January 2007 Archives

Celebrating Black History Month at the VCU Libraries

Reviewed by Ray Bonis, Archival Assistant for Collections, Special Collections and Archives

Although the documentation by historians and archivists of Richmond's African American history began in earnest in the 1970s, a complete monographic history of black Richmond has yet to be written. A new work published this year on the city's architectural history comes close. It covers subjects ranging from slavery and the emergence of freed peoples and their leaders to the city's African American churches and once vibrant neighborhoods.

Built by Blacks: African American Architecture and Neighborhoods in Richmond, Virginia was published by the Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods (A.C.O.R.N.), the highly visible and successful local preservationist group which has purchased and renovated a number of vacant and abandoned properties in the city. Their interest in Richmond's African American history, including their preservation advocacy of structures built before and after the Civil War, led to the publication of this book. Built by Blacks was written by Selden Richardson, former Archivist for Architectural Records at the Library of Virginia, who currently serves as the President of the Board of A.C.O.R.N. Dr. Maurice Duke, a professor emeritus of English at VCU and a local historian, provided many of the photographs for the book. Archival images from Richardson's own collection are also used as illustrations.

Built By Blacks provides the architectural history of many Richmond landmark buildings and biographies of several Richmond African American architects and builders. Richardson's plea throughout the book is for city leaders and planners to preserve what is left of black Richmond. He writes in the introduction that the loss of "Richmond's architectural fabric, from iconic downtown offices and stores to humble bungalows is being compounded constantly." Readers of Built By Blacks will appreciate even more the loss of Richmond's historic cityscape.

Cabell Library – Special Collections and Archives E 185.92 R53 2007
Cabell Library E 185.92 R53 2007

Reviewed by Ibironke Lawal, Collection Librarian for Engineering and Sciences

Set in Afghanistan, The Kite Runner is a fascinating story of cowardice and courage, truth and lies, loyalty and betrayal, sincerity and deceit all woven into one. It is the story of two boys, Amir and Hassan; the one, the son of a Pashtun--the elites of Afghan society, and the other, the son of an Hazara--the lower class. The Hazaras generally work as servants and bodyguards, frequently risking their lives to protect their Pashtun masters. The author's vivid account of the friendship between the two boys reveals the social disparity in that society as well as the humiliation and injustices that the Hazaras experience in their daily struggle for survival. Amir, a Pashtun, was born with the silver spoon in his mouth, while Hassan is both a friend and servant since his father (Ali), an Hazara, is a servant of Amir's father (Baba). Ironically, Amir's father (Baba) seems to have more affection for Hassan than for his own son (Amir). Out of jealousy, Amir sets Hassan up and accuses him of theft, a serious crime in Afghan society. As a result, Hassan and his father (Ali) were expelled from Amir's household, and soon Amir developed guilty conscience.

Shortly after the Russians invaded Afghanistan, Amir and his father (Baba) sought political asylum in California to live as ordinary citizens. Though separated by thousands of miles, both Amir and Hassan grew up and got married. But, by twists and turns, Amir discovered that Hassan was his half-brother after all, though his father (Baba) did not tell him before he died. Then, news reached him that the Taliban had murdered Hassan and his wife and that a son called Sohrab survived them.

The cycle begins again, Sohrab has to save Amir's life just as his father before him. It is going to be different now. It is time for Amir to atone for his sins and make it up to Hassan by taking care of Sohrab. He has to free him from the insecure cruel life of abuse, hunger and grief. He brings him to America as his adopted son.

Though his first, Hosseini does a good job of telling the story from an Afghan point of view. The dichotomy he displays throughout the book of good and evil depicts the true state of things in Afghanistan and other parts of the world. One cannot but see the similarities between this and the civil rights era in America when African Americans had similar status to the 'Afghan Hazaras.' The book provides food for thought. It will appeal to all audiences even juveniles who are interested in learning about the culture of other countries.

Cabell Library PS3608.O832 K58 2003

Celebrating Black History Month at the VCU Libraries

Reviewed by Jennifer Roach, Undergraduate Services Specialist

Here is a special children's book depicting life for an African-American child confronted with segregation laws of the 1950s. Tricia Ann is finally old enough to go to "Someplace Special" all by herself. Her concerned grandmother sends her off with encouragement, "hold yo' head up and act like you b'long to somebody." Along the way Tricia Ann encounters the Jim Crow sign indicating where she must sit on the bus. She cannot sit on the bench near the fountain her grandfather helped to construct. She is not welcome in the hotel lobby, or the main entrance of the movie theatre. Jerry Pinkney, illustrator, portrays the main character in a vibrant blue dress and she is the focal point of every page. His illustrations show the confusion, disappointment, and frustration Tricia Ann experiences. Tricia Ann finally arrives at the special place her grandmother calls "a doorway to freedom." She reads the words carved into the side of the grand building:

PUBLIC LIBRARY: ALL ARE WELCOME.

We learn from an author’s note that the story is based on personal experiences growing up in Nashville, TN during the segregation of the 1950s.

Cabell Library Juvenile Literature (4th floor) PZ7.M478693 G6 2001

Reviewed by Renée Bosman, Reference Librarian for Government and Public Affairs

In The Bonesetter's Daughter, Amy Tan revisits similar themes from her previous work, particularly the best-selling The Joy Luck Club. This later novel presents the multi-layered story of Ruth Young and her Chinese-born mother LuLing as an exploration of the complex relationship between mothers and daughters for whom cultural differences create an almost unbridgeable chasm. When Ruth discovers that LuLing is suffering from Alzheimer's, she begins to devote more time to caring for her mother, despite their somewhat bristling relationship. Spending time at her mother's home leads Ruth to reminisce about her childhood with LuLing, a pessimistic, argumentative woman who ferociously clings to old world notions of ghosts and curses. She then discovers the pages of LuLing's life story, bound in ribbon, and bearing the introduction "These are the things I should not forget." The reader is then transported to Immortal Heart, a small village in pre-WWII China, where the childhood story of LuLing unfolds, marked by family secrets and tragedy. Armed with the fascinating story of her mother's past, and an insight into LuLing's strength of character, Ruth is then able to begin mending their relationship. Tan's skill at presenting the novel from the perspective of both Ruth and the young LuLing allows for the development of two very realistic and unforgettable characters.

Cabell Library PS3570.A48 2001

Reviewed by Renée Bosman, Reference Librarian for Government and Public Affairs

Operating Instructions is novelist Anne Lamott's quirky and unflinchingly honest documentation of her early days of motherhood. In her candid and unique voice, she chronicles both the difficulties and joys of parenting an infant, particularly as a single mother, detailing issues ranging from sleep deprivation and colic to excitement about her son's development and her overwhelming love for him. "Sam's so beautiful," she writes, "and I feel such a desperate love and protectiveness that my chest tightens with it." Such sentiments, balanced with passages regarding postpartum confusion and, at times, fury, make this an insightful read about motherhood and parenting. Yet this book is able to appeal to a wide range of readers, thanks to the broad scope of Lamott's musings, which span her recovery from addiction, politics, faith, a friend’s cancer diagnosis, and life in general.

Cabell Library PS3562.A4645 O64 1993