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Precious: A True Story
Precious A story of growing up black in a white community, of struggling to find an identity that fits amid conflicting messages, of deciphering a childhood full of secrets and dysfunction. Full description
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
May 29, 2010
All I can say is wow! What a moving, incredible story. It is a story about overcoming adversity and prevailing against life's imperfect circumstances. Precious writes her story with an honesty and clarity that is sometimes lacking in memoirs. Her writing style is smooth and the story flows nicely. This story was not written to amuse, or to make the reader laugh. It is a poignant story that at times, hurts your heart, and at other times fills it with hope.
I was unaware of the practice of the fostering of African children in England during the 60s and 70s that the author herself was a part of. It was difficult for me to understand how Precious's mother could be so cold and indifferent towards her. And I also found myself becoming frustrated with her white foster family as well. Although their intentions were good, Precious was never allowed to come to terms with her true self. Being a kid and growing up is tough enough without having your self-identity in question as well. I think at times, our culture is so obsessed with being politically correct and treating everyone equally, that we forget to acknowledge the value that can be found in our differences. As a culture we should be able to embrace and appreciate our uniqueness and individuality and not look at it as a disadvantage.
Bravo to Ms. Williams for maturing and learning to recognize her value as a person. She was able to overcome her childhood hardships and become a successful journalist. What an inspiring book. This story will stay with me for quite some time.....
I was unaware of the practice of the fostering of African children in England during the 60s and 70s that the author herself was a part of. It was difficult for me to understand how Precious's mother could be so cold and indifferent towards her. And I also found myself becoming frustrated with her white foster family as well. Although their intentions were good, Precious was never allowed to come to terms with her true self. Being a kid and growing up is tough enough without having your self-identity in question as well. I think at times, our culture is so obsessed with being politically correct and treating everyone equally, that we forget to acknowledge the value that can be found in our differences. As a culture we should be able to embrace and appreciate our uniqueness and individuality and not look at it as a disadvantage.
Bravo to Ms. Williams for maturing and learning to recognize her value as a person. She was able to overcome her childhood hardships and become a successful journalist. What an inspiring book. This story will stay with me for quite some time.....
August 14, 2010
Precious Williams is placed in a foster home by her Nigerian mother three months after her birth. “Nanny,” her white foster mother in her late fifties, raises her in an all-white neighborhood in Sussex, England.
Precious’ birth mother visits irregularly and when she does show up she’s abusive physically and emotionally with no regard for the harmful situations she’s placing her daughter in.
Williams’ story is about her search for identity. The memoir focuses primarily on her childhood and teen years in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Her story is heart-wrenching and raw as she exposes the reader to painful experiences that only now as an adult is she able to articulate.
There are similar stories but hers has a few unique aspects. Definitely a nice addition to the subject of racial identity and adoption. Really glad I won this book on Goodreads!
Precious’ birth mother visits irregularly and when she does show up she’s abusive physically and emotionally with no regard for the harmful situations she’s placing her daughter in.
Williams’ story is about her search for identity. The memoir focuses primarily on her childhood and teen years in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Her story is heart-wrenching and raw as she exposes the reader to painful experiences that only now as an adult is she able to articulate.
There are similar stories but hers has a few unique aspects. Definitely a nice addition to the subject of racial identity and adoption. Really glad I won this book on Goodreads!
July 3, 2010
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The description sounded interesting, but I really thought it would be a "look how much I accomplished despite how terrible my early life was" type of story. Instead, it was an honest look at a difficult childhood, but the author was unsparing of herself as well. Very impressive.
July 17, 2010
A mother decided she couldn’t, or wouldn’t, raise a child. She wasn’t struggling to make ends meet. She wasn’t a student trying to obtain a degree. In fact, she was a Nigerian princess. Yet one September day in 1971, she dropped her daughter off in a basket on a white woman’s doorstep.
Private fostering is supposed to be temporary; yet, nothing about Precious Anita Williams life is traditional. Her case is a little different. She lives in a small English town called Woodview with a white sixty-year-old foster mother, Nanny, and her invalid husband, Gramps. Their doormat may say welcome, but they discourage visitors. They rarely even want to welcome Precious’ birth mother, Lizzy.
Over the years, Precious’ family and friends consist of a close-knit bond of just Nanny, Gramps, Aunt Wendy, and Uncle Mick. Other foster children come and go, but their stay is short-lived. Lizzy visits occasionally, interrupting their comfortable home routine. Her random visits usually end with her telling Nanny how to run her household, threatening to take Precious away for good, and believing that material things and money are all that a parent has to provide. Through it all, Precious still manages to realize at a young age that the African rich world she is from isn’t for her. Yet, she doesn’t quite fit into the white world either.
Imagine wanting to learn your roots. Wondering about your rich family history and how you belong. What would it be like to live in Africa? What about the character that Nanny claims is a “living spit” of Precious? What is Topsy of Uncle Tom’s Cabin really like? One day Precious gets the answer to all of these questions, leaving her even more isolated.
Its no wonder when Precious has her own daughter that she is unsure of what a mother’s role should be. “Having babies is something African women can do, but – from what I’ve seen in my life so far – it’s only white women who can be truly maternal.”
Precious finally manages to find the answer and her role in life. This memoir tells her story. It will give you insight into private fostering, issues of race, identity, struggles of color and class, and even a lesson on motherhood.
While reading, there were passages that touched my heart, and others that disturbed me. I still cannot determine whether Nanny was a good influence, or if Lizzy was capable of doing more for Precious. I definitely enjoyed this memoir and recommend to others. In fact, I encourage you to participate in the giveaway below. Add this book to your collection!
To read my interview with Precious Williams, please visit www.precisionreviews.blogspot.com
♥ L. Marie ♥
Private fostering is supposed to be temporary; yet, nothing about Precious Anita Williams life is traditional. Her case is a little different. She lives in a small English town called Woodview with a white sixty-year-old foster mother, Nanny, and her invalid husband, Gramps. Their doormat may say welcome, but they discourage visitors. They rarely even want to welcome Precious’ birth mother, Lizzy.
Over the years, Precious’ family and friends consist of a close-knit bond of just Nanny, Gramps, Aunt Wendy, and Uncle Mick. Other foster children come and go, but their stay is short-lived. Lizzy visits occasionally, interrupting their comfortable home routine. Her random visits usually end with her telling Nanny how to run her household, threatening to take Precious away for good, and believing that material things and money are all that a parent has to provide. Through it all, Precious still manages to realize at a young age that the African rich world she is from isn’t for her. Yet, she doesn’t quite fit into the white world either.
Imagine wanting to learn your roots. Wondering about your rich family history and how you belong. What would it be like to live in Africa? What about the character that Nanny claims is a “living spit” of Precious? What is Topsy of Uncle Tom’s Cabin really like? One day Precious gets the answer to all of these questions, leaving her even more isolated.
Its no wonder when Precious has her own daughter that she is unsure of what a mother’s role should be. “Having babies is something African women can do, but – from what I’ve seen in my life so far – it’s only white women who can be truly maternal.”
Precious finally manages to find the answer and her role in life. This memoir tells her story. It will give you insight into private fostering, issues of race, identity, struggles of color and class, and even a lesson on motherhood.
While reading, there were passages that touched my heart, and others that disturbed me. I still cannot determine whether Nanny was a good influence, or if Lizzy was capable of doing more for Precious. I definitely enjoyed this memoir and recommend to others. In fact, I encourage you to participate in the giveaway below. Add this book to your collection!
To read my interview with Precious Williams, please visit www.precisionreviews.blogspot.com
♥ L. Marie ♥
September 4, 2010
I couldn't finish this book. It was boring. 80 pages in and I still didn't care about any of the characters or this women's plight. I stopped reading midway.
July 16, 2010
Given away a few days after birth by her absent and awesome Nigerian mother, Precious Anita Williams is raised in a small town in England by a white family. Color Blind deals with the issue of race, gender, and growing up.
Completely written in the present tense, Ms. Williams throws the reader into the events of her childhood, from her germiphobic adoptive mother to the wild moods of her biological mother to compelling scenes of abuse. Once submerged into the tangled web of the memoir, it is difficult to emerge.
It was, however, a little difficult to fully grasp at what age Anita is in during certain events. While ages are given, the length of time one particular chapter of her life lasts is a bit hazy. There is some authorial present perspective which, while it allows the reader insight into how events lead to other things further in the future, get confusing as to the time period currently being read.
This book overall was a compelling read. It is shocking to read about the obstacles Anita eventually overcame. It was shocking each time to remember that this is a memoir and not a piece of fiction. In the end, the dedication makes perfect sense and is the fulcom of the whole story.
Completely written in the present tense, Ms. Williams throws the reader into the events of her childhood, from her germiphobic adoptive mother to the wild moods of her biological mother to compelling scenes of abuse. Once submerged into the tangled web of the memoir, it is difficult to emerge.
It was, however, a little difficult to fully grasp at what age Anita is in during certain events. While ages are given, the length of time one particular chapter of her life lasts is a bit hazy. There is some authorial present perspective which, while it allows the reader insight into how events lead to other things further in the future, get confusing as to the time period currently being read.
This book overall was a compelling read. It is shocking to read about the obstacles Anita eventually overcame. It was shocking each time to remember that this is a memoir and not a piece of fiction. In the end, the dedication makes perfect sense and is the fulcom of the whole story.
July 12, 2010
What a wonderful book. I was lucky enough to win an ARC of Color Blind: A Memoir by Precious Williams. Ms. Williams' book made a dent in my heart. I feel like I want to say, "I understand." I understand the different stages that the author explained as she unraveled the story of her unique life.
This book made me cry several times, I think because Ms. Williams is able to write in such a way that I was able to feel what she felt and see what she saw. I don't want to give away the details of her book, but it is not a predictable memoir about racial problems, although they are obviously addressed. Ms. Williams' experiences were ones that I've never heard before. Her courage is amazing. She is brutally honest, and sometimes I felt that she was too hard on herself. ButI think she was hard on herself so that she could teach something about what she has learned from her life thus far.
It is a heart wrenching journey of a sweet angel girl with so many unanswered questions. I think that someday this will be a novel taught in schools for racial issues as well as her excellent writing style.
I highly recommend Color Blind: A Memoir.
This book made me cry several times, I think because Ms. Williams is able to write in such a way that I was able to feel what she felt and see what she saw. I don't want to give away the details of her book, but it is not a predictable memoir about racial problems, although they are obviously addressed. Ms. Williams' experiences were ones that I've never heard before. Her courage is amazing. She is brutally honest, and sometimes I felt that she was too hard on herself. ButI think she was hard on herself so that she could teach something about what she has learned from her life thus far.
It is a heart wrenching journey of a sweet angel girl with so many unanswered questions. I think that someday this will be a novel taught in schools for racial issues as well as her excellent writing style.
I highly recommend Color Blind: A Memoir.
September 17, 2012
Being from Glasgow, I am generally a cynical old get with withered emotions, but there were points in this book that almost made me cry. Sometimes clichés are the best way to express things, so I am just going to come out and say that this is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Precious Williams endured things no human should ever have to suffer and yet she has come through it all to blossom into a wonderful author, who writes with brutal honesty and clarity.
Primarily, this is a beautiful book about being human, but it also casts a fascinating light on the way African children were traded almost as commodities between parents and white foster families, and looks at the casual racist assumptions ordinary people of all colours make that are in many ways more pernicious than the rabid National Front hatred.
Finally, this is a book all new or prospective parents should read to truly understand how much our actions, and often lack of empathy, impact upon our kids.
I can’t recommend this book enough.
Precious Williams endured things no human should ever have to suffer and yet she has come through it all to blossom into a wonderful author, who writes with brutal honesty and clarity.
Primarily, this is a beautiful book about being human, but it also casts a fascinating light on the way African children were traded almost as commodities between parents and white foster families, and looks at the casual racist assumptions ordinary people of all colours make that are in many ways more pernicious than the rabid National Front hatred.
Finally, this is a book all new or prospective parents should read to truly understand how much our actions, and often lack of empathy, impact upon our kids.
I can’t recommend this book enough.
July 16, 2010
Note: This is a review of an Advanced Copy received from the First Reads program, I do my best to review fairly.
This is everything a memoir should be. There's grit and dirt and honesty. Time also has a very real presence in the novel, we definitely get a good glimpse of what it was like to grow up in the '70's and 80's in the United Kingdom. And even though we only get to see brief moments of how Williams turned her life around, this is not a depressing read. There are hard moments, but they are not presented as being so difficult that they cannot be overcome.
This is a truly amazing memoir, although not necessarily easy for everyone to relate to. And that's okay.
The reviewer is a 2009 graduate of Kent State University's Master of Library and Information Sciences program, an alumna of Antioch College, and the author of the blog A Librarian's Life in Books.
This is everything a memoir should be. There's grit and dirt and honesty. Time also has a very real presence in the novel, we definitely get a good glimpse of what it was like to grow up in the '70's and 80's in the United Kingdom. And even though we only get to see brief moments of how Williams turned her life around, this is not a depressing read. There are hard moments, but they are not presented as being so difficult that they cannot be overcome.
This is a truly amazing memoir, although not necessarily easy for everyone to relate to. And that's okay.
The reviewer is a 2009 graduate of Kent State University's Master of Library and Information Sciences program, an alumna of Antioch College, and the author of the blog A Librarian's Life in Books.
July 26, 2010
"THIS, I AM TOLD, is how it begins..."
Precious Williams, at the age of three months old, is dropped off by her elegant and disinterested Nigerian mother to be brought up by a sixty year old, white haired, white foster mother who lives in the poor suburb near London. "Nanny," her daughter Wendy, and her husband, who live directly behind her mom, bring up "Anita." Anita is the only "coloured" girl at her school, and she suffers "raciality." She is brought up white, at the request of her biological mother who comes in and out of Anita's life. Anita's mother berates her and beats her when Anita does not respond the way her mom expects her to. Anita is sexually abused by one of her mother's boyfriends. Anita hates her mother, but more than anything, she wants to be loved by her. This is a story of a bright girl who grows into a teenager, without an identity she can call her own. This is Precious' memoir...
Precious Williams, at the age of three months old, is dropped off by her elegant and disinterested Nigerian mother to be brought up by a sixty year old, white haired, white foster mother who lives in the poor suburb near London. "Nanny," her daughter Wendy, and her husband, who live directly behind her mom, bring up "Anita." Anita is the only "coloured" girl at her school, and she suffers "raciality." She is brought up white, at the request of her biological mother who comes in and out of Anita's life. Anita's mother berates her and beats her when Anita does not respond the way her mom expects her to. Anita is sexually abused by one of her mother's boyfriends. Anita hates her mother, but more than anything, she wants to be loved by her. This is a story of a bright girl who grows into a teenager, without an identity she can call her own. This is Precious' memoir...
July 28, 2010
I recieved this book for free through Goodreads First Reads, and when it arrived in my mailbox, I was really excited. I had really been interested in reading Color Blind.
The book did not disappoint; it read so well, that I had to remind myself that it is a memoir, not a work of fiction. Prescious Williams is a really good writer.
Her story is not a happy one. Mere months upon her birth, her mother leaves with with a foster-mother to raise Precious "Anita" Williams. Anita is raised by an elderly white woman and knows nothing of her own culture. Being ignorant of her own past, she is an outsider among other Africans, and because of the color of her skin, she is outcast from her community. Besides feeling out of place and unloved by the mother who left her for someone else to raise and only appeared from time to time to abuse her, Anita's life was traumatic.
It's a sad tale, but well written and a good read.
The book did not disappoint; it read so well, that I had to remind myself that it is a memoir, not a work of fiction. Prescious Williams is a really good writer.
Her story is not a happy one. Mere months upon her birth, her mother leaves with with a foster-mother to raise Precious "Anita" Williams. Anita is raised by an elderly white woman and knows nothing of her own culture. Being ignorant of her own past, she is an outsider among other Africans, and because of the color of her skin, she is outcast from her community. Besides feeling out of place and unloved by the mother who left her for someone else to raise and only appeared from time to time to abuse her, Anita's life was traumatic.
It's a sad tale, but well written and a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2010
This was a really interesting story, and unlike anything I've read before. That's not to say that there aren't other books like this one, but for me it was different, unique, and enlightening. Precious' story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. While she has overcome so much to become a successful writer, she is still haunted by her past and a mother that never showed her how to love and be loved. There are lessons to be learned from this book and truths that we'd rather ignore, but there is also hope... hope that we can change with time, that we aren't doomed to repeat the mistakes of our ancestors, and that even imperfect love can carry us through the obstacles and challenges that life throws at us.
June 14, 2012
This is more than just a memoir and has a lot to say about childhood, Britain in the 1970s, class, race, identity, culture and motherhood. In addition, the book examines the issue of black children fostered by white families and the emotional and identity based conflicts this causes.
Precious Williams achieves a sensitive exploration of all of these issues and produces a provocative, warm, disturbing and at times hilarious memoir; I was pleasantly surprised and I read it in one sitting. When I put it down I was both enlightened and moved: I had laughed, cried, bristled and learnt. Its the holiday season, put it on your essential reading list,get it in your suitcase or on your kindle or both and you will not be disappointed!
Precious Williams achieves a sensitive exploration of all of these issues and produces a provocative, warm, disturbing and at times hilarious memoir; I was pleasantly surprised and I read it in one sitting. When I put it down I was both enlightened and moved: I had laughed, cried, bristled and learnt. Its the holiday season, put it on your essential reading list,get it in your suitcase or on your kindle or both and you will not be disappointed!
July 16, 2010
Wow! What an amazing book! And what an amazing woman, to come through the ordeal called her life, to make it to where she is today.
Even though she was given up to a foster home as a baby by a mother who apparently couldn't be bothered with a child, unless it was convenient for her, Precious spend most of her life looking for love and acceptance from her mother. This book was at times very disturbing to read, I can't even imagine what it would have been like to live this life.
The author did survive this life and has gone on to become a journalist. More information about all of her achievements can be found at the author's website. http://www.preciouswilliams.com/
Even though she was given up to a foster home as a baby by a mother who apparently couldn't be bothered with a child, unless it was convenient for her, Precious spend most of her life looking for love and acceptance from her mother. This book was at times very disturbing to read, I can't even imagine what it would have been like to live this life.
The author did survive this life and has gone on to become a journalist. More information about all of her achievements can be found at the author's website. http://www.preciouswilliams.com/
June 9, 2011
At first I was just fascinated by the cultural aspects of this book. I did not know that it was common practice for Nigerians to have their children fostered in Europe. I was enthralled by Precious Williams' description of her childhood as an African growing up in an all-white English town. Then I was heartbroken for her. She describes the emotional trauma that stemmed from wondering if her mother loved her, from wondering why she was so different from everyone else in her town. It was at times painful to read, but in the end inspiring. It is amazing how the human spirit thrives, and how a creative and strong person can carve out an identity for herself.
September 27, 2011
I loved this book and read it very quickly, as I was so interested in what happened to this little girl. It is a very raw and honest memoir of Precious life. I went through a world wind of emotions reading this, I was crying,happy and angry at some parts. This book is very well written and to the point. Precious is an inspirational lady and I thank her for sharing her story with us. The only thing for me is I would of liked to have found out more, like did she see her mother again?, Her sister and baby? Did she ever go back to Africa to see her family?. I was left with so many unanswered questions.
I would definitely recommend this book
http://fictionfascination.blogspot.com/
I would definitely recommend this book
http://fictionfascination.blogspot.com/
June 21, 2013
After reading a memoir I always wonder if I have a right to review or rate it. In this instance I can honestly say that this is one of the most forthright, honest, and interesting memoirs I've read in quite a while. No 'poor, poor pitiful me' or 'drama' for the sake of selling this work.
If you want to read a book that leaves you feeling like you've learned and felt a lot and still have much to process then this one's for you.
I'm happy to say that the ending is not sappy or totally predictable.
I wish I could meet Precious Williams. An incredible life story written by an incredible writer and author.
If you want to read a book that leaves you feeling like you've learned and felt a lot and still have much to process then this one's for you.
I'm happy to say that the ending is not sappy or totally predictable.
I wish I could meet Precious Williams. An incredible life story written by an incredible writer and author.
June 15, 2010
I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads and found it quite touching. Ms Williams was put into foster care by her biological mother and then raised in a predominantly white English community. Her biological mother would come and go in her life and was very critical of Precious. Precious would try to come to terms with being of color in her community and often described conflicted feelings. This was a touching memoir given the foster care placement as it speaks to the difficulty kids do have in placement even with the best intentioned people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2012
"Precious" is stunning, heart-breaking and gut-wrenching.
Beautifully written, the 'little girl lost' tale defies presumptions nad stereotypes. I laughed (the hair), cried (the abuse) and reminisced (the hip hop and Wagon Wheels). I swung between the vasts ends of human emotions. I wasn't allowed to wallow for a second.
This is simply written and gripping - I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it to everyone who is literate. Precious has a spinal cord of tempered steel. Rock. Star.
Beautifully written, the 'little girl lost' tale defies presumptions nad stereotypes. I laughed (the hair), cried (the abuse) and reminisced (the hip hop and Wagon Wheels). I swung between the vasts ends of human emotions. I wasn't allowed to wallow for a second.
This is simply written and gripping - I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it to everyone who is literate. Precious has a spinal cord of tempered steel. Rock. Star.
August 14, 2010
Just proving that I really will read anything ... I received this as an Advanced Reading Copy through the First Reads program. This is a gripping memoir which strives to give an honest--and sometimes disturbing--reflection of the author's early life. Although not everyone might relate, I found it fascinating (read this in less than a day, aside from riding three horses and setting-up for a horse show!). In sum, highly recommended to anyone who is looking for book club material!
May 6, 2010
Brought me back to the 70's and memories of when I was growing up. Could relete to Precious and the emtions she had. Would recommed the book to anyone. Would like to have a follow up book to see how Precious is doing now.
July 16, 2010
This is a great memoir. Heartbreaking at times. I wasn't aware that many African mothers sent their children to live in foster homes in England, or that these mothers can be so cold and cruel to their children. What a sad way to live.
July 31, 2010
This book was a wonderful win from Goodreads!
I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt like Precious was standing next to me telling me her life story. It was heartwrenching and eye opening and recommend it to all!
I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt like Precious was standing next to me telling me her life story. It was heartwrenching and eye opening and recommend it to all!
September 19, 2010
This was a really great read. I felt myself on an emotional roller coaster. Having been through some similar thing in the book I felt a bit of kinship. I am glad I had the opportunity to read this book.
*received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
*received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
April 10, 2011
I found the metaphors and similes accurate and enjoyable,
it was a disturbing read for me, but it ended in a kind of triumphant manner. I would recommend it to all facebook members as a modern day inspirational book of the human spirit overcoming adversity.
it was a disturbing read for me, but it ended in a kind of triumphant manner. I would recommend it to all facebook members as a modern day inspirational book of the human spirit overcoming adversity.
May 14, 2011
A difficult story told with an expert touch. I just wish the author had been a little clearer on chronology; it took pages and pages before she even mentioned a decade, and years passed in the oddest fashion.
July 16, 2010
I really liked the book. Sometimes I little hard to understand because of the British slang/dialouge but other than that very interesting.
August 1, 2010
This is an extremely well written memoir that is by turns disturbing, humorous and inspirational.
November 15, 2010
Hard to read but important to read.
February 19, 2011
This author has a talent for telling a story. She has been through a lot of turmoil in her young life but has been able to climb upward and shine her light on the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews