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Book reviews for "Davis,_Ossie" sorted by average review score:

How to Succeed in Business Without Being White: Straight Talk on Making It in America
Published in Audio Cassette by HarperAudio (1997)
Authors: Earl G. Graves, Ossie Davis, Wes Smith, and Robert L. Crandall
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Excellent Advice for ANYONE
When I first saw the title of this book I was a bit taken aback. In all honesty I expected commentary on how the white man is out to get up and coming blacks. I was pleasantly surprised when I began reading it. This book is an excellent source of information for people of all races. The advice given in the book is truley effective in the business world. I would reccomend this to anyone.

Best investment ever !
This book is worth the investment. If you are interested in being an entreprenuer or even succeeding in your career, I highly recommend this book.

A must read for all new entrepreneurs
If you're thinking about starting a business you must first think "success!" Since reading this book, I've learned the real meaning of success(not to mention starting my own business). This is definitely the BLACK BUSINESS BIBLE.


With Ossie and Ruby : In This Life Together
Published in Paperback by Quill (2000)
Authors: Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee
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Very Powerful
i've followed Ossie DAVIS&RUBY DEE for a long time.and this book is solid.overcoming Race,Class&Personal issues this couple have continued to thrive.i've followed MR.Davis's films such as Cotton COmes To Harlem.also him in Lets Do It Again.and Both of them in SPike Lee's Do The Right Thing&Jungle Fever.also hearing Mr.Davis doing Malcolm X's Eulogy Speech was moving near the end of the film Malcolm X.it's a powerful book hearing about Them overcoming so much and giving the world twice as much back.

Enjoyed the journey of my favorite couple!
I felt as if I were at a personal reading with Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis. The couple shared their most initimate moments with the reader. They are a couple which has withstood the test of time and their love for each other has no boundaries. They have been fighting racism and equality for many years and are still very involved. You go Ruby & Ossie.

What a wonderful journey!!
What a great glimpse into the lives of two beautiful people. I have always known these 2 were special but what confirmation!! A tenderly written life story. This sometimes hilarious book was a walk thru history and a true love story. I am changed.


The Maltese Falcon
Published in DVD by Warner Studios (15 February, 2000)
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Greatest stories ever
Ever since I was about three (I'm [age] now) I've listened to almost all her stories... my parents recorded them off the radio for me, and i usually listened to them when I went to bed. I still have "jack was born a lazy baby" going through my head. For the longest time, I had memorized the entire story "jack in the army", haints and all... This is probably the most influential part of my childhood, and when I get kids, I'll give them the same tapes I used to have.

Storytelling gem in words and photographs
Jackie Torrrence has rightly earned a reputation as the "First Lady of Storytelling." She has elevated the art of "porch style telling" to new heights, with her expressive facial and hand gestures, beautiful diction and direct approach to her listeners. Unfortunately, because of medical concerns she is not able to perform any longer, though she continues to work with apprentices in the art.

How fortunate, then, that we have this book of her favorite stories, with wonderful photographs on every page that come very close to capturing the essence of a "Jackie telling." Sprinkled liberally throughout are Jackie's tips for telling these stories, as well as her personal philosophy about the various types of stories included. Most inspiring, though, is her sharing of her personal story, of her positive outlook on life and the will to accept and work with whatever burdens we might face. This volume is highly recommended for lovers of story everywhere.

THANK YOU JACKIE!
Until a week ago I was ignorant of Jackie Torrence's existence. "I don't know how effective this book will be for someone who is unfamiliar with this wonderful lady" states an earlier review. After hearing just a snippet on NPR about the book, I rushed to get it, and have truly enjoyed it. Jackie has made me a storyteller! Parents, aunts, uncles, educators, sages, grandparents, and anyone who enjoys entertaining should open this book. Jackie provides traditional stories with cues and suggestions on how to bring the words alive. The book works. I'll never be Jackie, but my nephews love my new-found talent. The photographs are heartwarming.


Black Cinema Treasures: Lost and Found
Published in Paperback by University of North Texas Press (1997)
Authors: G. William Jones and Ossie Davis
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Treasure Found!
A very fascinating read. As a classic movie fan, I enjoyed reading about the existence of these films. The photographs and lobby cards provide a sneak peek into a historical time.

"VERY INFORMATIVE"
IN THE READING OF THIS BOOK I FOUND THAT IT GAVE A CLOSE SUMMARY OF THE BLACK MOVIE INDUSTRY,AS IT,WAS, AS NEW AS A BABY BOTTOM COMING INTO THE WORLD. FROM DAY ONE,I WISH THERE WERE MORE BOOKS OF THIS NATURE IN THE LOCAL LIBRARY,IN DOWNTOWN WHITE AMERICA, JANEEN CURRY


Missions of Monterey Bay (California Missions Series)
Published in Paperback by Lerner Pub Group (1903)
Author: Emily Abbink
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An interesting take on racism in America
I was impressed to find this book at my public library. It is an important remembrance of some of the movements that were occurring during the 1940's through the 1990's. Lots of acronyms! Some of the history of the splits in the Party got tedious.

It was interesting to read about some of the options people had besides the Panthers, to hear the view of taking responsibilty, not only blaming the man for the situation. And to reaffirm the idea that a great shift in society needs to occur before we can have true equality.

NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE!

Amazing Grace

For anyone who has ever wanted to work for social change, this life story by a wise and vital woman is a guidebook. As the book's cover tells us, "Grace Lee Boggs is a first-generation Chinese American who has been a speaker, writer, and movement activist in the African- American community for fifty-five years." After earning her Ph.D. in philosophy at Bryn Mawr in June of 1940, Grace wanted to become an activist. She moved to Chicago in the fall of 1940 and began working with the South Side Tenants Organization--a group that had been set up by the Workers Party.

When distinguished "labor leader A. Phillip Randolph issued a call for blacks all over the country to march on Washington to demand jobs in the defense plants," more and more people began attending the Workers Party discussions in Chicago's Washington Park. Grace had been invited to participate in those discussions. She said, "The more I went out in the community and met people, the more inadequate I was beginning to feel." When Randolph's leadership of the March on Washington movement was successful and President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802, Grace realized "the power that the black community has within itself to change this country when it begins to move. As a result, I decided that what I wanted to do with the rest of my life was to become a movement activist in the black community." To Grace, "Joining the Workers Party seemed a good way to start," and that's what she did, in order to get the political education she felt she needed.

In the 1950s, Grace moved to Detroit where she worked on the Socialist Workers Party newsletter and met Jimmy Boggs, "A rank-and-file black Chrysler-Jefferson worker and community activist." Grace liked living in Detroit because it "felt like a 'Movement' city where radical history had been made and could be made again." She also liked working with Jimmy. Having worked closely with C. L. R. James, the intellectually powerful Socialist philosopher, Grace felt that her life had been "exciting but also extremely intellectual." She reasoned that she "needed to return to the concrete." Grace and Jimmy married in 1953 and began a life together that was rooted in the concrete reality of a major 20th-century industrialized city that had been abandoned by the large corporations that built it and by much of its white population.

As Ossie Davis says in his foreword to Grace's book, "Through these pages walk causes, gatherings, confrontations, movements, and the men and women who made them: workers and students and committees of the People...." Studs Terkel has called Grace's book "More than a deeply moving memoir...." He said, "...this is a book of revelation."

It is just that, for with passion and reason, Grace invites us to join her and Jimmy. She shows how they made "Detroit Summer" and "Gardening Angels" part of a new urban economic system, and she shows us how to interact multiculturally and multi-generationally. She doesn't merely talk about it--she does it and reports on its results. Grace Boggs educates us in her book and helps us see the possibilities of what we can do in our own cities.


The Complete Shakespeare Sonnets
Published in Audio Cassette by Airplay Inc (01 January, 2000)
Authors: Jane Alexander, Patrick Stewart, Alfred Molina, Lindsay Crouse, Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, Tony Randall, Kathleen Turner, Eli Wallach, and Charline Spektor
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Great stars make the sonnets shine
Ok, there is absoltuely NO denying the fact that Shakespeare is an awesome guy. Also, there is no denying that The Sonnets are gorgeous and intriguing. However, with the help of many FANTASTIC performers, there is NOW no denying that spoken sonnets are even better. Read by the stars, the sonnets have a new life to them- something inderscribable is added when they are read aloud by these voices. Kudos to (the one and only ) Brian Stokes Mitchell, who I particularly enjoyed, not only because I'm a huge fan of his, but because his voice lends itself extremely well to the words The Bard wrote. Great recording!


Lorraine Hansberry Collection
Published in Audio Cassette by HarperAudio (2001)
Authors: James Earl Jones, Lorraine Hansberry, Ruby Dee, and Ossie Davis
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ELECTRIC READINGS
James Earl Jones, Ossie Davis, and Ruby Dee. Three of today's most prominent actors bring vital poignancy to the unforgettable words of Lorraine Hansberry.

"A Raisin In The Sun," the first drama penned by a black woman to reach Broadway, electrified audiences when it opened in 1959. Loosely basing her play on an Illinois antisegregation case which her father won, Ms. Hansberry sets her story in south Chicago. In it, Walter Lee, a black chauffeur, dreams of improving his life. He hopes to use his father's money to open a liquor store.

