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The Sacred Place
In the summer of 1955, fourteen-year-old Clement enters a general store in Money, Mississippi to purchase a soda. Unaware of the consequences of flouting the rules governing black-white relations in the South, this Chicago native defies tradition, by laying a dime on the counter and turns to depart. Miss Cuthbert, the store attendant, demands that he place the money in her hand, but he refuses, declaring, "I ain't no slave!" and exits with a sense of entitlement unknown to black people at the time. His behavior results in his brutal murder. This event sparks a war in Money, forcing the black community to galvanize its strength in pursuit of equality.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
22 people are currently reading
1084 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Black
12 books1,377 followersDaniel Black is a native of Kansas City, Kansas, yet spent the majority of his childhood years in Blackwell, Arkansas. He is an associate professor at his alma mater, Clark Atlanta University, where he now aims to provide an example to young Americans of the importance of self-knowledge and communal commitment. He is the author of "They Tell Me of a Home" and "The Sacred Place".
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February 10, 2017This is a tough book to rate and an even tougher book to recommend. With this being my fifth Daniel Black novel, I expected the biblical references and the characters' steadfast reliance on God. I did not expect it to be so pervasive in the narrative that the book starts bumping up against the Christian fiction category. Even with that, the book contains plenty of colorful language and very graphic scenes. I knew I was reading a book that was an homage to Emmet Till, but I still could not have anticipated the horrific details I read in some sections.
There are themes that surface in all of Black's novels: black masculinity, family values, and strong-headed women are a few. Unfortunately, there is also a redundancy that seems to be commonplace in his writing. He tends to belabor the point - I guess whichever one he wants to make sure the reader doesn't miss - and it can really bog down the story.
I'm glad I read it and I guess I'd suggest it, but I'm not comfortable recommending it.
There are themes that surface in all of Black's novels: black masculinity, family values, and strong-headed women are a few. Unfortunately, there is also a redundancy that seems to be commonplace in his writing. He tends to belabor the point - I guess whichever one he wants to make sure the reader doesn't miss - and it can really bog down the story.
I'm glad I read it and I guess I'd suggest it, but I'm not comfortable recommending it.
July 19, 2015
This book left me speechless much like Morrison's BELOVED did. Never, never can I as a white person step into the understandings of what African-Americans in the South endured, and still endure. I have purposefully read and continue to read novels, memoirs, and literature about slavery in the Americas and Civil Rights conflicts to engage my awareness and broaden my privileged perspectives. From THE FIVE STONES to MUDBOUND to the YA historical novels of Mildred Taylor to Richard Wright, yet this book took me deeper...to a religious, mystical place where the universe (God), ghosts and spirits (and the Holy Spirit) spoke to the black people in Money, Mississippi. Their hearts tired of seeing their young people tortured and killed by the town's white men, they listen to the dead and to God and turn to face the hate.
Daniel Black created characters that also speak to the "empathetic" white man who "tries to help to appease his own past" which is really no help at all. I think this is one of the most important books of the century. I couldn't put it down--finished it in less than 20 hours. This author grew up in Arkansas....
Daniel Black created characters that also speak to the "empathetic" white man who "tries to help to appease his own past" which is really no help at all. I think this is one of the most important books of the century. I couldn't put it down--finished it in less than 20 hours. This author grew up in Arkansas....
January 23, 2019
This story is about the pain and suffering that Negro people suffered back in the day. The way that White people talked down to them and treated them as thou they were the scum of the earth. I love the way that the Negros stood together for their families. Back then family was the root of the world because that's all they had. I am so glad that times have changed and we have the opportunity to live together in most cases in love and harmony.
We all need a sacred place to feel safe and sound. My scared place is anywhere with my family, friends and my books!!
We all need a sacred place to feel safe and sound. My scared place is anywhere with my family, friends and my books!!
July 17, 2012
“…tell them dead don’t mean gone.”
Based on the tragic life of Emmitt Till, this novel follows the family of Jeremiah Johnson. It begins with his grandson “sassing” a white woman in 1955 Mississippi. What happens after this incident is what we’ve all read about in history…the brutal beating and murder of the Chicago teenager. “…tell them dead don’t mean gone.” In Black’s novel, Emmitt becomes Clement but the basic details of his kidnapping and murder are the same.
