What do you think?
Rate this book
Poison from the Pulpit
In the 1960's South, a small town in Alabama has its hands full when a young preacher from the North is sent down to pastor an all White church.
The preacher butts heads with the good 'ol boys’ mentality of segregation, and hate. His desire for equality causes outrage amongst the congregation.
In his zeal to do what is right he makes a horrible mistake. Now, he must decide whether to pursue justice and put a stop to the evil that has gripped the town, or flee to protect his wife and daughter.
The preacher butts heads with the good 'ol boys’ mentality of segregation, and hate. His desire for equality causes outrage amongst the congregation.
In his zeal to do what is right he makes a horrible mistake. Now, he must decide whether to pursue justice and put a stop to the evil that has gripped the town, or flee to protect his wife and daughter.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2014
15 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Read
October 7, 2016GOD'S Blessings at Work
I didn't know what to expect when I chose this book. As I began to read I also started thinking how GOD used us for HIS works. It isn't always the way we would want things to be, but HIS will, will be done. We are to be obedient at all cost. This book was a real page Turner. Enjoyed it immensely.
I didn't know what to expect when I chose this book. As I began to read I also started thinking how GOD used us for HIS works. It isn't always the way we would want things to be, but HIS will, will be done. We are to be obedient at all cost. This book was a real page Turner. Enjoyed it immensely.
September 14, 2015
Racism personified into the sixties in the Southeastern U.S.
Pastor Jonathan was raised in the Pacific Northwest, in Olympia, Washington, but it is difficult for him, his wife Lily and his daughter Angela to live on the small wages he received. In the meantime, in Denton, Alabama, Pastor Cobb, a real dramatic pastor with a hatred of Blacks and with the forcefulness to keep the White members of his Church confined to his way of thinking, dropped dead. He had a group of Deacons that were called the Posse, who made sure all Whites conformed to Pastor Cobb’s rules, including torture and murder. After Cobb’s death, this was an active White Church and they started searching for a new minister. Although they tried, they couldn’t find a Southern minister and the only one available was Pastor Jonathan. Pastor Jonathan and his family had no idea about the extreme racial discrimination in the Southeast and the first time he saw it was when they were getting on the bus to go to Denton from the airport, the Blacks were told to sit in the rear and the Whites in the front. Next he noticed that when walking down the sidewalks, all Blacks stepped into the street when coming up to a White. By the time he had his first sermon, he realized that there was a deliberate separation of the Whites from the Blacks and he was determined to change this. Innocently, he deliberately had his first sermon stating that Jesus never stayed apart from any one because of the color of his skin. Some people walked out on him.
The Church paid a Black maid, Maude, to come and cook for them and clean and Jonathan became very friendly with her. She asked him to quit picking up after himself, etc. and doing her work for she could lose her job. He made her a deal that he would if she would come on Sunday to his Church, he wouldn’t pick up after himself. She told him the congregation wouldn’t like it and it might start trouble, but never realizing the truth of her statements, he held her to it. When she entered the church the next Sunday, it upset everyone and several people left. The next day Maude didn’t show up for work and Jonathan for the first time entered the Black portion of Denton and found Maude with her face all cut up from a razor blade, beat up and probably with a broken rib. Jonathan realized finally this was retribution for her daring to sit in a White Church. He also saw how poorly the Blacks lived in their restricted part of Denton. He had Maude taken by ambulance to the nearest Black hospital and paid for her being there over a week. It took Maude a few weeks to recover and in the meantime, Jonathan was warned by some well-meaning Whites, to stop pushing mixing Whites and Blacks. Someone was going to get killed and three men were named as having died for being too friendly with Blacks.
This is an intense emotional story. It traces the extreme racism between Whites and Blacks up to and through the sixties. The author does a great job of character and scene building. Jonathan had been a football player and was not afraid, and when he felt injustice was occurring, he stepped up and tried to fix it. He was truly naïve, never realizing the challenge and danger he was facing from these racists, even though he was warned by many. The story is dramatic and realistic.
The only problem with the story is typos, wrong words, and needs a strong editing, which actually disturbs the descriptions when they are faulty. The reader has to trace the sentence words to determine the author’s intent. I would urge the author to have it edited and reprinted correctly. It is too fine a story to be left like this and it is because of this I could only give it four stars instead of five.
I was given a complimentary e-book copy for an honest review.
