Daisy: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

by Janis F. Kearney

Presidential diarist and author Janis F. Kearney transforms civil rights legend Daisy Gatson Bates’ life from black and white, to living color. The author, who interviewed Bates many times; recreates her conversations and interviews to “fill in” places left un-filled, and colors incidents and experiences, to bring Daisy Bates to life. Kearney plums the mysterious murder of Bates’ mother, and the orphan’s childhood; the young woman’s prophetic decision to share a traveling salesman’s life; her non-traditional role as co-publisher of an award winning newspaper; and her leadership role at a time, and place where women rarely led.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place is Daisy’s “look back” at her life, and…finally, a self-analysis of how, and possibly, why she became the Daisy Gatson Bates for which she is known throughout the world. Author Janis F. Kearney recounts the leader’s many friendships, relationships and associations that helps define who she was in the eyes of the world - from Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Clinton; First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt; the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.; Roy Wilson, NAACP President; Thurgood Marshall and Wiley Branton, NAACP attorneys, Maya Angelou and Jackie Robinson… and countless others.
The author met Daisy Bates in the summer of 1969, at the age of16. From that moment, the high school student dreamed of working for the woman her father called one of Arkansas’ greatest leaders – black or white.

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Julie Goucher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of us in the early part of our lives meet someone who shapes the professional person we become. They are so, influential and important to us as individuals that they go beyond just professional and become friends, confidants and amongst the people we trust.

Daisy: Between the Rock and a Hard Place is essentially a book that is reflective of that friendship and influence between Daisy and the author.

The book starts with the early beginnings of Daisy's life and explains about the issue of Slavery in the south, even with the abolishment of Slavery, Society likes to pigeon people and this period of time was no exception. The book goes on to tell us about the life, determination and achievements of Daisy. How she managed to take all the negative that she felt and turn it into something good. It is the amazing story of Daisy who succeeded and became so much despite the colour of her skin and her background.

It was truly a fabulous read and I am delighted that I had the opportunity to read it and I recommend it!

[Lynelle Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the reading of this book I have never heard of Daisy Gatson Bates simply because I am not American. But during the read I search the net to learn more about this gutsy woman. A warrior that was not afraid to stand up for what is right. Her pursuit for equality center stage in her mind, thoughts and action. But what the author accomplish best in this book were to introduce us to the woman behind the tuff facade. Her doubts, fears, struggles in her daily life and how she had to adapt to a unfriendly world out to hurt her, just because of the color of her skin.
Never looking pass the strong willed fiery woman who was not afraid to stand and fight. Or the beautiful woman, petite in posture with a soft heart and a love for her people.
You are drawn into the historical account leading up before her birth that shaped this woman to what she had become. It shaped her world on so many levels but yet she did not use it as a excuse to lay down but to stand up and do the right thing.
With a friend, confidant and husband by her side. L.C Bates who was a remarkable man in his own right. Who guided her with a soft touch and wisdom filled words. Giving her the courage to accomplish the task at hand.
I learned many things during this read, in some things I could feel with her, sensing her struggles. The way the author told it, it was heart warming. Shining the light on a subject that still gives problems all over the world.
A book I can recommend for teachers and school children and for those who love to learn more about the history of this Nation, the United States of America.
Thought provoking and a eye opener to many who is hiding behind all the excuses of not doing the right thing.
This fiery woman from the little town of Huttig was born to invoke in each of us the character of determination and will. To accomplish what you have set your mind on and not be afraid.
Thank you Janis F. Kearney for introducing me to this remarkable woman.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative but not well written; it kept repeating itself - making much fodder out of little information.

[tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in rural and conservative Arkansas, I was embarrassed to learn at the age of 18 the significant role Daisy Bates played in the Little Rock Nine Crisis. The town I grew up in did not do a great job of teaching the significance of African-Americans in Arkansas. I grew up 45 minutes from Little Rock and didn’t learn the important details of the Crisis until college.

Despite my disappointment in not knowing about Daisy Bates’ contributions to the world sooner, I am happy I made time to read about the work that she did throughout her life. This is the second book I’ve read on the Little Rock Nine, the first being Carlotta LaNier Walls’ amazing book A Mighty Long Way - highly recommend!

There is so much more to this crisis than one could ever imagine and the only way to gain as much knowledge as possible is through reading books. I’ve learned more about not only about Daisy and LC Bates but also Janice Kearney‘s relationship with the Bates.

A few years ago I visited Huttig, Arkansas to see what the close school buildings looked like and now that I have that experience in my back pocket, I’m able to envision what life may have been like there for Daisy. This book helps place so many of the puzzle pieces that were missing in my knowledge of her life story.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more not only about the Little Rock Nine Crisis but also the life of a true civil rights shero.

[Marieta Grissom · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book contains valuable information about Daisy Gatson Bates and her fight for integration in Arkansas. It is described on the cover as "creative non-fiction" and it is definitely creative. I had difficulty following the flow of the story and understanding Ms. Kearney's intent on handling the information about Miss Daisy, as it seems to contain considerable redundancy.

[David Grissom · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is a good book on the money lenders & the money grabbers. Neither one is interested in the victims and getting then back into the city after Katrina.

[Sarah Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was well researched. It was not a conventional biography. It jumped around, but was easy to follow. The end was great as it took Daisy Bates’ words from her letters and interviews.

[Risha1983 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. The author came to the library where I work and did a book signing just earlier this year. I got the chance to very briefly meet Mrs. Bates before she died and it was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. An old childhood friend of mine had become her nurse. We hadn't seen or heard from each other in a long time. We met up at Mrs.Bates house. The t.v. was up so loud. I assumed it was because she was trying to listen to the news. I shook her hand and thanked her for all she had done. She looked at me, but didn't say anything. I was star-struck and could barely move despite the blaring t.v. I didn't stay at the house too much longer after that but as I said I will never forget it. This book give me a closer insight into the type of strong and courageous woman she really was. I hate that she died on my birthday in 1999. May she rest in peace.

[Reardon Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was as wowed by Daisy's story as I was meeting Janis at the Arkansas conference.
Both are true warriors.