**Reading 2007 Updating!!**

Reading is an essential activity that enriches our minds and broadens our horizons. In 2007, there were significant updates and developments in the world of reading. New technologies emerged, making it easier than ever to access a wide variety of books and other reading materials. E-books became increasingly popular, allowing readers to carry an entire library on a single device. Additionally, online reading platforms and communities sprang up, providing a space for readers to connect, share their thoughts, and discover new titles.

The year 2007 also saw the release of many notable books across different genres. From best-selling novels to thought-provoking non-fiction works, there was something for everyone. Publishers continued to invest in quality content, ensuring that readers had access to engaging and well-written material.

Overall, 2007 was a year of growth and innovation in the world of reading. With the continued advancement of technology and the release of great books, reading remains a beloved pastime for people of all ages.

I haven't yet read Cane River (which many reviewers here seem to like better than Red River). However, I found Red River extremely engrossing. What I love about it is that it was based on a real incident (of which I had never heard before). The fact that the author tried to tell the Colfax Massacre and family story as accurately as possible is really important to me. When dealing with historical events, I get quite annoyed at authors who do a lot of "tinkering" with facts that are well-known.

The story was truly compelling, and the writing was gentle, literary, and touching. I really enjoyed it. At times, it moved rather slowly. I particularly had trouble staying engaged in the beginning. I was listening to the CD (and the reader was very good), but the tone and pace made it too easy for me to drift off into other thoughts until I became more personally involved in the story.

I'm looking forward to reading Cane River.

I think this book is important not only for its writing but also for what it tells us and how it keeps this part of America's past in our awareness where it belongs. It serves as a reminder of a significant event in history and allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and struggles of those involved.

Love that she delved deep into researching her family history and painstakingly wrote this remarkable book.

Her efforts in uncovering the true history of the Colfax "Riot" are truly commendable. It was not a mere riot as it was often mislabeled, but in fact, a heinous massacre of 150 black men.

This revelation shines a light on a dark chapter of American history that has been overlooked or distorted for far too long. Through her work, she gives a voice to the victims and their descendants, and helps us to understand the true nature of the violence and discrimination that they faced.

Her book is not only a valuable contribution to the field of history but also a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting the past and learning from it.

This is a fictional account that is firmly supported by a wealth of history and real historical documents, specifically regarding the Colfax Massacre. I had already been acquainted with the Colfax Massacre. However, it wasn't until 200 pages into the account that a character actually referred to it by that name. It serves as a truly excellent example of how white people have the tendency to distort history to such an extent that the truth nearly vanishes.

I am deeply grateful to Tademy for having the courage to take on this particular subject and for shining a light on what was a very dark day in the history of Louisiana. By doing so, Tademy has provided a valuable service in bringing the real story to the forefront and ensuring that the truth is not forgotten or buried beneath the layers of false narratives.

It is essential that we continue to study and understand events like the Colfax Massacre to prevent similar atrocities from occurring in the future and to work towards a more just and equitable society.

This is a truly beautiful book that delves deep into the story of a remarkable family.

Their ancestors were actively involved in a significant social stand for the right of African-Americans to vote during the Reconstruction era. The narrative is not only rich in its telling but also in the descriptive prose that brings the story to life.

The Tademy family comes alive on the pages, generation after generation, proudly recounting their lineage from Egypt to Louisiana. As the story unfolds, the reader has the opportunity to meet the other friends of that family and understand the necessary tight bonding of this group who lived, worked, and died in The Bottom.

At first, I thought the beginning was a bit too long. However, I soon realized that due to the importance of the main event, this might have been necessary to truly convey the horror of what took place during that tumultuous time. It is truly disappointing to know that to this day, the details of the Colfax "riot" are still skewed.

In today's climate of racial tension, this book is a great read as it further illuminates the feelings that are always laid bare. Finally, this book is a story of success, of maturity, education, and the unbreakable ties of family.

Historical fiction offers a captivating account of the failed US Reconstruction years. It delves deep into the complex and tumultuous era that followed the Civil War. The story unfolds with vivid descriptions of the social, political, and economic upheavals that plagued the nation. We witness the struggles of freed slaves as they attempt to build new lives in a society still deeply divided by race. The efforts of well-intentioned reformers are met with fierce resistance from those who oppose change. The narrative is filled with heart-wrenching moments that bring to life the pain and suffering endured by the people during this time. Despite the ultimate failure of Reconstruction, the story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of equality and justice. It forces us to confront the past and consider how far we have come and how much further we still have to go.

