Slaves in the Family (Ballantine Reader's Circle)

This book is a vital piece of history. It was personally difficult to soak in at time since my brain is sloppy with dates and timelines. But I am thankful to have read it- the pictures and facts (Ben Franklin no!) are fascinating.

This was a very informative book on slavery in the Ball family. Records kept of slaves was excellent only for Edward Ball to learn he had exslaves who now are considered free to be a part of his very own family. Highly recommended reading especially for knowledge and if you are doing family research. Details where the slaves on the Ball Plantation arrived from.

OH...really good. Sad. Educational.

I wasn't happy with the book. Upon meeting the slaves' descendants for the first time, the author found it necessary to describe their clothing and physical attributes. Why? What did this have to do with anything? I just kept thinking, "he is so damned patronizing" all the way through the book.

My family should be so colorful.

Reading for my History is Central Book Lecture series. Looks like a great primary sources edition for my teaching Snore

If you are interested in genealogy, this is a very good read. A sensitive yet direct story of man descended from alave owners searching for his ancestors and the descendants of the slaves that his ancestors owned. For such dry material, it could be oddly emotional at times!

Awesome. Beautiful ending.

This was an interesting book, but I think it could have been better. He spent far more time on his family's history than on his meetings with the African-American families. I was more interested in that interaction and discussion, and found it rather dull overall. Interesting plan, but I think it could have been much more.