Pastor Jonathan was raised in the Pacific Northwest, in Olympia, Washington, but it is difficult for him, his wife Lily and his daughter Angela to live on the small wages he received. In the meantime, in Denton, Alabama, Pastor Cobb, a real dramatic pastor with a hatred of Blacks and with the forcefulness to keep the White members of his Church confined to his way of thinking, dropped dead. He had a group of Deacons that were called the Posse, who made sure all Whites conformed to Pastor Cobb’s rules, including torture and murder. After Cobb’s death, this was an active White Church and they started searching for a new minister. Although they tried, they couldn’t find a Southern minister and the only one available was Pastor Jonathan. Pastor Jonathan and his family had no idea about the extreme racial discrimination in the Southeast and the first time he saw it was when they were getting on the bus to go to Denton from the airport, the Blacks were told to sit in the rear and the Whites in the front. Next he noticed that when walking down the sidewalks, all Blacks stepped into the street when coming up to a White. By the time he had his first sermon, he realized that there was a deliberate separation of the Whites from the Blacks and he was determined to change this. Innocently, he deliberately had his first sermon stating that Jesus never stayed apart from any one because of the color of his skin. Some people walked out on him.
The Church paid a Black maid, Maude, to come and cook for them and clean and Jonathan became very friendly with her. She asked him to quit picking up after himself, etc. and doing her work for she could lose her job. He made her a deal that he would if she would come on Sunday to his Church, he wouldn’t pick up after himself. She told him the congregation wouldn’t like it and it might start trouble, but never realizing the truth of her statements, he held her to it. When she entered the church the next Sunday, it upset everyone and several people left. The next day Maude didn’t show up for work and Jonathan for the first time entered the Black portion of Denton and found Maude with her face all cut up from a razor blade, beat up and probably with a broken rib. Jonathan realized finally this was retribution for her daring to sit in a White Church. He also saw how poorly the Blacks lived in their restricted part of Denton. He had Maude taken by ambulance to the nearest Black hospital and paid for her being there over a week. It took Maude a few weeks to recover and in the meantime, Jonathan was warned by some well-meaning Whites, to stop pushing mixing Whites and Blacks. Someone was going to get killed and three men were named as having died for being too friendly with Blacks.
This is an intense emotional story. It traces the extreme racism between Whites and Blacks up to and through the sixties. The author does a great job of character and scene building. Jonathan had been a football player and was not afraid, and when he felt injustice was occurring, he stepped up and tried to fix it. He was truly naïve, never realizing the challenge and danger he was facing from these racists, even though he was warned by many. The story is dramatic and realistic.
The only problem with the story is typos, wrong words, and needs a strong editing, which actually disturbs the descriptions when they are faulty. The reader has to trace the sentence words to determine the author’s intent. I would urge the author to have it edited and reprinted correctly. It is too fine a story to be left like this and it is because of this I could only give it four stars instead of five.
I was given a complimentary e-book copy for an honest review.
November 18, 2014
Based in the 1960’s, This story visits the realism of segregation in the South. Times were different.
When Pastor Eulus Cobb dies of a heart attack in the middle of his church sermon. His congregation mourns deeply. His passing is a catalyst for change in the still segregated small town of Denton, Alabama. When Pastor Jonathan Taylor agrees to fill Cobb’s shoes. He has no idea what he’s signed up for. Jonathan, his wife Lilly, and their daughter Angela move from Olympia, Washington to Denton, Alabama. The first steps off the airplane are met with a blast of heat and humidity. That’s not the only big change they are in for. When the congregation makes their personal beliefs obvious. Pastor Taylor sets out to do what he feels is right. To teach the people of Denton; love sees no color. His congregation fights back. Calling the Church Headquarters in Montgomery complaining of a Northerner being sent to teach in the South, demanding Pastor Taylor be removed from their church. Flavious Baxter is sent from church head quarters to Denton to investigate the congregations complaints, what he finds is not a preacher gone awry.
I was riveted to this story. The emotional battles come alive and out of the pages. Gripping the reader. There was one thing I didn’t like, which had nothing to do with the story. There seemed to be quite a few wording errors. They seem to be spell check or auto correct errors. I’m not a grammar Nazi and often can look past it. There were just too many in sporadic intervals for me to ignore. When I’m deeply enthralled and have to stop to make sure what word didn’t fit. It breaks my rhythm leaving me feeling a bit frustrated, distracting me from the story. For that reason, and that reason alone…I give this book 3 stars.