I give this book 4.5 stars.

I am constantly amazed when someone is able to tell their family history, as for many of us, it has been lost.

Although this work is regarded as historical fiction, African Americans frequently have stories that are passed down from one generation to the next, yet they need details to fill in the blanks.

I believe that the author did an excellent job of filling in the gaps. She was able to delve into the emotions and the culture of the time.

Well done.

The book offers a fascinating look into the past, providing readers with a better understanding of the experiences and struggles of African Americans.

It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving our family histories.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history, culture, or family.

Audiobook. I have an absolute weakness for multigenerational family sagas. This particular one commences with Black citizens courageously taking a stand against a white power structure that stubbornly refused to admit it had lost an election. What ensued was not merely violence, but heinous crimes against humanity. The entire book could have been solely focused on that incident, presenting a microhistory perspective of a massacre.

However, the story leaps forward in intervals of ten, five, or three years, enabling us to discover what unfolds for four or five generations of these two families. After the initial, detailed account of the events at the courthouse in the 1870s, there are distinct stories spanning approximately 60 years, similar to the kind of disjointed storytelling one encounters when asking older relatives for family history.

The audiobook reader is truly outstanding. Their performance brings the story to life, enhancing the listening experience and making it even more engaging. With their skillful narration, they are able to convey the emotions, tensions, and nuances of the characters and the events, captivating the listener from start to finish.

Overall, this audiobook offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of family, history, and social injustice, told through the lens of a multigenerational saga. It is a must-listen for anyone interested in these themes and for those who appreciate a well-told story.

What a powerful tale of family & perseverance.

It is a story that truly touches the heart and leaves a lasting impression. The bond within the family is unbreakable, even in the face of great challenges. They stand by each other through thick and thin, supporting and encouraging one another.

Their perseverance is equally remarkable. No matter how difficult the situation may be, they never give up. They keep pushing forward, determined to overcome all obstacles and achieve their goals.

This tale serves as an inspiration to us all, showing us the strength that lies within family and the power of perseverance. It reminds us that with love and determination, anything is possible.

We should all strive to have such a strong family bond and unwavering perseverance in our own lives.

Excellent sequel. This is the captivating story of the author's family during the Reconstruction era in Louisiana. It delves deep into the challenges and triumphs they faced as they strived to move forward. It's not just a tale of progress, but also one that explores the consequences that come with taking a stand and speaking out. Whether you believe you are bravely standing up or not, the actions and decisions made during this time had far-reaching impacts. The author vividly描绘s the family's experiences, painting a detailed picture of a bygone era. Through their story, we gain a better understanding of the complex and often tumultuous history of Reconstruction in Louisiana. It's a story that will stay with you long after you've finished reading, making you reflect on the power of words and the importance of standing up for what you believe in.

This is an elegant story of several generations of one family.

It spans from right after the abolition of slavery up into the early 20th century.

The author's prose is beautiful, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind.

The story is engaging and well-written, filled with interesting characters and their struggles and triumphs.

As the narrative unfolds, we witness the family's evolution through different eras, facing various challenges and adapting to the changing times.

The elegance of the story lies not only in the author's writing style but also in the depth of the emotions and themes explored.

It is a tale that will touch the hearts of readers and leave them with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the power of family and the human spirit.

Overall, this is a remarkable piece of literature that deserves to be read and cherished.

I find myself in the same situation as many other reviewers.

I had the pleasure of reading "Cane River" and absolutely loved it. Naturally, I expected to have the same experience with this book.

It was interesting in the sense that I gained a wealth of knowledge about the Colfax massacre. Before reading this, I knew nothing about it.

Moreover, I've always found it fascinating when people delve into researching their ancestors.

However, the story didn't really engage me. It seemed to lack substance, being nothing more than a list of daily events, especially after the massacre scene.

I've read several reviews that claimed the massacre portion went on for far too long, and I couldn't agree more.

While the event itself is interesting and the research is commendable, along with the great photos, this book just wasn't very enthralling.

It failed to hold my attention and keep me invested in the story from start to finish.