However, his mother is against the liquor business, and uses the money to buy a family home. Conflicts arise when someone from this all-white neighborhood attempts to buy them out.

"To Be Young Gifted and Black," a compilation of Ms. Hansberry's writings appeared not only in book form but in 1969 was produced off-Broadway.

Also included on this keepsake audio are seven of Ms. Hansberry's speeches and interviews recorded between 1959 and 1964. It is thrilling to hear her voice.

Regrettably this gifted playwright and author died of cancer at the young age of 34. Her pen was stilled but her words are as relevant and moving today as when they were written.


In the Stone Circle
Published in Paperback by Apple (2001)
Author: Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
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Man of Islam-Man of X!
I began to read this book with very high expectations. I heard so much about Malcolm Little and what he was all about through oral tradition although I never once read anything from him. I really didn't know what Malcolm was all about or his accomplishments. I choose this book knowing that a majority of it was written by Malcolm.
....

The book is very descriptive about Malcolm's childhood and his views." This is the story of a man who lived life intensely, first as a criminal and then transformed into the nation's leading prophet and social critic. You get to know him as a naive student, a hip hustler in 1940s Harlem, a jailbird and finally, as a Muslim activist acutely aware that he is a target, a man who confronts danger in the face without compromise."-wvw Its easy to make assumptions of ones life through what is said, but until you read the views of Malcolm himself you cant possibly have a full understanding.

The parts in the book about Malcolm and his trip to Islam should be read by everyone who is interested in the sixties Islam time period. He tends to quietly shun the scandals and mishaps of the honorable Elijah Mohammed.

Over all it is a great bout about a great man. I recommend it to anyone!

Wow!
Probably one of the most inspiring books you would ever come across... a book about a man who was lost but was found. Although I am not religious and could not associate with X's feelings towards 'God', however, I admire his determination, spirit and aggression in fighting for what he believed in. Also, for a man to educate himself and was able to speak in such an eloquent manner should make many of us (college graduates) ashamed of ourselves.

Before converting to Islam, Malcolm X went through stages of life, which I believe many people today continue to suffer from. But I am not sure how many people nowadays can be as brave as Malcolm X in giving up many of the world's evil. The hustler turns leader journey is worthy read - even a must own!

Finally, to those who will read this book, I strongly advice you to take a look at how Malcolm X described the world he lived in and the world we are living in... nothing has changed much. The only thing that has changed is that the media and information technology has advanced society! But still being controlled by the 'devils', the American government has used these to enforce their own causes to the world when her 'own backyard is still in a mess'. Should Malcolm X still be around today, I think he would be attacking the US government of being the puppet master of the Third World.

Most Impactful Book I've Read In a Long Time
When I was first told by my Ethics teacher (I'm a high school Junior) that our syllabus would include The Autobiography of Malcolm X, I questioned why. Why in a course of ethics, would we study Malcolm X? As we delved into the book, I realized that it was an integral part of our studies. Malcolm's plight was a slap in the face, especially from my point of view. My first reaction to his "rants" on white america, was pure anger, I felt his vast generalizations to be demeaning and insulting, and if it had not be required reading, I would have probably put the book down. I am thankful that I didn't, because it has opened my eyes, and I believe that every person, regardless of religion, race, or creed, needs to experience this book, and examine Malcolm's life as a hustler to a martyr. My views will forever be changed by the words of Alex Haley, and the amazing story of Malcolm X.


Just Like Martin
Published in Hardcover by American Printing House for the Blind (1995)
Author: Ossie Davis
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Being Just Like Martin is Great
Just Like Martin, I found at a bookstore when I was traveling in
Maryland. Not thinking I was down to my last few dollars I bought it. I was very disapointed until I started reading it. This book taught me to never give up and know I keep on reading it over and over. 2 big thumbs up!!!

Just Like Martin
Just Like Martin
By: Ossie Davis

What do you get when you take out the d, I, s, c, r, I, m, I, n and put in an H before the a? You get hate! Have you e ver been discriminated before? I think everyone has been in some way. African Americans have tried their best to stop it. They seldom did anything and they were just beaten to death from people like the K.K.K.'s. People like Martin Luther King Jr. who tried to stand up for what they had believed in. I learned in the book, a reverend of the local church has been organizing a peace march with server al other church organizations, and they had members from their church ridge private busses to Washington to march. They wanted the white people to know that there was no reason for them to be treated like this. One of the fathers in the story went to war with the reverend to defend The United States of America. They were at war with Korea. Since the war, the father has been very disturbed. He now carries a gun in his glove compartment of his pick-up truck. IN December when Dr. King held a service he had asked that the people in the service sing a "Negro Spiritual" ...
I though the book was great. It gave me a taste of what it was like to live back then if I were black. IT made me really think if I were black, would I want someone to do things like hang me, throw rocks at me, shoot high pressured water at me? I though for a while, why is different bad, but I sti9ll don't understand why because people of all different races, shapes, sizes are discriminated all the time. ...

"I Have A Dream"
"I Have A Dream"

In the book Just Like Martin there is a boy named Stone who is really trying to spread non-violence across the nation. There is a huge event where all black people come together and march. Martin Luther King was a leader in the march. He said his "I Have A Dream" speech.
Some bad things started to happen at the end of the book. It might change the meaning of discrimination forever. Read this good book to find out.
I really liked this book. It was exciting and it shows you that if you really work toward something that it might actually come true.


I Never Had It Made
Published in Audio Cassette by Brilliance Audio (1900)
Authors: Jackie Robinson, Alfred Duckett, and Ossie Davis
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I Never Had it Made
"I Never Had It Made" by Jackie Robinson is an amazing biography of one of the most remarkable figures in the history of baseball. There is much more to Robinson than just baseball. From his fight for respect in the US Army to his support of Rockefeller, Robinson deserves much respect for this and is probably one of the best symbols of everything this country should represent. Much of the baseball critics doubted that he could even hit a big league pitch. Tom Candiotti said major league pitchers would "knock the bat right out of his hands." Robinson's critics claimed he couldn't hit because "he was all tied up at the shoulders and could never get around on the pitches inside." Jackie Robinson gave all of us, not only athletes, but every person in this country, a sense of our own strength. However, because I am an athlete, I looked at Jackie a little differently. This is not all about baseball; it's about the deep commitment that Robinson made to achieve justice for himself and all Americans. In 1947 Robinson broke the color line in the major leagues and suffered terrible abuse for doing so. He discusses his relationships with the sports figures he admired, and also recalls his run-ins with those he did not like. It is later about political involvements after his career ended in 1956 and his friendships with Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, William Buckley, and Nelson Rockefeller.

Everyone in America should read this book
This is a very important book. It documents one man's struggle against terrible odds. It should be assigned reading in every junior high school in America. I know that I'll be giving a copy to my kids so that can read the story of a man who said what he believed & fought for his ideals.

A man who lived A dream...or did he?
When I think about someone like Jackie Robinson, I think of someone who had an easy life of playing baseball and making lots of money. He was first the first African-American to play in the professional Major League level and was highly respected by everyone. After having read his autobiography, I Never Had It Made, I realized that I was totally wrong. Besides the glory and the fame for having been the first African-American to play in the major leagues, Jackie had to go through many hardships to get where he got. Jackie uses this book to tell the reader of all the different trials and hardships he had to go through before, during, and after his professional career as the 1st and 2nd baseman of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie also tells of all the other things that he did besides baseball. I didn't know it, but Jackie went to UCLA and while he was there, he did many great things. Not only was a great baseball star at UCLA, he was also a big star in football, basketball, and track. After college, he went into the Army and became a lieutenant for the U.S. Army before he signed with the Montreal Royals (a minor league baseball team) in 1945. Jackie gives a lot of the credit to Mr. Branch Rickey, the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers for having the guts to bring him into the team and making the transition as easy as possible. Jackie promised to take in any insults thrown at him while he was in baseball uniform and not to respond to them for two years. This was to pave the way for other black players to be brought into the major league. I personally don't think that I can play a game while people are yelling and making fun of me. Jackie describes what he had to go through in the book. Jackie also discusses the hate mail he got and even the threats people placed on his life. He also tells of his wife and the kind of positive impact she had on him as well. Many people think of Jackie Robinson as being only a baseball player, but he did much more. After retiring from baseball, he did many things in regard to the civil rights issue. He influenced many issues and was even the political scene, helping President Nixon and President John F. Kennedy during their stay in office. He was even apart of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). In the book, you learn more about his relationships with Jesse Jackson, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcom X, and many others. Jackie Robinson accomplished many things and had endured many problems even within his own family. He talks about the drug problems that plagued his oldest son and all the hardships his children had to go through being the sons and daughter of a famous African-American figure. Jackie changed the way of life for many people and gave hope to the African-American community. After all of this, Jackie learns that no matter what his successes were in the white world, he would always remain a black man. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in knowing about Jackie Robinson. You wouldn't expect for a baseball player to be a good enough writer to write a three hundred page autobiography, but I thought Jackie did a great job. The book flowed and it never got boring. I didn't even want to put it down, just kept turning the pages. This book gave great insight into the kind of life African American faced in the early to mid nineteen hundreds and what they had to endure. Jackie Robinson is not only a great icon in the world of professional sports, but in other aspects as well and I think that he did awesome job in writing this book.


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