When Pastor Eulus Cobb dies of a heart attack in the middle of his church sermon. His congregation mourns deeply. His passing is a catalyst for change in the still segregated small town of Denton, Alabama. When Pastor Jonathan Taylor agrees to fill Cobb’s shoes. He has no idea what he’s signed up for. Jonathan, his wife Lilly, and their daughter Angela move from Olympia, Washington to Denton, Alabama. The first steps off the airplane are met with a blast of heat and humidity. That’s not the only big change they are in for. When the congregation makes their personal beliefs obvious. Pastor Taylor sets out to do what he feels is right. To teach the people of Denton; love sees no color. His congregation fights back. Calling the Church Headquarters in Montgomery complaining of a Northerner being sent to teach in the South, demanding Pastor Taylor be removed from their church. Flavious Baxter is sent from church head quarters to Denton to investigate the congregations complaints, what he finds is not a preacher gone awry.
I was riveted to this story. The emotional battles come alive and out of the pages. Gripping the reader. There was one thing I didn’t like, which had nothing to do with the story. There seemed to be quite a few wording errors. They seem to be spell check or auto correct errors. I’m not a grammar Nazi and often can look past it. There were just too many in sporadic intervals for me to ignore. When I’m deeply enthralled and have to stop to make sure what word didn’t fit. It breaks my rhythm leaving me feeling a bit frustrated, distracting me from the story. For that reason, and that reason alone…I give this book 3 stars.
April 13, 2015
This was a truly entertaining and engaging read. The detailed scenery and intense heat of the south comes to life in the author's unique literary voice. His characters were well developed and I definitely enjoyed analyzing the differences in how the various characters reacted to seeing the beyond harsh treatment of African American's of the south. Our main character, Pastor Jonathan, is from Olympia, Washington along with his wife and daughter. When higher pay brings his family to the south, the treatment of the black community is poor, something they aren't used to in the pacific northwest where there's not much diversity. The different reactions of Jonathan's family members were interesting to see, as the desire to fit in to one's environment is present in most people. It's whether or not that desire is greater than their desire to live morally and go against the flow.
I so enjoyed getting to know Pastor Jonathan, as he seemed like a truly good man who based his life on values and purpose. A breath of fresh air! And the central message of equality is clearly displayed in the man's actions and words.
Over all, great book and I recommend to anyone looking for an engaging and intense read.
I so enjoyed getting to know Pastor Jonathan, as he seemed like a truly good man who based his life on values and purpose. A breath of fresh air! And the central message of equality is clearly displayed in the man's actions and words.
Over all, great book and I recommend to anyone looking for an engaging and intense read.
April 6, 2015
I liked this book - this story!
I like reading fiction, but I want it to be worth my time. The story needs to grab my attention and keep it. This book did just that!
The author finds unique ways to bring the ugliness and pain caused by segregation directly into the lives of the story's white congregation. It's certainly not the level felt by the blacks, but the message is received. Jonathan and his wife work together to overcome the fear that has allowed evil to reign and dominate the congregation. The suspense builds so that, towards the end of the story, it's hard to put the book down. There definitely was much more to this story than I expected.
I like reading fiction, but I want it to be worth my time. The story needs to grab my attention and keep it. This book did just that!
The author finds unique ways to bring the ugliness and pain caused by segregation directly into the lives of the story's white congregation. It's certainly not the level felt by the blacks, but the message is received. Jonathan and his wife work together to overcome the fear that has allowed evil to reign and dominate the congregation. The suspense builds so that, towards the end of the story, it's hard to put the book down. There definitely was much more to this story than I expected.
April 13, 2015
Poison From The Pulpit was a very good read! It grabbed my attention and I couldn't wait to turn the page! I am glad we have come such a long way from the sixties south and the way they treated people. I really liked the main character Jonathan. He was true to his faith and had a really good heart even in tough situations. The Pie Lady was an interesting aspect in the book and I liked the history that went into her side of the story. The ending was uplifting which was nice considering how many books I have read in the past year with ridiculous or sad endings. I definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting a quick and entertaining read.
June 25, 2016
About a pastor , his wife and young daughter who lived in the North. Down South the pastor died so they had to find another one and the only one they could spare was Pastor Johnathan from up North.
As soon as they arrived there he knew something wasnt right. There were colored people on the bus but had to stand. He was as polite as he always was . Well in this part of the South they didnt treat them as equal to the white folks. Most people in the all white church didnt like him because he tried to tell them we are all equal. Things got really bad and dangerous for lots of people after awhile. About hatred and how it causes lots of problems for everyone.