Where the novel changes is in recounting what happens to the family in the hours and days after the child’s disastrous mistake. When a group of white men show up to get Clement, his grandfather Jeremiah, shoots and kills three of the intruders. The lone survivor of the shoot-out recounts his story to the sheriff who sets out to exact revenge on the Johnsons. Clement is taken and the family begins to unravel. Jeremiah is sick and tired of being sick and tired. Together with his only surviving son, Enoch, Jeremiah recruits his neighbors to take a stand against the mistreatment of Blacks in the town. Armed and angry, the group sets out to right wrongs and put a stop to the senseless violence against their community.
This novel was very different than I what I expected. I thought it would be centered on the life of the main character Clement (Emmitt). However, I was pleasantly surprised when the novel began to delve into the lives of his family members. Through Black’s melodious, descriptive narrative, I could actually feel what the characters were feeling and cry for Clement. By embracing the faith and the resilience of the ancestors, the Johnson’s were able to pull a community into a call to action. Even though the action of this novel is 1955, this narrative is still relevant today.
Based on the tragic life of Emmitt Till, this novel follows the family of Jeremiah Johnson. It begins with his grandson “sassing” a white woman in 1955 Mississippi. What happens after this incident is what we’ve all read about in history…the brutal beating and murder of the Chicago teenager. “…tell them dead don’t mean gone.” In Black’s novel, Emmitt becomes Clement but the basic details of his kidnapping and murder are the same.
Where the novel changes is in recounting what happens to the family in the hours and days after the child’s disastrous mistake. When a group of white men show up to get Clement, his grandfather Jeremiah, shoots and kills three of the intruders. The lone survivor of the shoot-out recounts his story to the sheriff who sets out to exact revenge on the Johnsons. Clement is taken and the family begins to unravel. Jeremiah is sick and tired of being sick and tired. Together with his only surviving son, Enoch, Jeremiah recruits his neighbors to take a stand against the mistreatment of Blacks in the town. Armed and angry, the group sets out to right wrongs and put a stop to the senseless violence against their community.
This novel was very different than I what I expected. I thought it would be centered on the life of the main character Clement (Emmitt). However, I was pleasantly surprised when the novel began to delve into the lives of his family members. Through Black’s melodious, descriptive narrative, I could actually feel what the characters were feeling and cry for Clement. By embracing the faith and the resilience of the ancestors, the Johnson’s were able to pull a community into a call to action. Even though the action of this novel is 1955, this narrative is still relevant today.
June 12, 2016
I have yet to read one of Daniel Black's book that I did not like and The Sacred Place has been added to this list. What a moving and wonderfully told story. Although based upon the events surrounding the death of Emmett Till, this is not a fictionalize account of his story. This book borrows from those events to create the story of the Johnson family of Money, Mississippi. Hard working people whose faith has seen them thorough difficult circumstances, the loss of a son and daughter-in-law, and then the tragic death of their 14 year old grandson, visiting for the summer from Chicago. This book evokes memories of summers past, for those who use to "go South" for the summer and learned what life was like for numerous Black people who lived in small towns like Money, Mississppi during early 1950's.
The real power of this book however, is when the Black residents of Money, Mississippi unite and take a stand against the perpetuation of further injustices against their community. Drawing strength from their ancestors, and ultimately deciding that they are "sick and tired of being sick and tired," they take their stand with full knowledge and understanding of the potential consequences.
Daniel Black is a talented author and storyteller as demonstrated by The Sacred Place.
The real power of this book however, is when the Black residents of Money, Mississippi unite and take a stand against the perpetuation of further injustices against their community. Drawing strength from their ancestors, and ultimately deciding that they are "sick and tired of being sick and tired," they take their stand with full knowledge and understanding of the potential consequences.
Daniel Black is a talented author and storyteller as demonstrated by The Sacred Place.
July 15, 2015
Daniel Black, the prolific storyteller, has once again, delivered like nobody's business. It has been said "you are only young once...but you can be foolish forever." The townspeople of Money, Mississippi thought that was the case. Clement, a young black and precocious young man, from Chicago, was visiting his family in the South. Slavery had ended but, as we know, old habits die hard and there was still much to be concluded in the South. Clement would saunter into a store and purchase a root beer. He laid the money on the counter. After being asked to place the money in her hand...which was customary...and continuously refusing...Clement left the store. He was warned that there would be a heavy price to pay for his disobedience. His refusal to place money in the hands of a white store owner would cause havoc for the black community....in ways that have been depicted...just as it was for Emmett Till and the Jonesboro youth and others.
