Maggie's American Dream: The Life and Times of a Black Family

by James P. Comer, Charlayne Hunter-Gault (Foreword)

This family success story centers on Maggie Comer, an unskilled, illiterate Black woman who rose from abject poverty in the rural South to become the mother of five college-educated children

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, History, Biography Memoir, Biography

228 pages, Paperback

First published November 22, 1988

Reviews

[Crystal (Melanatedreader) Forte' · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you got a couple of hours… this is beautiful. The story of a family destined for greatness. Loved Ruby Dee’s Narration. The story of Black heritage from generation to generation and a mother’s determination although she didn’t have a formal education to make sure her children were educated through all of life’s struggles.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful description of the struggles of an African American family during a time where most white families were afforded opportunities to climb the social and economic ladder. If anyone asks me, "Why are black people still poor if they've been free of slavery for so long?" I refer them to this book.

[Valerie Capels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish this book could be required reading in every school.

[Mikyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great book to read, not only because i'm learning about slavery in english and history, but this book really showed in depth how a family lives through back in the day right after slavery ended. I loved the detail the author wrote in from the slang he used and the explanations. I didn't hate too much about it but it was kind of hard to follow. It was interesting how they thought and how they after treated even after slavery ended.

This helps me understand myself and how cruel people were back then. It was just a normal thing to abuse someone for their color but now everything is equal. Americanism ties in because it shows how America used to be and how it has changed for the better. Us individuals pick up values and need to treat people better. Here's a question: Did they enjoy their life? A normal person from the 21st century might say of course not. They were suffering and getting a little money and were having family struggles. They would probably say for their time, it was a good life. The family had a great job for their race at the time and were happy with the kids and roommates.

A quote from the book: "Everybody will be better off, black folks and white folks. That's my dream now."

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves history or wants a great boo to read. Anyone can enjoy this book.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

First half written by uneducated but very smart mother was just OK. Second half was by very well educated son and was quite informative about Real life for blacks in America form the depression on. A very honest and even more interesting, very understanding point of view.

[Annarino K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read by and about a remarkable woman and her medical doctor son, sharing their life together with their family throughout the 20th century.

Short chapters with uplifting observations and messages.

[Gail Kennon · Rating 3 out of 5]

well written, warm and loving portrait of a mother, family, and the successful author and provocative questions about education and the failure of the schools to successfuly educate many young black children.

[Nicole Gauvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story. Would really appeal to elementary school teachers.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazingly wonderful. It taught me the true meaning of motherhood, and some things I've never thought about when raising a child.

[Stephanie O'Donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s short but a wonderful story and I was sad when it ended. I wanted to hear so much more about this family.

[Izzy Trinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

So interesting! As primary a source on historocal Black lives as you could ever want.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting look at a Black family in the first half of the twentieth century. One is forced to wonder whether we have yet learned much of anything.

[Wendy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was like I was sitting in a room listening to someone's story. I was able to recognize some areas too - Continental Steel was where my family worked! Overall, this is a must read.

[Ridhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving tale of a black family and their struggles to achieve American dream through education.

[Sandra Strange · Rating 3 out of 5]

This positive memoir was written in the late 1980's, unfortunately. The author records his mother's memories of her sweet, enduring, service-laden, positive life raising her children with her good husband in Chicago. He goes on to give his version, telling not only of the struggles and joys of black families in the industrial city, but also of his challenges-- to achieve, to become a doctor, then find a life as a public health authority, and as someone who helps transform struggling African-American schools. And that's why I'm sad that this book is out of the 1980's--his reforms and concepts for education are so sensible and so positive, involving the parents and community in the reforms so that they work in and outside the school. If only these same concepts could be applied in schools throughout the country, instead of the "testing--testing--testing" we are getting now. The book is gentle and positive.

[Jameil · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first third (with the mom) dragged and dragged with no real action. The style shouldn't have been hard to read with short chapters but it was. It was like listening to someone tell a story only interesting to those who know her. Once the son picked up the story, things didn't get interesting until he reached college. The last third to quarter of the book was actually intensely interesting. I could've read much more of his successful school programs. Also didn't like how the siblings were introduced but not developed at all. I found it really distracting.

[Sheffy · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I read this for 10th grade English class, I thought it "carried on" too long.