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      History Books > Black History Books
      Hardcover Gal: A True Life Book
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      ISBN: 0151001049

      ISBN13: 9780151001040

      Gal: A True Life

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      Format: Hardcover

      Condition: Very Good

      $5.59
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      Book Overview

      Ruthie Mae Bolton was born January 6, 1961, in the Hungry Neck section of Charleston, South Carolina. At the time, her mother was thirteen; she has never known who her father was. Her mother was the wandering kind, so Ruthie Mae-nicknamed "Gal" by her stepgrandfather-was raised in her grandparents' home. One day Grandmama died as a result of a severe beating by her husband-it occured to no one to call this to the attention of the authorities-and Gal was left in the brutal hands of her granddaddy, who beat her unmercifully as well. Ruthie Mae began to steal things in school and she developed a stutter; she drank and smoked dope. But she stuck resolutely with her education and graduated from high school, which was likely her salvation, for today Ruthie Mae is happily married, with children and a fine job. At last she is at peace-with herself and even with the memory of her grandfather. It is nigh impossible to convey the astonishingly eloquent simplicity of Ruthie Mae's witnessing to her time. Here is an absolutely remarkable document, as touching as it is painful, as ageless as it is timely. This description may be from another edition of this product.

      Related Subjects

      African-American & Black Biographical Biographies Biographies & History Biography & History Ethnic & National Memoirs Parenting & Relationships Regional U.S. South Specific Groups State & Local Women

      Customer Reviews

      15 customer ratings | 5 reviews
      Write a Review

      Rated 4 stars
      A Real Tear Jerker

      By Leslie Taylor, Verified Purchase

      This is one of the rawest and down to earth book that I have read since "Cupcake". It is sad, tearful and really disturbing. Most novels are full of glim and glam without any hope, but this is so realistic. I found myself in tears at time as she tells the story. I think most of us could not imagine being in "Gal" shoes and all we could do is root for her as she traveled through life. I could not imagine living and supported...

      2Report

      Rated 5 stars
      Survival At Its Finest

      By jackontv,

      Gal reads like fiction. You will cheer Ruthie on, and despise "Daddy" til the very end. It is amazing she survived not only her childhood, but the betrayal of the other members of the family. Well written. thoughtful, engaging read.

      1Report

      Rated 5 stars
      You Go Gal!

      By Thriftbooks.com User,

      What a Story! Originally when I picked up Gal, I thought it was going to take me back to the `30s or `40s. Gosh was I surprised to find out that the author was born in 1961...she's around my age! As I read her story I was appalled and thought the atrocity of her situation shouldn't have ever happened. Where was the extended family? Why didn't someone...anyone intervene?Ruthie Bolton, aka Gal, was born in the impoverished...

      5Report

      Rated 5 stars
      Riveting...Impossible to put down

      By Thriftbooks.com User,

      Written in the author's language, this book was extremely powerful. Her story is at once horrifying AND inspiring. You know that if she could survive everything she did, you will also make it through whatever crisis your life's challenged by at the moment. Mothers, get this book for your daughters. Daughters, get this book for your mothers. You won't regret it.The author's last line, comparing herself to the sunflower,...

      3Report

      Rated 5 stars
      A toughie, but a goodie

      By Thriftbooks.com User,

      I truly enjoyed this book! I am a college student, and I hardly EVER get a time to do some recreational reading, and so when I went into a women and cheldren's bookstore, I glanced the shelves, and grabbed a book with the simplest title, "Gal". I cracked it open, and literally read it nonstop in one day. It was truly remarkably how Mrs. Bolton remembered all the events in her life, and was able to put it on paper with...

      0Report

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