This book is undoubtedly rewarding reading, and yet it very much strikes the informed reader as having been created under [Communist Party, USA] discipline. As Aptheker notes in her introduction, she was a remember of the CPUSA's national commmittee when she wrote this book in 1973; it was first issued by the party's International Publishers two years later. Ironically, Aptheker lauds the socialist countries, especially the USSR, throughout her narrative. It's deeply regretable that Aptheker and her comrades protested the political incarceration of Davis and other U.S. militants and yet passively supported the repression meted out to Soviet and Czech dissidents during the same period. During an official visit to Czechoslavakia in 1972, Davis herself insisted that imprisoned rebels of the 1968 Prague Spring "deserved what they got" and should remain behind bars. As you read this book, I encourage you to keep the duality of such positions foremost in your mind.

Once you get past the communist/revolutionary rhetoric of the 60's-70's, a portrait of a bright, intelligent human being is exposed.

The case of Angela Davis is important for many reasons - but most importantly the right to free speech and to believe as you wish. That is what makes this country great.

A fascinating account of the legalmanuvering that quite possibly savedthe life of this extrordinary woman.The fact is there should never havebeen a trial in the first place. Asidefrom that we are given an inside viewof the the strategy invoked by thethe defense team. Howard Moore andMargaret Burnham are the mainlineplayers in the defense team. Angela'ssister Fania headed up the nationalmovement. I was most impressed withthe tremendous outpouring of support formall over the country. The book goesinto great detail cocerning Angela'sconnection with the Soledad brothersIt was her interest in their trialthat started this whole farce in thefirst place. If you believe as I dothat this beautiful woman was singledout because her views ran contraryto those of Richard Nixon and RonaldReagen then you will love this book.It wil make you mad and yet you willsee that perhaps justice can prevailafter-all

Aptheker's book serves as a concise introduction to women's studies and as an interesting read. The thing I admire most is her willingness to incorporate other women writer's work within her book -- to let women speak for themselves. She weaves their unique voices into her "Tapestries" and I think the product gives and accurate and powerful look into the meaning of the storytelling, daily life, extraordinary struggles, sexuality, and cross-cultural connections of women. She writes in a way that is equally logical and spiritual. This book will not only move you, it will make you think about all the women in your life.

As a student and African American woman, I found the work of Aptheker amazing fitting to my experiences as a woman in American society. From the beginning of her work, she focuses on changing the way we think and see ourselves as women, all to often we have become so engross by the stereoypes of being a woman that instead of dispeling them, we only reinforce their negativety. This book was remarkably balanced and covered all aspects and roles of women lives sex, race, images, status, the mother, activist and artist. I would recommend this book to those who want to change the way they interact with not only others but ourselves. Within all of our communities, the women build a tapestry and there we find our culture, heritage, morals, heroes and strength. In the genuis of Bettina Aptheker these images our brought to life. She brings value to the dailiness of women, a mother who becomes the educator, provides food, moral, stablity, is lifted up to the status she deserves. The most powerful element of her work, was the respect she paid to race. Race is and will always be a major factor within American society, by taking a critical look at the experiences of women of difference races we are able to see there commonalties. You will not regret purchasing this book.