From the Mississippi Delta

I was born in Greenwood but much later than the author. Also, like the author, we also left the state. Most of the stories and places find no remembrances to me but still I hurt for her pain. I appreciate her authentic use of the southern patois ; however many times, I had to read it over again to understand it. Like so many Blacks, this life was sad and hurtful but it was a slice of pie that you were dealt with and you learn to eat and digest it. For some it was very painful and others found a crutch to allow them to endure and get through it. More than most of the book takes place in Greenwood. I still chuckle when I read about the odd names like Ain't Bawby, Miss Crying Shame, Easter Mae and Son Boy. Ida suffered rape at an early age and that sent her on a downward spiral that she found hard to escape from. Her saving grace was the Civil Rights Movement and her involvement which showed her fight and purpose. She was able to understand and accept her harsh realities and that helped her improve her stance in life and fight back the injustices that the people endured for centuries. I was sad to know that she did not find the time to raise her child Cedric and very little is written about him. Perhaps since this was her story, she decided not to focus much on him since Cedric was raised by his grandmothers. It was odd how she described her mother's death and never focused on the Civil Rights workers and their assistance and of course she admitted that the mystery behind her mother's death was never solved. Many times, the book kinda got stuck in some passage. Also, i was disappointed that she swiftly moved to Minneapolis and talked very little about her triumph after leaving Greenwood. This book shows us that if her mom had not died so tragically that she would probably have remained in Greenwood. It is powerful how things or substance can change and alter your life and bring into focus your self worth. If you are interesting in reading about southern pactful and moving stories, please pick up "Coming of Age in Mississippi:, an excellent read.

'Inspirational' has become one of those watered-down adjectives like 'brilliant'. Though we know certain words might signal something monumental, perhaps our frequent usage of them has lost some of the grandeur in their meaning. We no longer arch our backs or allow a goose bump to rise. Behold, along comes a work like From the Mississippi Delta: A Memoir. Dr. Endesha Ida Mae Holland turns the term, 'inspirational' on its ear. What is most remarkable about 'Delta'? Is it the phenomenal story itself or is it Holland's gift for unrelenting and witty story-telling? Holland never abandons humor even at the crux of tragedy. Her pen is as brazen as it is impeccably descriptive. She writes with an immediacy to jar the reader's sense of time so that we relive her most defining moments with bated breath. From Emmett Till's death to Dr. Martin Luther King's visit, Holland's simplest daily encounters mark turning points in American history.Notably, 'Delta' celebrates the tenacious spirit of a true woman-child. Holland narrates from a clever perspective that never quite chooses between the wise narrator looking back and the rambunctious girl reaching forward. This devise is poignant. Arguably, young girls (in particular, young, black girls) are some of society's most disenfranchised members. When Holland employs that voice, the reader is humbled. One is reminded of Anne Frank's influence. When the worst aspects of humanity are articulated through the voice of a little girl, we see ourselves so clearly--vulnerable, restless, but especially hopeful. Thank you, Doc. Your struggle is instructional. Your literary prowess is an inspiration.

Aside from being a celebration of the human spirit, Ms. Holland's Memoir offers a fresh, interesting, and unique glimpse into the early days of the Civil Rights Movement. This focus alone, I believe, renders the book meritorious.Ms. Holland tells the civil rights story from the perspective of individuals born and raised in the muck and mire of Mississippi's lethal brand of white supremacy and racial hatred. Through her eyes, we get a close-up view of what had to be overcome; and, what was required of ordinary folk brave enough to get involved in a situation that could and DID, literally, cost them their lives and the lives of their loved ones. These unsung heroes deserve national attention and recognition if the story of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States of America is to be told in its entirety.But, if this isn't reason enough to add Ms. Holland's book to your "must read" list, I believe the author's superior craftsmanship will certainly convince you her work is worthy of the acclaim she is sure to receive once her book gains a wider readership. And, above all, the Memoir is a magnificent read! Usually, I find it awkward and sometimes unnerving to read books written in a black, southern, vernacular. However, as in the case of Zora Neale Hurston, Endesha Ida Mae Holland writes with such a pure and authentic voice, I found myself falling effortlessly into her rhythm.I'm a voracious reader and the authors I most enjoy are great storytellers. My current favorite is Barbara Kingsolver, and of course my all time favorite is Zora Neale Hurston. Endesha Ida Mae Holland "puts me in the mind of" both these writers.She also reminds me of Frank McCourt (Angela's Ashes & 'Tis). Like McCourt, Ms. Holland transports you back to her childhood and growing up years with such seamless ease, you find yourself sharing her heartbeat through every single experience she lives to tell about. Almost immediately, I found myself caring deeply about her; I grew to love her mother, her child, her neighbors, her friends; and, I found no strangers among those who populate her world.What an exquisite gift of storytelling she has! I certainly hope she plans to write more "from the Mississippi Delta," because her talent is as rich and fertile as her source.Obviously, I've become a devoted fan of Ms. Holland and her work ~ a designation I'm hoping you and I will soon share.Who knows, your reading experience with Ms. Holland may inspire you to join me in asking Oprah Winfrey to feature the author and her book on the Oprah Show, as well as making "From The Mississippi Delta," an Oprah Book Club selection.I was moved to make this appeal to Ms. Winfrey because I believe we all benefit from an increased national and world exposure to brave and talented women like Ms.Holland. These women are profoundly inspirational and deserving of our applause and recognition.

This incredible story is not only the life history of one courageous and determined black woman, but also serves as a testament to the indominitable spirit of a people who have survived in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. This book is a "must read", regardless of race, gender, class or age, because it IS history, and unless we know where we came from, as an American people,cross-culturally,it is difficult to appreciate where we stand today and upon whose backs we have climbed to arrive here.

This is an excellent book that captured my attention from start to finish each of the three times I read it. I cannot think of any people in America that would not benefit from reading this very touching and true story of the deep south. The history of the south after slavery is eloquently highlighted in this very moving story by Endesha and should be fireside reading for children of all ethnic backgrounds. I greatly admire Endesha's strength to overcome the tragedies she experienced, her ability to forgive those responsible and her wisdom to share this achievement with the world. I congratulate Dr. Endesha Ida Mae Holland on her accomplishments as a strategic survivor, a courageous civil rights activist, a concerned citizen, a stellar scholar and an accomplished author. There have been many books written about the south after slavery, and I have read several of them. From The Mississippi Delta by Endesha Ida Mae Holland, Phd. is the one you must read.

It's rare to read a book that captures the soul of a people--FROM THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA does. Through the eyes of a woman-child, we see a segment of Black America, a segment that was used and misused, a segment that was forgotten, a segment that stood up and fought back. This segment is all of Black America! I cried and cried and cried as I read this book. As a Black woman I couldn't hold back the pain. This book is a must-read for all teens at risk. This book is a must-read to better understand race relationships. This book is a must-read for men that want to better understand the evils of abuse. I'm so sorry that Dr. Holland had to experience what she did, but I'm happy that God gave her to us and gave her the ability to write!!