The author has done a wonderful job depicting a terrible time in our nation's history from the perspective of those who had to live through it.

The slaves had to endure and put their hope in the afterlife, the Christian slave owners had to consider that their slaves might be better off being under their protection that to be free in the South. Their dilemna also included the fact that their plantations depended on slave labor. The white slave driver had to decide whether it was better for him to remain there and keep the slaves from enduring an abusive driver, or to seek out cheap land for himself and his family in the west.

Hate still abounded among nonChristians and those who called themselves Christians. The main character Joseph endures so much pain (physical and emotional) that you cry for him throughout his struggle. Some parts of the book were a bit wordy, but many other parts were painted vividly with such gripping descriptions that you feel you were there.

I finished the book with a new understanding of the struggles everyone in those times faced in the disgrace of slavery.

Ê This is a wonderful book that explores the complexities of how to live an honorable, Christian life in a society that approves of discrimination. In a world where laws and social prejudice dictate that some humans are less worthy than others, how is a Christian to act if he or she is a member of the oppressing group, or a member of the oppressed group? What can or should one do? The parallels for today are powerful for those who look.

My only criticism of this gripping tale is that the evil characters donÕt even pretend to be Christians, and the Christian characters always are good, even if they are weak. In my experience, sometimes Christians deliberately do evil things, and many non-Christians are wonderfully moral and loving people.

Nevertheless, this is a book well worth reading and discussing with your friends. It is told in a manner that involves the reader on all levels. Marvellously written, with a powerful message.

This is a wonderful book that explores the complexities of how to live an honorable, Christian life in a society that approves of discrimination. In a world where laws and social prejudice dictate that some humans are less worthy than others, how is a Christian to act if he or she is a member of the oppressing class, or a member of the oppressed class? What can or should one do? The parallels for today are powerful for those who look.

My only criticism of this gripping tale is that the evil characters donÕt even pretend to be Christians, and the Christian characters always are good, even if they are weak. In my experience, sometimes Christians deliberately do evil things, and many non-Christians are wonderfully moral and loving people.

Nevertheless, this is a book well worth reading and discussing with your friends. It is told in a manner that involves the reader on all levels. Marvellously written - powerful message.

I just finished this second book in Roots of Faith series and it was as good as the first. Even though slavery is not a happy subject to read about, it is part of the history of our country. This book exposes how badly African Americans were treated even up north. These are probably the best books I've read about slavery. I do hope there is a third book coming in the series.

I found this second installment of the Roots of Faith series to be an excellent book. Ms. Williamson brings us in close to the characters and their lives. The accuracy of the historical facts is excellent and very educational. The peril of these character's lives mirrors the era they portray. I am anxiously awaiting book three.

I've used this book many times in teaching Children's Church and at a Christian School. Kids get very emotionally involved in the story and learn so much about the historical period. When Stephen is stoned, the kids often cry out in protest and actually are in tears! Brings the Bible to life for them. Time well spent for home-schooling families. We are very upset to be having trouble getting our hands on the other books of the series!

Heartily recommended. The topic is a difficult one, and too many books purporting to address this subject merely rehash adult-level sermon material. This book doesn't. It gives practical, hands-on (and therefore realistic) devotion ideas for parents and teachers of active preschoolers who struggle with finding creative and fun ways to introduce Biblical truths to their little ones. The book substitutes the notion of 'preaching' to youngsters with the more effective approach of demostrating these truths through actions and familiar objects. The book is fairly concisely written and is thus may be read quickly. Devotions are rated by both appropriate age and the level of activity. (This rating is accomplished through the use of a clever little "Jack-in-the-Box" icon, so the reader can quickly identify appropriate devotions, and skip others.) There is also a special section on "Learning Experiences for Active Preschoolers" that is quite good

I enjoyed reading this book with my son last year. It tells the fictitious story of a poor boy in France who because of his brave actions to help King Louis IX(the Good)ends up as a page in the king's castle. There he meets Vincent de Paul, who is sponsored by a rich noblewoman to feed and minister to prisoners in the Bastille prison. There the youngster is confronted with how wicked people can become, and how violent. De Paul teaches the boy the humility that all Christians are called to, and he sees what results when unlovely people are shown the love of Christ. This year I will read this book with my second son, because I want him to learn about this humble servant of God.