After an onslaught of bloodshed the blacks in Money, Mississippi would find their voice. Being led by the Holy Spirit and the patriarch of the family and proudly flanked by sons, daughters, mothers and others the blacks called upon their faith and served notice that they would no longer allow anyone to rape, hang or murder their loved ones. They marched into the city and vowed to take back what had been stolen from them: their right not be intimidated, their right not to be seen as people of value and their right not to have their lives and the lives of their loved ones taken. They served notice that for every life taken...they would do the same. They reiterated that they desired to live among them peacefully but if provoked...bloodshed would be the price to pay.
The book was phenomenal. It illustrated the difference in the perceptions of the inhabitants of the town and the visitors, anger and dismay but it also illustrated the excitement and joy that accompanied a newfound belief. It depicted the trials and tribulations that accompany change. It soothed the soul because it was reiterated over and over " wherever we are...there is God." When the group entered the city...I immediately thought of Selma and Birmingham...there was no turning back. We each serve a purpose...and for however long we are here...and for whatever God's will is for us....we must decide to live and not merely exist. When we make the decision to live and not exist...we find that we are a voice and not just an echo.
After an onslaught of bloodshed the blacks in Money, Mississippi would find their voice. Being led by the Holy Spirit and the patriarch of the family and proudly flanked by sons, daughters, mothers and others the blacks called upon their faith and served notice that they would no longer allow anyone to rape, hang or murder their loved ones. They marched into the city and vowed to take back what had been stolen from them: their right not be intimidated, their right not to be seen as people of value and their right not to have their lives and the lives of their loved ones taken. They served notice that for every life taken...they would do the same. They reiterated that they desired to live among them peacefully but if provoked...bloodshed would be the price to pay.
The book was phenomenal. It illustrated the difference in the perceptions of the inhabitants of the town and the visitors, anger and dismay but it also illustrated the excitement and joy that accompanied a newfound belief. It depicted the trials and tribulations that accompany change. It soothed the soul because it was reiterated over and over " wherever we are...there is God." When the group entered the city...I immediately thought of Selma and Birmingham...there was no turning back. We each serve a purpose...and for however long we are here...and for whatever God's will is for us....we must decide to live and not merely exist. When we make the decision to live and not exist...we find that we are a voice and not just an echo.
January 12, 2013
If there is one author who can bring me to tears of joy--that certainly would be Daniel Black. This story touched the core of my very soul for all its beauty and struggle of black people. As always, the characters are so real and well thought out, as well as the strong storyline in which Mr. Black tells.
Fourteen-year old Clement went to spend his summer down in Money, Mississippi, to visit his cousins and grandparents. Being born originally from Chicago, Illinois, he wasn't quite prepared for the unfavorable southern "racist" hospitality that most blacks from that time were accustomed to living with.
Because he disrespected a white female store owner by placing his money on the counter, instead of placing it directly in her hand, as blacks were made to do, angry and ashamed of how this little black boy spoke to her, went to her white community to speak of her outrage.
Of course, this one error young Clement made, set off a chain of events that will leave the reader spellbound and shocked. This was a wonderfully written novel and one that will live with my spirit for the rest of my life. Outstanding read, as only Daniel can tell it.
Fourteen-year old Clement went to spend his summer down in Money, Mississippi, to visit his cousins and grandparents. Being born originally from Chicago, Illinois, he wasn't quite prepared for the unfavorable southern "racist" hospitality that most blacks from that time were accustomed to living with.
Because he disrespected a white female store owner by placing his money on the counter, instead of placing it directly in her hand, as blacks were made to do, angry and ashamed of how this little black boy spoke to her, went to her white community to speak of her outrage.
Of course, this one error young Clement made, set off a chain of events that will leave the reader spellbound and shocked. This was a wonderfully written novel and one that will live with my spirit for the rest of my life. Outstanding read, as only Daniel can tell it.
August 12, 2008
This was my second read by Daniel Black. When he writes a book..he makes you feel what the characters feel. The Sacred Place was a historical masterpeice!
This story takes place in Money, Mississippi and starts off with a fourteen year old boy going in a store to buy a soda pop. Clement is from Chicago so he wasn't use to bowing down and being scared of people opposite his color. The lady behind the counter demanded that Clement place the nickel in his hand and when he doesn't it starts a war in Money, Missippippi!
