The Way it Was (Kentucky Edition) - 6754

> A REVIEW--“Weaver is a master story teller by nature. He has mixed history with imagination to tell a great story in his new novel, The Way it Was This is a must read for all Kentuckians and a good read for anyone.”Al SmithNewspaper Publisher, Founding host of KET Comment on Kentucky > Nelson Weaver has written a novel set during a significant period of> American history as lived out in a small rural town in Kentucky. Public> schools were soon to be integrated and local leaders in education were> determined to make it a smooth transition.> Weaver was a student in the all-white school. Although he changes> his name as the main character, he remains true to his own story. > His best friend, who is African-American, is a composite of several> black boys with whom he grew up. Their relationship illustrates the> natural challenges of integration when generations of segregation> have gone before. "That's Just the Way It Was."> The overall tone is positive; the reader expects a good outcome. > However, realistic bumps along the way are not overlooked but are> included. A picture of everyday life in the 1960s is reflected from> the viewpoint of students in the classroom, at extracurricular> activities, and in social circles of family and friends.> You will be inspired by the planning that superintendents, boards of> education, and community groups underwent to ensure a model> experience of people working together on an important issue. > Citizens of Russellville and Logan County will be pleased to> recognize many people who figure in the story, whether of not they> are identified by their real names. Yet, each character is strong> enough for any reader to relate and want to follow the role each> plays.> This is a lesson in the natural strength of culture and custom when> met by the new law of the land as both sides desire to respect each> other.> > Evelyn Richardson, Retired> Regional Librarian> Kentucky Dept. for Libraries and Archives> This is a story of two boys, one black and one white who grew up in a small rural southern town. They came from two families that, at first glance. could not have been more different, yet, they had much in common. Their lives and their journeys are woven through the historic years of America’s Great Depression, war, civil and social unrest, racial tensions, and a changing society. Logan County, Kentucky was one of the first communities to integrate after the Supreme Court mandated desegregation of all public schools. The author uses his home town and its history as his background to narrate a story about the South and its struggles with integration, civil rights, war and life in general. This is also a story about friendship and relationships. The writer has a lot to say about life in the deep South, but it is a story that transcends the South because it is common to all places and all people.
ASIN: 0997856319
VSKU: PKV.0997856319.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Weaver, Nelson E
Binding: Paperback