Proud, intelligent, stubborn, rebellious Mary Frances Sturlaugson was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the fifteenth child in a black family of twenty-four children. Mary's father scraped and clawed... This description may be from another edition of this product.
I read this book in the 80's and enjoyed it as much now. She is very candid about her poverty growing up and her previous feelings toward whites. I greatly admire black LDS members for their courage and humility, especially those like Mary who joined before 1978. We've been reading it as a family to my 4 kids (7 - 14) and it's been spellbinding. Also shared a copy of it with a black friend who is learning about the church. BTW, regarding the other review that claims this is a "complete fabrication," I know for a fact it is not. I heard about Mary's story before the book came out, then read the book, then saw her at BYU one day - coming out of the raquetball courts. Didn't look fabricated at all, and seemed like a real nice girl. One other thing: growing up there was a black girl in my high school (in Kansas) who joined the church - I didn't know her very well because she was a year younger. I overheard her in the halls one day having a tense exchange with friends. They were giving her a hard time about her plans to get baptized, and she told them in know uncertain terms that " I KNOW it's true!" I grew up around a lot of black people and frequently experienced the animosity that many blacks feel toward whites. I hold no grudges and stories like Mary's have a special place in my heart.
Excellant
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
I truly enjoyed this book. It was very inspiring and an extrememly fun read. I have both caucasian and black members (as well as other races) in my family and it is interesting to see the prejudices of her time as compared to being nonexistan in my family today, and to see the love of God melt those negative feelings. Definatley worth the read.
A Soul So Rebellious
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
A gripping story of a young girls awareness of her spirituality. Amazing journey put into words. It must have been hard for her to write down her unique experience. I am amazed with her determination. She makes me want to be a better person.
ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $15. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.