The Brookes Effect chronicles a high school history teacher’s controversial quest to teach the Trans-Atlantic African slave trade with the same historical scrutiny as the “Holocaust.”
When James Hiers decides to teach his students about the Trans-Atlantic African slave trade, he knows it will be a controversial topic using his methods. Still, he is determined to give his students an accurate picture of this dark chapter in history.
Hiers’ approach is met with resistance from some parents and community members, who believe that his approach is too radical. Undeterred, he thinks it is essential for students to understand the full impact of the slave trade, including its origins, and he is determined to give them the tools they need to think critically about this issue.
As Hiers’ teaching methods become more and more controversial, he finds himself at the center of a media firestorm, but he refuses to back down. He knows the truth is worth fighting for, even if it means putting his career on the line.
Will Hiers be able to teach his students about the Trans-Atlantic slave trade without sacrificing his principles? Or will he be forced to abandon his quest in the face of overwhelming opposition?
Find out in The Brookes Effect, a gripping novel about the power of history and the importance of teaching the truth, no matter how difficult it may be.
The Front of the Books Disclaimer... The Brookes Effect is a work of historical fiction that delves into the Transatlantic slave trade, its lingering effects, and the American Civil War. While all the character names and most of the locations are fictionalized, the historical events and references to all the books, authors, and websites are very much real. The author has meticulously researched and portrayed these events to the best of his ability, striving for historical accuracy and sensitivity.
The novel is set in rural western North Carolina, where the characters grapple with the legacy of slavery and the enduring impact of historical injustices. The author acknowledges this subject's complexities and sensitivities and has approached it with the utmost respect and consideration.
Please be advised that the novel may contain emotionally charged scenes and discussions of violence, racism, and oppression. Readers are encouraged to approach the material with sensitivity and understanding.
The author aims to illuminate a rather dark chapter in history while acknowledging the ongoing struggle for racial equality and social justice. The novel’s fictional narrative serves as a reminder of historical events and the importance of confronting the past to shape a more just and equitable future.
This book was very well written. It had my full attention in the first few pages and I couldn’t put it down. I lost myself in the story and felt like I was right there in class learning about the Trans-Atlantic African slave trade. I laughed and cried and even got a little angry at times. I loved James, the teacher’s non-traditional teaching methods. It would have been fun to have a teacher like him in high school. This was a very engaging, enlightening and informative read. A sequel would be nice.
The Brookes Effect is an interesting story about a man in his 60s living in a small rural town, a history teacher who becomes obsessed with the transatlantic slave trade. James, the protagonist, is a longtime history teacher who simply wants to educate people on the atrocities of the slave trade, this is however, very controversial in a small town and he is met with conflict. The book is well-written, humorous at times, and very well-researched.
Wow. I have long thought that the Bible with all it's revisions, additions, omissions, mis-interpretations and here say was utterly unreliable. I wondered where the ' benevolent' was. So this book really spoke to me. I have also wondered about the slave trade and indigenous Holocausts. How do you justify that to yourself? Money? That's a poor excuse. Unfortunately, the USA is in for another round of similar behavior and thought processes. Kudos for Dean Hall taking this on.
This is not the most well-written book , but the story is well- researched and very powerful. I am glad that this came to my Kindle Unlimited account. I will recommend it to friends and will continue to do more reading about the origins of the slave trade and the repercussions we still suffer from its existence.