As soon as they arrived there he knew something wasnt right. There were colored people on the bus but had to stand. He was as polite as he always was . Well in this part of the South they didnt treat them as equal to the white folks. Most people in the all white church didnt like him because he tried to tell them we are all equal. Things got really bad and dangerous for lots of people after awhile. About hatred and how it causes lots of problems for everyone.
September 14, 2016
A GoodReads GiveAway
No doubt, the author feels passionately about his story — racism in the American South. For the most part this is an entertaining, satisfying yarn, well worth reading.
Unfortunately, it could benefit from closer proofing. There are far too many usage errors and the like to cause distraction.
For instance: at one point Reverend Jonathan Taylor "stopped dead in his tracts."
Although, I s'pose, considering Jonathan is a preacher, he very well could have stopped dead in his "tracts" eh b'ys?
No doubt, the author feels passionately about his story — racism in the American South. For the most part this is an entertaining, satisfying yarn, well worth reading.
Unfortunately, it could benefit from closer proofing. There are far too many usage errors and the like to cause distraction.
For instance: at one point Reverend Jonathan Taylor "stopped dead in his tracts."
Although, I s'pose, considering Jonathan is a preacher, he very well could have stopped dead in his "tracts" eh b'ys?
October 22, 2014
Good story that shows that poison takes many forms and can be just as deadly. A pastor from the north comes to a southern town to replace a pastor that dropped dead as he was preaching. What he finds is an undercurrent of evil. Can he figure out what is going on? This was a truly good book but is in need of an edit. If it was not for that, I would have given it a 5 star rating. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review,
January 31, 2015
Good story that shows that poison takes many forms and can be just as deadly. A pastor from the north comes to a southern town to replace a pastor that dropped dead as he was preaching. What he finds is an undercurrent of evil. Can he figure out what is going on? This was a truly good book but is in need of an edit. If it was not for that, I would have given it a 5 star rating. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review,
February 3, 2015
This novel is about standing up to what you believe in. I must say, this is quite a religious reading. But as a catholic, I totally understand the idea and the message behind this story. As many others think, as good as this novel, surely can hide the grammatical error. I suggest the author hire a professional editor not just to do the editing but also to furnish the whole story. I recommend this book to read with your kids, but of course with guidance. Overall, I liked what I read.
July 9, 2015
What a great book.So sad to think things like this really happened.I got so caught up in jonathans story and so worried for his family ,the end was a relief that they were all ok.When jim took angela i was so scared for her .Jim deserved to die.I received this book free as part of goodreads first reads program. I highly recomend this book.
January 17, 2016
Bad
This book is poorly written and I couldn't finish it. The dialog is really not believable and there were several grammatical errors. It's too bad, as I think the story could have been interesting.
This book is poorly written and I couldn't finish it. The dialog is really not believable and there were several grammatical errors. It's too bad, as I think the story could have been interesting.
January 28, 2016
Poisonous thinking
This book exemplifies the climate of the South in the '60's. The conflict of good against evil really makes you think a about your core values. A good quick read that really makes your conscience work.
This book exemplifies the climate of the South in the '60's. The conflict of good against evil really makes you think a about your core values. A good quick read that really makes your conscience work.
September 14, 2015
Poison
Wonderful book, well written. Tells the true story of how things were in the south. Pray to GOD that they aren't ever like this again.
Wonderful book, well written. Tells the true story of how things were in the south. Pray to GOD that they aren't ever like this again.
September 11, 2015
Excellent
Well-written and realistic portrayal of conditions in the South, when racial discrimination was so much an accepted way of life.
Well-written and realistic portrayal of conditions in the South, when racial discrimination was so much an accepted way of life.
December 27, 2015
Racism
A well written book about the early 60s and racism in the south. A good pastor can help change the way people think by example and his sermons.
A well written book about the early 60s and racism in the south. A good pastor can help change the way people think by example and his sermons.
December 19, 2015
Pure poison !!!
This book showed so much of what was and is wrong with our society and the end result of believing in the words as we are meant to believe...very good book...
This book showed so much of what was and is wrong with our society and the end result of believing in the words as we are meant to believe...very good book...
February 21, 2016
I enjoyed this Book but cringed at all the errors in spelling and usage. Who ever proof read this needs an English class review.
Read
May 20, 2016Oh well!!!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews