can be a great source of knowledge. I just wish it had been written in a more engaging way to keep my interest throughout.

July 15,2025
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An interesting history, current picture, and look forward.

History is filled with fascinating stories and events that have shaped the world we live in today. It allows us to understand the past and learn from the mistakes and achievements of our ancestors.

The current picture presents a complex and diverse landscape. We are living in a time of rapid technological advancements, globalization, and social change. New challenges and opportunities are emerging every day, and it is essential to stay informed and adapt to the changing circumstances.

Looking forward, we can anticipate further progress and innovation. The future holds great potential for improving our lives, solving global problems, and creating a more sustainable and equitable world. However, it also requires our active participation and commitment to making positive changes.

In conclusion, by studying history, observing the current picture, and looking forward with hope and determination, we can better navigate the present and shape a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.
July 15,2025
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What could have potentially been an outstanding essay unfortunately transformed into an interminable book. By "endless," I truly mean that I simply couldn't bring myself to finish it.

It commences with a rather morally superior and bitter tone, which then undergoes a shift to incorporate more perspective. It also delves into providing some background information on other renowned pictures and individuals of that particular era. However, after that, it seems to meander aimlessly.

That's precisely where I decided to abandon it. Nevertheless, I believe I managed to extract the essential elements that I required from it.

Perhaps with some more focused editing and structuring, this could have been a remarkable piece of work. But as it stands, it falls short of its potential.
July 15,2025
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It is truly astonishing how easily we can forget just how recent the civil rights movement was. In fact, it was not our distant relatives, but rather our grandparents who were actively involved during that crucial time in American history.

Examining how the mentalities and experiences of that era continue to bleed through into our modern society is an extremely interesting and thought-provoking exercise. It allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the roots of many of the social issues and inequalities that still persist today.

However, I must admit that I felt there was a bit too much extraneous information about modern families included in the text. While this may have been intended to provide context or make the topic more relatable, it didn't really add much value to the overall argument. In fact, I believe that the reading experience would have been much more streamlined and engaging without it.

Nonetheless, the overall exploration of the civil rights movement and its lasting impact is a valuable one, and I look forward to delving deeper into this important topic.
July 15,2025
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I did not anticipate that this book would be written as impeccably as I had expected. However, it truly immersed me in the realm of civil rights, which bears a resemblance to my own personal odyssey. The image this individual employed to commence his journey was a rabbit hole, and it seemingly traced back to Emmett Till. I yearned for the luxury of time, just as he did, to linger in some of those locations where he had been. Although I have visited numerous of them, I desired to simply observe, listen, and reflect. I would have relished the opportunity to sit outside the Bryant Grocery for an hour or so, witnessing everyone who passed by. In reality, I did not stroll the streets of Greenwood; rather, I drove through. This book was akin to a profound rumination, an extensive one, on the significance of our history.

It made me realize the depth and complexity of the struggles that have shaped our society. It served as a reminder that we cannot forget the past, for it is through understanding and learning from it that we can strive for a better future.

The author's exploration of civil rights issues through his own experiences and the events he witnessed was both thought-provoking and eye-opening. It left me with a sense of admiration for his courage and determination in the face of adversity.

Overall, while the book may not have been flawlessly written, it had a profound impact on me and made me more aware of the importance of civil rights and social justice.
July 15,2025
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Mississippi holds a significant place in civil rights history and the complex tapestry of race relations in American history.

During the 20th century in the South, racism was deeply ingrained, leading to numerous race riots and acts of bigotry.

The state became a battleground for the fight against racial inequality, with brave individuals and groups standing up against the unjust system.

The struggle for civil rights in Mississippi was not only about legal rights but also about changing the hearts and minds of people.

It was a long and arduous journey, filled with challenges and setbacks.

However, through the perseverance and determination of many, significant progress was made.

Today, Mississippi serves as a reminder of the importance of confronting and overcoming racism in all its forms.

It is a place where the lessons of the past can be learned and applied to create a more just and equal future for all.
July 15,2025
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This is not a proper review.

It is just a note to myself that I abandoned this at page 127, in case I want to return to it later.

The concept behind this book was really great. It had so much potential to be an amazing read.

Unfortunately, the execution was way too tedious. The author seemed to go on and on about things that didn't really matter.

Really a pity, since I wanted to love this book so much. I was really looking forward to it.

He seemed to prefer including too much information even when that information is not all that interesting. It was like he couldn't decide what was important and what wasn't.

The really interesting stuff gets lost in a sea of trivial details. It was hard to find the gems among all the clutter.

A good editor could've cut this book down by about half. They could have helped the author focus on the important parts and make the book more engaging.

Maybe I'll give it another try someday, but for now, I'm moving on to something else.
July 15,2025
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Outstanding

In every field and aspect of life, there are those who stand out as truly outstanding. These individuals possess a unique combination of qualities that set them apart from the rest.


They are often characterized by their unwavering determination and perseverance. No matter how difficult the challenges may be, they never give up. Their passion for what they do drives them to continuously strive for excellence.


Outstanding people also have a remarkable ability to think creatively and innovatively. They are not afraid to break free from the traditional ways of doing things and explore new ideas and approaches.


Moreover, they are highly dedicated and committed to their goals. They are willing to put in the hard work and long hours required to achieve success. Their focus and concentration allow them to stay on track and overcome any distractions or obstacles that come their way.


In conclusion, outstanding individuals are an inspiration to us all. Their achievements serve as a reminder that with hard work, determination, creativity, and dedication, anything is possible. We should all strive to emulate their qualities and reach for the stars in our own lives.
July 15,2025
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The book was truly interesting as it delved into the events that occurred to the sheriffs as depicted on the cover. It explored how racial attitudes had a profound impact on their children later in life.

Looking at the news today, we can see that racial problems still persist in America. This country seems to have a tendency to hide many uncomfortable truths. However, this is our history, and until we have the courage to confront these issues head-on, as a nation, we will never be able to heal.

We need to face the past with honesty and openness, and work towards creating a more just and equal society for all. Only then can we hope to move forward and build a better future.

It is essential that we learn from the mistakes of the past and ensure that similar injustices are not repeated. The book serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing racial issues and taking steps to promote unity and understanding.

We must all do our part to break down the barriers of racism and build a more inclusive and harmonious nation.
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