We Are Not Afraid

Coalwood #4

by Homer Hickam

Today, fear affects even the strongest of us. Sometimes it's immediate, caused by a sense of imminent danger—the kind we felt after terrorists destroyed the magnificent World Trade Center, tore a giant wound in the Pentagon and killed thousands of people. But sometimes fear becomes a normal way of life.

In his best-selling memoir October Sky (aka Rocket Boys ), Hickam introduced us to the rugged town of his youth, Coalwood, West Virginia, and the people who took on the hazardous and often brutal enterprise of coal mining. To survive and prosper, these people relied on an approach to living that would get them through hard times with an almost unnatural resilience. Over a lifetime, they learned to take on these

These attitudes are summed up in the Coalwood WE ARE NOT AFRAID.

Through poignant memories of his youth, best selling author Homer Hickam helps lead you beyond fear to find the courage and strength to live more happily and look toward to future with optimism.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, History, Biography

264 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2002

About the author

Homer Hickam (also known as Homer H. Hickam, Jr.) is the author of many best-sellers including his latest, Don't Blow Yourself Up. An eclectic writer, he wrote the "Coalwood Series," which includes the # 1 New York Times best-selling memoir Rocket Boys, (made into the ever-popular movie October Sky) the World War II-era "Josh Thurlow" series, the juvenile sci-fi "Crater" series, the adult thriller The Dinosaur Hunter, the romantic Red Helmet, and many others. Among his many writing awards are the University of Alabama's Clarence Cason Award and the Appalachian Heritage Writer's Award plus an honorary Doctorate of Literature from Marshall University. For more information on Mr. Hickam and his books and cats and everything else, please go to http://www.homerhickam.com.

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was misfiled as the fourth book of the Coalwood series on Goodreads. That is simply incorrect. This book was essentially Chicken Soup from a Coalwoodian. A bit preachy with some stories from others who grew up in coal towns. All of the ideals and themes were present in the trilogy that is the Rocket Boys Series. The only difference being that he nailed them in with this summary book. Would I recommend reading this along with his trilogy? No. I found it very repetitive. That may have been the goal for this Inspirational/Self-Help book, but I misunderstood when I added this book to my TBR.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in response to the cruelty of 9/11, Hickam explains the wisdom his hometown used to combat a fearful life.
The book is filled with the wit of small town America.
I agreed with most of the suppositions but there were a few that I strongly disagreed with. Would I still be welcomed in Coalwood? Assuming that I was willing to work hard for myself, my family, and my neighbors I think I would. I think you would too.
The mine is gone but the spirit of Coalwood is still alive. We all need to practice these plain truths that strengthen us.

[Daniel Greear · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite author of all time and a great, great American. Homer Hickam exemplifies America in every possible way. His story and the story of his hometown are everything good and great about our country. I found a lot of strength in myself by reading this book.

[Kim Faires · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering what’s happening in our world right now it’s a very relevant book. I loved how his parents and the small mining town where he lived all gave him the tools for a successful and life without the option of giving up.

[Ann Amadori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every teen and adult in America should read this book wherein Homer Hickam describes the sources of the strength and courage that characterized the people of his hometown, Coalwood, West Virginia. He combines his narrative with funny stories and his own life experiences. All of the families who lived in Coalwood were involved, one way or another, in the dangerous business of coal mining. The mine was 700 feet below the surface and men were killed or injured now and then. The people had to learn how to cope with the ever present danger. This book is a great reminder of the values that made America the strongest country in the world. These people should be role models for all of us.

[Andy Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homer's writing is simple, and that is his strength. He talks about right and wrong, courage and cowardice, perseverance and lethargy with a clarity that is refreshing from the post-modernism complexity that is so prevalent in many books. His conviction, though strong, does not border on dogma however. He may espouse a lot of conservative ideas, but he's no Rush Limbaugh. If you are looking for beautiful prose with complex arguments, you should look elsewhere. But if you look for someone whose writing is austere and stoic but no less inspiring, and whose life lessons are reflected in his writing, then you are very well served reading this book.

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly what I was expecting, though I guess I wasn't sure what to expect to begin with. What I did like early in the book were the life lessons being presented, and applying them to my own life. It was also special to learn even more about Coalwood, a town a lot like my hometown, a little slice of heaven. The book however did feel a bit overwhelming with the religion overtones, and perhaps a little too america rah rah for me as a Canadian. All in all, thanks for the wonderful books Mr Hickam, it was a joy to read about your time in Coalwood, a place I would love to visit.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great book! This true story told by Homer Hickam is about his life growing up in Coalwood, West Virginia and was very inspiring on how to keep strength and courage alive and not be afraid despite your circumstances. To never give up, to believe in and stand up for yourself, to know our ancestors gives us the knowledge for who we are, to put family first...as well as many other ways to keep fear out of our life.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather disappointed in this one. A bit too preachy for me. Yes, I admire the "Coalwood Way." But, Hickam presents it as almost a religion in this book. Perhaps all his success with best sellers, a wildly successful movie, and the demand for him as a speaker has gone to Homer's head.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Author is entertaining and yet tells a heartfelt tale from his childhood. The honor and courage that comes along with growing up in Coalwood. Makes me want to read everything else he has written!

[Charitye]

I love homers book and i even got to meet him and I saw the school went to which has a elemetry school on the footballfeild