I felt so many different emotions reading this book. The author will take you back to Money, Mississippi and you will remain a resident there until the last word on the last page is read.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to readers who like reading historical and 'back in the day' books! It was definitely a page turner! This book will stay on your mind long after you finished it. I can't wait for Daniel Black's next novel!
This story takes place in Money, Mississippi and starts off with a fourteen year old boy going in a store to buy a soda pop. Clement is from Chicago so he wasn't use to bowing down and being scared of people opposite his color. The lady behind the counter demanded that Clement place the nickel in his hand and when he doesn't it starts a war in Money, Missippippi!
I felt so many different emotions reading this book. The author will take you back to Money, Mississippi and you will remain a resident there until the last word on the last page is read.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to readers who like reading historical and 'back in the day' books! It was definitely a page turner! This book will stay on your mind long after you finished it. I can't wait for Daniel Black's next novel!
December 10, 2012
I just love Mr. Black writing style. I loved his take on the Emmitt Till story. This book was so haunting and had me on the edge of my seat at times.We all know the story and Mr. Black told it well. I found myself in the beginning talking to the book begging Emmitt to just go home. I cried a lot while reading Mr.Black interpretations of this story that shaped History. Bravo Mr. Black you have did it again.
September 26, 2017
I usually like this author's work, although I was not crazy about this book. It was quite evident that Emmitt Tills death inspired it. There are some scenes that seemed so unrealistic to me. I listened to the audiobook and was glad when it was over.
July 25, 2012
I think this could possibly be the greatest book I have ever read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 24, 2012
Gripping story! The ending was unexpected. I look forward to reading more from Daniel Black.
September 16, 2013
I would have given this book 5 stars, but I really disliked the chapters with Sutton, the eyeball!!
February 2, 2017
I don't have words to describe this body of art. Whew.....
December 5, 2017
Eloquent. I wish everything I read was this good.
November 2, 2017
Another Awesome Read By D Black!!!
Once again, Daniel Black delivers a book full of his-story and her-story that invites the reader into the lives of an evolving people. Their journey from 'powerless' to 'powerful' is a journey that remains ever so relevant for African Americans and people of color as we continue to reject and stand up to the systemic racism that has reared its ugly head and become ever present within and perpetuated by this fleeting moment of the Trump presidency.
Once again, Daniel Black delivers a book full of his-story and her-story that invites the reader into the lives of an evolving people. Their journey from 'powerless' to 'powerful' is a journey that remains ever so relevant for African Americans and people of color as we continue to reject and stand up to the systemic racism that has reared its ugly head and become ever present within and perpetuated by this fleeting moment of the Trump presidency.
August 18, 2018
Perfect Peace the other novel from this author was much more enjoyable. Although it also contained allusions to the Christian faith and general belief in good, it didn't interfere with the storyline. The same can't be said for this novel. Although the premise of the book was promising, surviving Jim Crow in the dirty South, i.e. Mississippi, it was downhill from there. There were too many occasions where I could easily skip reading a few pages and still follow the plot. The characters' soliloquies were too frequent and too long. Likewise, it seemed the story was to mirror the Emmett Till story which was appreciated, but this story just fell flat. There instances of the supernatural were didn't really add to the story. However, I forced myself to finish the story but it makes me wonder if I should try another of his novels. It's amazing the difference in the writing style; this is the first time I've experienced enjoying and disliking an author's writing. The book have good reviews but be warned that if you read it, be prepared for a lot of "church" and preaching.
December 31, 2013
Really. . . things were still this rough in the south in the 1950's. It makes me sad to think about the trials some had to endure.
I enjoy the historical insights and the strength of conviction depicted.
I enjoy the historical insights and the strength of conviction depicted.
November 17, 2014
What could have been an excellent story was overshadowed, for me, by the long drawn out focus on a naked, old white man befriending an eyeball.
I have yet to understand what, if anything, this had to do with the rest of the story; it certainly didn't add anything in my opinion.
Unnecessary content seems to be this author's method...such a shame.
I have yet to understand what, if anything, this had to do with the rest of the story; it certainly didn't add anything in my opinion.
Unnecessary content seems to be this author's method...such a shame.
February 13, 2017
Excellent Story
Daniel Black is an amazing author. He pulls you into the story which pulls you into our history. He makes you believe and love the story so when it is done you are looking for the next great story by him. I would highly recommend this book.
Daniel Black is an amazing author. He pulls you into the story which pulls you into our history. He makes you believe and love the story so when it is done you are looking for the next great story by him. I would highly recommend this book.
January 31, 2014
If you love a good country book, this is a really good. A reminder of the Emmett Till story.
March 8, 2014
I liked this book. I had a lot of tears behind it. Very emotional
February 13, 2015
DEVASTATING. This author is amazing. The ending had me crying for minutes. I wouldn't even read this again because I can't imagine feeling all those emotions again!
August 6, 2022
The Sacred Place is a book about racial inequality in Money, Mississippi and is told almost exclusively from the perspective of a black family and their black community. When Clement defies social customs and lays a dime on the counter while purchasing a soda in the general store, he unknowingly unleashes the hatred and violence of the whites on the Johnson family. The sheriff and another white man capture Clement under the pretense of talking to him, and in an act of brutality, disfigure and drown him beyond all recognition. In an effort to protect his family from further persecution, Jeremiah enlists the help of his friends. Believing that there is strength in numbers, he forms a posse to retaliate against the whites.
The author does a good job in his portrayal of what it was like to live as a black person during that time and the prejudice one endured. He also reveals a message of hope in the midst of despair and empowerment within oneself. God and religion is a central theme and is revisited in every chapter Despite its frequent mention, I believe its presence embued the characters with strength that gave the story credibility.
The little subplot, although initially a nice addition to the story, eventually becomes ridiculous and improbable. The premise involves a white man who desperately tries to redeem himself from the guilt of his youthful faux pas. After discovering one of Clements eyeballs, he purges his soul to it, then proceeds to eat and sleep naked with it to atone for his sins. The scene near the end during the showdown was also a bit absurd.
I have to give Daniel credit though for not shying away from racial slurs, especially in this day in age where people are easily offended. His usage of the word "nigger" and "cracker" are profuse, but they make the story more accurate and believable. Also, because it contains quite a bit of profanity, sexual innuendo, and graphic rape scenes, I would not recommend this book for younger audiences. I liked how the story was told in such a way that I felt I was enduring all their suffering as it transpired. I also enjoyed thd black character development that transformed the Johnson family from weak and subservient to bold and defiant. Overall, not bad for a free book from the library.
The author does a good job in his portrayal of what it was like to live as a black person during that time and the prejudice one endured. He also reveals a message of hope in the midst of despair and empowerment within oneself. God and religion is a central theme and is revisited in every chapter Despite its frequent mention, I believe its presence embued the characters with strength that gave the story credibility.
The little subplot, although initially a nice addition to the story, eventually becomes ridiculous and improbable. The premise involves a white man who desperately tries to redeem himself from the guilt of his youthful faux pas. After discovering one of Clements eyeballs, he purges his soul to it, then proceeds to eat and sleep naked with it to atone for his sins. The scene near the end during the showdown was also a bit absurd.
I have to give Daniel credit though for not shying away from racial slurs, especially in this day in age where people are easily offended. His usage of the word "nigger" and "cracker" are profuse, but they make the story more accurate and believable. Also, because it contains quite a bit of profanity, sexual innuendo, and graphic rape scenes, I would not recommend this book for younger audiences. I liked how the story was told in such a way that I felt I was enduring all their suffering as it transpired. I also enjoyed thd black character development that transformed the Johnson family from weak and subservient to bold and defiant. Overall, not bad for a free book from the library.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2021
2021 Book 32: The Sacred Place by Daniel Black
.
.
Fourteen year old Clement is visiting his family for the summer in Money, Mississippi in 1955. He goes into a store to buy a soda and pays for it by placing a nickel on the counter instead of in the cashier's hand. She tells him to place it in her hand and he says....No.
.
There is no need to go into what happens next, because you already know this story. This is, down to the heartbreaking details, Emmett Till's story.
.
While his name is regretfully never mentioned (I felt like the author should have said his name but this is his art, not mine) the details are pulled straight from the historical accounts of Emmett Till's horrific lynching in Money, Mississippi in 1955. Some details were exactly the same- what happened to him is described in painstaking detail, his mother named Mamie, his cousins, the search for his body, his father's initials (LT) on the ring witch ultimately and officially identified the beaten and bludgeoned body...it's all there. There are some characters who add to the disturbing history of this case (Rosenthal) and make it even worse, if you can imagine, and a turn of events that may or may not have happened that empowered the fearfully submissive black community of Money. And then there is the sacred place, where the living can go to find peace and guidance, and on some occasions...be guided by the spirits of the past. This story is haunting, dark, and heavy, but told in a manner that keeps you engaged. I started it late friday night and finished this morning. It's hard to day it was good or that I enjoyed it, I can't say either in good conscience, but I highly recommend it. For audiobook lovers like me, this is one of the finest narrations I've heard in a long time which made the book all the more powerful.
.
#TheSacredPlace #DanielBlack #historicalfiction #bookstagram #thisbrownegirlreads #bookloversofinstagram #bibliophile #bookworm #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #ilikebigbooksandicannotlie #myweekendisbooked #goodreadschallenge2021 #readstagram #books #ireadbooksandiknowthings #readingisfundamental #thecraftycuratorreads2021
.
.
Fourteen year old Clement is visiting his family for the summer in Money, Mississippi in 1955. He goes into a store to buy a soda and pays for it by placing a nickel on the counter instead of in the cashier's hand. She tells him to place it in her hand and he says....No.
.
There is no need to go into what happens next, because you already know this story. This is, down to the heartbreaking details, Emmett Till's story.
.
While his name is regretfully never mentioned (I felt like the author should have said his name but this is his art, not mine) the details are pulled straight from the historical accounts of Emmett Till's horrific lynching in Money, Mississippi in 1955. Some details were exactly the same- what happened to him is described in painstaking detail, his mother named Mamie, his cousins, the search for his body, his father's initials (LT) on the ring witch ultimately and officially identified the beaten and bludgeoned body...it's all there. There are some characters who add to the disturbing history of this case (Rosenthal) and make it even worse, if you can imagine, and a turn of events that may or may not have happened that empowered the fearfully submissive black community of Money. And then there is the sacred place, where the living can go to find peace and guidance, and on some occasions...be guided by the spirits of the past. This story is haunting, dark, and heavy, but told in a manner that keeps you engaged. I started it late friday night and finished this morning. It's hard to day it was good or that I enjoyed it, I can't say either in good conscience, but I highly recommend it. For audiobook lovers like me, this is one of the finest narrations I've heard in a long time which made the book all the more powerful.
.
#TheSacredPlace #DanielBlack #historicalfiction #bookstagram #thisbrownegirlreads #bookloversofinstagram #bibliophile #bookworm #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #ilikebigbooksandicannotlie #myweekendisbooked #goodreadschallenge2021 #readstagram #books #ireadbooksandiknowthings #readingisfundamental #thecraftycuratorreads2021
March 23, 2023
This book (which I assume is a tribute to Emmett Till) was so emotionally draining and stressful to read it hurts… but hard reads are usually essential reads. The book shows the power of having a community and the importance of looking after each other.
One thing I loved about this booked all the stories the elders told. Some are just far fetched like ‘the common man walking on water’… but telling children these stories gave them the faith and hope that one day they can move a mountains… and that faith and hope is what got them through life. It’s something I think we need to do more of today tbh.
I’ve looked at the good read reviews and I understand a lot of people don’t like the biblical references and preaching… but what people fail to understand is that faith in God as a hope for liberation is what got a lot of people through the slavery/ segregation/ racism/ Jim Crow… and a big source of strength for black people during these times.
So whilst I understand how it may be annoying for people to it read during the present day, especially when many people don’t hold any religious faith… for the period the book is set, it’s an essential part of the liberation and therefore vital to the story.
The only thing preventing me from giving this book 5* is the whole story of the white man and the eyeball, I honestly just thought that was weird. I got the point trying to be made, a white person trying to absolve their guilt by doing 1 good deed, and now feeling entitled. But that story line just didn’t sit right with me.
Warning marker: The graphic imagery is a lot BraceYourself!
Favourite quote:-
“These white folks ‘round here ‘bout to be fightin’ mad ‘bout Black folkes protectin’ they selves.”….. “But that’s okay ‘cause I’m mad, too. Shit, they can’t be madder than me!” (Pg. 68)
One thing I loved about this booked all the stories the elders told. Some are just far fetched like ‘the common man walking on water’… but telling children these stories gave them the faith and hope that one day they can move a mountains… and that faith and hope is what got them through life. It’s something I think we need to do more of today tbh.
I’ve looked at the good read reviews and I understand a lot of people don’t like the biblical references and preaching… but what people fail to understand is that faith in God as a hope for liberation is what got a lot of people through the slavery/ segregation/ racism/ Jim Crow… and a big source of strength for black people during these times.
So whilst I understand how it may be annoying for people to it read during the present day, especially when many people don’t hold any religious faith… for the period the book is set, it’s an essential part of the liberation and therefore vital to the story.
The only thing preventing me from giving this book 5* is the whole story of the white man and the eyeball, I honestly just thought that was weird. I got the point trying to be made, a white person trying to absolve their guilt by doing 1 good deed, and now feeling entitled. But that story line just didn’t sit right with me.
Warning marker: The graphic imagery is a lot BraceYourself!
Favourite quote:-
“These white folks ‘round here ‘bout to be fightin’ mad ‘bout Black folkes protectin’ they selves.”….. “But that’s okay ‘cause I’m mad, too. Shit, they can’t be madder than me!” (Pg. 68)
September 7, 2018
The Sacred Place
I absolutely love this author's gift to take you back in time and have you so engrossed with his stories. The superb way he places words on a paper has me so intrigued by his writing style. I haven't read a book by him that wasn't a 5* rating. You are sure to finish his books with a mind blowing experience.
Growing up in Mississippi, during slavery, scared to basically be a man, to stand up against "the whites", Jeremiah was pushed over the edge when his son committed suicide and his grandson was taken. Tired of having funeral after funeral for their slaughtered people, being treated less than human, like he didn't hurt or have feelings too, Jeremiah found his strength in The Sacred Place. Suddenly it was a change in the atmosphere. Finally being tired of being tired Jeremiah rallied up "the coloreds", held on the faith and went to set things straight about how things was being ran in Money, MS.
5*
I absolutely love this author's gift to take you back in time and have you so engrossed with his stories. The superb way he places words on a paper has me so intrigued by his writing style. I haven't read a book by him that wasn't a 5* rating. You are sure to finish his books with a mind blowing experience.
Growing up in Mississippi, during slavery, scared to basically be a man, to stand up against "the whites", Jeremiah was pushed over the edge when his son committed suicide and his grandson was taken. Tired of having funeral after funeral for their slaughtered people, being treated less than human, like he didn't hurt or have feelings too, Jeremiah found his strength in The Sacred Place. Suddenly it was a change in the atmosphere. Finally being tired of being tired Jeremiah rallied up "the coloreds", held on the faith and went to set things straight about how things was being ran in Money, MS.
5*
January 16, 2019
I read this book over ten years ago. I've read a few of Daniel Black's books but this one was probably the most vivid in narrative. At times the story tended to linger on in some parts. However, Mr. Black did a beautiful job describing the characters, locations and overall imagery. So much so that I can still remember several moments of the storyline as if I had just finished reading it yesterday. This novel pays homage to the historical Emmit Till story. A story that needs to always be shared throughout time. This is the main reason why I appreciate this book so much. I do recommend because the storyline and writing is nothing less than superb. BUT, please beware that there are quite a few highly descriptive and horrific scenes that will probably etch an everlasting imprint into your memory ... which very few authors can do. This is what makes Daniel Black an exceptionally brilliant author.
April 30, 2021
The book touched at the heart of 'Black Lives Matter'. I was born and raised in Mississippi, and was 4 years old when Emmett Till was lynched in 1955. All my life I heard about Emmett, saw the photos of his funeral, his mother wanted the world to see what was done to her 14 year son, she had an open casket, he was unrecognizable. As a child I couldn't imagine the hate that would cause such violence. Little did I know, but a few years later, this same hate would visit my family, my cousin was lynched.The coming together of the community with my family was frightening, because a lot of people could have lost their lives, but like in the book, there was no other choice, the killings and raping had to stop.The book brought back a lot of memories of that time, but it also showed the power we have when we stand together.
March 28, 2022
I read this because Don’t Cry for Me was so damn good, so I can’t believe that this is so damn bad. I was struggling to get past all the preaching, prayers, biblical passages ( is this Christian lit?) but then it took a turn for the worse. When a major female character is described as having ‘perky breasts’ on two different occasions, even as she faints and is carried in with her ‘perky breasts’ straining against her clothing , I should have stopped. But having suffered through a bizarre chapter wherein a man cradles, caresses and confesses to a dislodged human eyeball , I’m out. I can’t believe I pushed through 200 pages. I’m so glad Black’s writing matured to the point that he could produce as fine a book as Don’t Cry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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