Book Reviews

Black & White Disrupting Racism One Friendship at a Time by Teesha Hadra and John Hambrick

This book is written by two friends.  One a young black woman and the other an older white man.  Both ministers at Buckhead Church,  a nondenominational congregation in Atlanta Georgia.  It is written in an easy conversational style of back and forth with each chapter written alternately by one or the other.  While the content of each chapter is about racism and the effects on each of their lives it is an easy read.  The book focuses on the impact friendship can have in the battle against racism, it is the friendship that shines forth as they tackle systemic racism in America.  They talk about anger and fear that characterizes conversations about race and diversity when conversations are between people who do not look like each other.  It is a good place to start the conversations about systemic racism, but will not offer solutions to the problems addressed in the book.  It has discussion questions at the end of each chapter, making this book usable for small group study.  

Review by Holli McClain

Firekeepers Daughter by Angeline Boulley

2023 Reading Program

Nurturing for Community Category – Suitable for Youth*

Book Review by Bonita Miller

Best-selling author Angeline Boulley is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.  She is Bear Clan, and from Sugar Island, which is between Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Canada.  She writes from life experience, andwe are provided arich background for the Anishinaabe traditions, words, and sacred prayers. 

After hearing the United Women in Faith introduction to this book in early 2022, I was intrigued and immediately ordered a Kindle version.  Once I began to read, I had a difficult time putting the book down.  It is a page-turner!

The main character in the book is teen Daunis, the daughter of a French American mother and Anishinaabe father.She has a brother from another mother.  Recently graduated from High School, she has friends through school and her involvement in the local hockey world. 

This book is about family, relationships, romance, death and hope.  I especially appreciate gaining insight into the regard for and wisdom of some of Daunis’ elders and her connection with them. 

Firekeeper’s Daughter does more than explain the hardships and trials of the Native American community, namely drug issues, failures of the justice system, and the widespread abuse and lack of concern for women.  The trauma we read about is generational, hereditary, and cyclical.  I would classify this book as a mystery, and it is filled with suspense, intrigue, laughter, love, happiness and sadness.

United Women in Faith classify this book as suitable for Youth and I was surprised by that.  Due to the drug issues and violence I would say this book is for Young Adult on up.