The Sacred Place

I just finished the book, The Sacred Place, scribed by Daniel Black. When I think of speaking of the novel, I can't say "his" book, for I see Dr. Black's brilliant talent as the vessel to carry a truth bigger than any of us. I am in grateful awe, for the story is not only beautifully and transfiguratingly told, but powerful in its meanings, far beyond my paltry vocabulary. The politic that undergirds and carries the book is for me the epicenter, the voice that arrives in every cellular moment of the ancestors. The spirituality of strength through unity is one of the foundational layers that make me realize that the title is way, way more than its literal image in the text. The Publishers Weekly reviewer's comments concerning stereotypes gave me reason to wonder if he/she had read the same book that I did. The journey of resolute genius of grandfather Jeremiah, the guilty insanity of the white man Rosenthal, and the complexity of bravery and pain of grandmother Mary are but three examples of the way that Dr. Black's radiant talent brings us not only complex and real individuals, but individuals whose lives function as guideposts, warnings, and symbols of the unabated nightmare of racism that saturates the present day. No stereotype has ever been able to function that way. May Dr. Black be blessed with a long and prolific life. I am grateful for the blessings that he has already given to this world.

Daniel Black returns to the literary scene with yet another best-selling novel. This story is a fictional account of the Emmett Till tradegy. Dr. Black spins a web of truth (even though it's a fiction novel) that is so 'in your face' that the main stream reviewers are attempting to discredit the story by giving it negative/unfavorable reviews. I encourage readers to use your own judgement with this one. I am sure we can all agree that TRUTH is a monster. This story is one of faith, community and unity that forces one to look inside. Those who find this story anything other than 'VERY well written' and riveting are probably the same folks who deny that racism STILL exists in 2007. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Dr. Black as much as I did his 1st one (They Tell Me of a Home). The Sacred Place reminds me of the strength of my ancestors and I am proud to know that Daniel Black has the courage to raise certain truths (although in fiction format) that gives readers a different view of racism. This book is one that will stay with you longer after the last page. It's also a story that testifies to the meaning of what (truly) happens when people stick together for what is right. Fantastic Job Daniel Black. Keep putting pen to paper to creative masterpieces like this one. Continue to allow the ancestors to whisper their stories in your ears.

This novel is virtuous to the degree to which it encourages possibilities and hopes of living life purposefully. Choosing to act definitively and determinately in the face of oppression and fear are indeed difficult tasks, but Black has dared to imagine what these impediments might reduce to if one faces them head-on. All future race talk should re-imagine this elegant "what-if" odyssey if only as a heuristic "as-if" reflection.

Clearly, the reviewer for Publishers Weekly has limited literary knowledge or familiarity with African American southern, rural, tradition and culture. Black shows a clear understanding and appreciation of cultural perceptions and eye dialect. He recreates the speech patterns of each character by deliberately altering `standard' spelling and grammar. His work reminds me of the great Zora Neal Hurston and I am moved by his book. Black is an awesome folklorist and fiction writer who tells a riveting story about truth, justice, self esteem, fighting for your rights, strength in community, race relations and faith. The dialect and descriptive measures makes each page come to life and I eagerly visualized each conversation and event depicted in the book. What a wonderful thought provoking novel.

"The Sacred Place" provides an illuminating and provactive view of humanity, as well as, the lack thereof. Yet the underlying theme of Black's books are the healing power of love and community.