What do you think?
Rate this book
NEWSPAPER CHRONICLES
Based on a true story.
The story follows the fictional account of one character, Leslie Louise Allen, working at a major newspaper in Downtown Detroit. From her perspective on race; interactions of colleagues; circulation wars; new hires; layoffs and romance, she takes us on a harrowing journey thru the 70s and 80s when Detroit was a two-newspaper town. There is humor, sadness, and redemption.
The story follows the fictional account of one character, Leslie Louise Allen, working at a major newspaper in Downtown Detroit. From her perspective on race; interactions of colleagues; circulation wars; new hires; layoffs and romance, she takes us on a harrowing journey thru the 70s and 80s when Detroit was a two-newspaper town. There is humor, sadness, and redemption.
31 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2018
5 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Harris-Slaughter
7 books65 followersI was born in Detroit and raised in the Charter Twp. of Royal Oak, MI. My parents put me in Catholic School at a very young age and it became a significant part of who I am today. We were baptized and became a part of this Catholic Community which I write about in my book titled: Our Lady of Victory, the Saga of an African American Catholic Community. I love old buildings and things of historical significance. Losing our church is what inspired me to write about its history. Seems everything around me was closing and so I tried to capture it and an old train station in downtown Detroit.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 26, 2021
The quote, "It was unheard of. Michigan has always been a two-newspaper town, until it wasn't," from the first chapter of the Newspaper Chronicles by Shirley Harrison-Slaughter, hooked me to read on. It is the life journey of a Black woman, Leslie Louise Allen, whose dream of working for a major newspaper comes true in 1978. A go-getter, she begins her career at the Detroit Daily Bugle after experiencing the tragic loss of her brother in Viet Nam and a divorce from her first husband, leaving her with a toddler to raise alone. Leslie lands a job in the Promotion Department, and her future looks bright as she moves on to other positions and meets the challenges of interracial dating, subtle racism, and corporate politics.
Author Shirley Harrison-Slaughter captures the strong voice of her protagonist, Leslie. The narrative is engaging and provides a glimpse into what it was like working at a newspaper. Leslie is a likable and inspirational character whom I can root for. She is an optimist with a keen eye on how she can advance her career and learn the skills to excel. The short story works best when the author goes into more detail in a scene, such as her interracial romance with a fellow co-worker. Some of Leslie's experiences at the newspapers and her family background were glossed over, making me want to know more. This is a memorable story that could be enhanced in a novel that allows for a more in-depth perspective of corporate politics and subtle racism.
Newspaper Chronicles is an inspirational short story that shows the bliss and let-downs of a Black woman determined to rise above the fray and stay true to herself. Highly recommended.
Author Shirley Harrison-Slaughter captures the strong voice of her protagonist, Leslie. The narrative is engaging and provides a glimpse into what it was like working at a newspaper. Leslie is a likable and inspirational character whom I can root for. She is an optimist with a keen eye on how she can advance her career and learn the skills to excel. The short story works best when the author goes into more detail in a scene, such as her interracial romance with a fellow co-worker. Some of Leslie's experiences at the newspapers and her family background were glossed over, making me want to know more. This is a memorable story that could be enhanced in a novel that allows for a more in-depth perspective of corporate politics and subtle racism.
Newspaper Chronicles is an inspirational short story that shows the bliss and let-downs of a Black woman determined to rise above the fray and stay true to herself. Highly recommended.
July 1, 2019
While I’m not an African-American woman who’s worked for a major newspaper in a major city, I have written items for a relatively small community newspaper and I’ve been exposed basic essentials of the male-dominated world of newspapers. Being a child of the 1950’s I share a sort of kinship with that of the story’s protagonist, Louise Allen, with what she had to endure during the decades of the 1970’s and 1980’s; albeit my time with newspapers lasted from the mid 1990’s to the mid-2000’s.
That being said, I can essentially attest to much of what she had to endure, making this fictionalized story quite real. The chronicle formatting of this short story being presented by the author, although well-written, read like a miniaturized diary of the protagonist’s experience with some poignant portions/details being diminished or possibly left out; particularly if they might have dealt with painful, racial discriminatory events of what she’d endured; which is something that an individual like myself should have been made aware of. I would have loved reading a novella length book of this same story leaving Ms. Slaughter the 4 STARS I’ve given her.
That being said, I can essentially attest to much of what she had to endure, making this fictionalized story quite real. The chronicle formatting of this short story being presented by the author, although well-written, read like a miniaturized diary of the protagonist’s experience with some poignant portions/details being diminished or possibly left out; particularly if they might have dealt with painful, racial discriminatory events of what she’d endured; which is something that an individual like myself should have been made aware of. I would have loved reading a novella length book of this same story leaving Ms. Slaughter the 4 STARS I’ve given her.
November 29, 2020
This story follows the main character through several positions at different newspapers during the 70s and 80s. I enjoyed the story and Leslie's depiction of the racism and misogyny during those times as well as the insight to life in a newspaper. I gave it three stars because there were a few errors. I had a little bit of difficulty connecting to the character. It could be because it was a short story or perhaps it was because it was more telling than showing for me. Still, I enjoyed it. :-)
June 25, 2019
The Newspaper Chronicles by Shirley Harris-Slaughter is a high-level account of an African-American woman's experiences working in the newspaper industry in the 1970s and 80s. The short story is aptly categorized, given that I started and finished reading the 31-page piece during an hour-long plane ride. The story flows smoothly and is practically over before it begins.
While I learned a little bit about the discrimination a black woman faces in the professional world, I felt the piece contained too much telling and not enough showing to grip me emotionally. Thus, I was not able to deeply experience the way in which the main character, Leslie, was treated. Months and years of Leslie's experiences fly by in brief sentences and paragraphs. Many characters are nothing more than names mentioned. Only during the scenes with Randy, the main character's most notable love interest, did the author show enough to immerse me in the narrative.
The piece covers situations in which Leslie is treated differently because of the color of her skin. However--and the following perception probably has a lot to do with the telling-versus-showing--it didn't seem to me that Leslie had things all that bad. Despite awkward social situations and inequitable compensation, Leslie still manages to advance her career. Superiors and others in the industry express a desire to help her succeed, often soliciting her for new positions. Many men, both white and black, express strong romantic interest in Leslie, who has quite a few positive experiences in the realm of love. None of the men abuse her or end relationships with her because of her race (not that the author mentions, anyway).
All in all, the short piece is mechanically well-polished but reads more like a first draft, content-wise. It unfolds as a high-level summary of what happened. The quick scenes and worthwhile ideas could use to be fleshed out and elaborated upon to allow the reader to feel what it was like to walk in Leslie's shoes. Perhaps the author's intent was to quickly jot down the basics and move on to other projects. Maybe that's why this piece is a short story and not a novel. At any rate, as an educated white male, I cannot relate to Leslie's experiences. That's why I picked up this story. I wanted to learn. And while there's insight to be gleaned from the story, it strikes me as only the tip of the iceberg.
While I learned a little bit about the discrimination a black woman faces in the professional world, I felt the piece contained too much telling and not enough showing to grip me emotionally. Thus, I was not able to deeply experience the way in which the main character, Leslie, was treated. Months and years of Leslie's experiences fly by in brief sentences and paragraphs. Many characters are nothing more than names mentioned. Only during the scenes with Randy, the main character's most notable love interest, did the author show enough to immerse me in the narrative.
The piece covers situations in which Leslie is treated differently because of the color of her skin. However--and the following perception probably has a lot to do with the telling-versus-showing--it didn't seem to me that Leslie had things all that bad. Despite awkward social situations and inequitable compensation, Leslie still manages to advance her career. Superiors and others in the industry express a desire to help her succeed, often soliciting her for new positions. Many men, both white and black, express strong romantic interest in Leslie, who has quite a few positive experiences in the realm of love. None of the men abuse her or end relationships with her because of her race (not that the author mentions, anyway).
All in all, the short piece is mechanically well-polished but reads more like a first draft, content-wise. It unfolds as a high-level summary of what happened. The quick scenes and worthwhile ideas could use to be fleshed out and elaborated upon to allow the reader to feel what it was like to walk in Leslie's shoes. Perhaps the author's intent was to quickly jot down the basics and move on to other projects. Maybe that's why this piece is a short story and not a novel. At any rate, as an educated white male, I cannot relate to Leslie's experiences. That's why I picked up this story. I wanted to learn. And while there's insight to be gleaned from the story, it strikes me as only the tip of the iceberg.
March 22, 2019
I loved Shirley Harris - Slaughter's shot story 'Newspaper Chronicles'. In this short story, Slaughter has shown to us that in the 1970-80's it was difficult for a woman of colour to find the respect she deserved. Is it still the same today? How many times have you been discriminated against just because of the colour of your skin? When will the glass ceiling effect 'break' for women & especially women of color? These & more questions will pop into your minds as you read Slaughter's well crafted & presented short story 'Newspaper Chronicles'. The story is a quick read & a must read for those of us who still struggle at our place of work because of old prejudices be it racism, sexism, communalism, casteism, regionalism etc., The list goes on, but Slaughter wants to ask you through this thought provoking short story that when will it all end? Do read 'Newspaper Chronicles' by Slaughter. It's a quick read, informative about the life in a Newspaper agency in the 1970-80's & is very thought provoking. If you are working woman who is not getting equal pay or respect for your work, then this is definitely a short story you should be reading. If you have faced discrimination & have been laid off at work only because of prejudice then you should read 'Newspaper Chronicles'. I hope to read more books & short stories penned by Slaughter in the near future. Do support her & happy reading to you all !
June 30, 2019
‘The Newspaper Chronicles’ by Shirley Harris – Slaughter tells the story of racial discrimination in the 70s and 80s, without putting any real emotion into it. This story begins abruptly saying: Fourteen years later… I kept waiting for those fourteen years, which seem to have passed, I thought the author would come back to tell us more about them, probably something that would be revealed when the reference comes but she doesn’t say much about those years.
The book is just an outline of a lifetime experience that cries out for elaboration. Leslie’s life was quite eventful, with ups and downs but the story focuses more on one aspect – her ill treatment at work places. Other events have been compressed to unimaginable proportions – no details about her failed marriage, how she managed with a little child and no work, why couldn’t she marry Randy, how Cameron came into her life and was accepted by her child. Characters fall face down as they are at the mercy of Shirley. Even Randy, who loved her deeply gets a few words mention. I couldn’t connect with any one of them.
The story raises a relevant question though. It looks the reader in the eye and asks how much of discrimination has been rooted out and that is where it wins my admiration.
The book is just an outline of a lifetime experience that cries out for elaboration. Leslie’s life was quite eventful, with ups and downs but the story focuses more on one aspect – her ill treatment at work places. Other events have been compressed to unimaginable proportions – no details about her failed marriage, how she managed with a little child and no work, why couldn’t she marry Randy, how Cameron came into her life and was accepted by her child. Characters fall face down as they are at the mercy of Shirley. Even Randy, who loved her deeply gets a few words mention. I couldn’t connect with any one of them.
The story raises a relevant question though. It looks the reader in the eye and asks how much of discrimination has been rooted out and that is where it wins my admiration.
February 1, 2025
I enjoyed reading NEWSPAPER CHRONICLES by Shirley Slaughter. This short story touched upon the working career of a black woman in the newspaper business in a two-newspaper town. Leslie Louise Allen entered the Detroit job market in 1978 and soon entered an interracial love fest with a fellow employee - taboo at the time. The author also cites episodes of racism during her career but doesn't go into detail about the events, the actions taken, and how they affected her emotionally. The characters were flat and I had no emotional ties to any of them.
There is very little dialog—only a few sentences—and a lot of telling which made me feel like I was reading Ms. Allen's journal entries instead of a story about her hardships and suffering during those following years.
The author attempts to show readers how a black woman was singled out and experienced harassment while working in the newspaper industry. Instead, I found Leslie to be well-educated, a go-getter, a woman who was good at what she did, and one who was sought after by managers in various departments to come and work for them.
I feel that to broach the subjects of racism and harassment, a story will need much more than just thirty-one pages. I gave Newspaper Chronicles three stars.
There is very little dialog—only a few sentences—and a lot of telling which made me feel like I was reading Ms. Allen's journal entries instead of a story about her hardships and suffering during those following years.
The author attempts to show readers how a black woman was singled out and experienced harassment while working in the newspaper industry. Instead, I found Leslie to be well-educated, a go-getter, a woman who was good at what she did, and one who was sought after by managers in various departments to come and work for them.
I feel that to broach the subjects of racism and harassment, a story will need much more than just thirty-one pages. I gave Newspaper Chronicles three stars.
December 9, 2020
A Black Woman Tells Her Story
I’ve read Shirley Harris-Slaughter before and had no hesitation to give her five stars, then. However, NEWSPAPER CHRONICLES left me with mixed emotions even though I admire the author’s efforts to tackle this difficult subject - racial discrimination in the workplace. I felt saddened to read Leslie Louise Allen’s story about the effects discrimination in the workplace during the 1970’s had on her life. I realise this is a short story, but I longed to get more in touch with the main character, perhaps by means of meaningful dialogue and descriptive scene setting, rather than a lot of telling, quickly moving from one job to the next with gaps in between. I would love to read more about Leslie’s emotional state, her inner feelings and her handling of each situation after a relationship fails, for example. As the reader, I want to become part of her life to be able to really get to know her and what she went through. In my opinion, the story is too rushed, jumps about between the tenses, and overlooks important emotional issues and workplace ethics. Perhaps Leslie’s story could become a novella? There is still so much to explore!
I’ve read Shirley Harris-Slaughter before and had no hesitation to give her five stars, then. However, NEWSPAPER CHRONICLES left me with mixed emotions even though I admire the author’s efforts to tackle this difficult subject - racial discrimination in the workplace. I felt saddened to read Leslie Louise Allen’s story about the effects discrimination in the workplace during the 1970’s had on her life. I realise this is a short story, but I longed to get more in touch with the main character, perhaps by means of meaningful dialogue and descriptive scene setting, rather than a lot of telling, quickly moving from one job to the next with gaps in between. I would love to read more about Leslie’s emotional state, her inner feelings and her handling of each situation after a relationship fails, for example. As the reader, I want to become part of her life to be able to really get to know her and what she went through. In my opinion, the story is too rushed, jumps about between the tenses, and overlooks important emotional issues and workplace ethics. Perhaps Leslie’s story could become a novella? There is still so much to explore!
March 11, 2019
The story of Leslie Louise Allen is a bit salacious as well as telling. Young beautiful women who want to work in a profession largely populated by men are always meat for men who ogle them. So, it is not a surprise to read about how Leslie had to dodge men at her job, especially, the ones with bad intentions.
She meets Randy, a white guy. They fall in love, they play at love, but she had the sense to know when to call it quits. The times were not ripe for such ties. She continued with her life of fencing off men until she meets the right man.
Apart from a portion where there was a mix-up between the tenses; from past to present, this is a good read.
She meets Randy, a white guy. They fall in love, they play at love, but she had the sense to know when to call it quits. The times were not ripe for such ties. She continued with her life of fencing off men until she meets the right man.
Apart from a portion where there was a mix-up between the tenses; from past to present, this is a good read.
July 29, 2018
This was an interesting short story about one woman's work experience as a black woman in the newspaper industry. The story read more like a chronicle of events. I kept waiting to read more about the deeper emotions and experiences of the main character. For someone like myself, I do not know what it is to be discriminated against and I was hoping to get more inside the character.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews