Just Plain Folks: Original Tales of Living, Loving, Longing and Learning As Told by a Perfectly Ordinary, Quite Commonly Sensible, and Absolutely Awe-Inspiring, Colored Woman

by Lorraine Johnson-Coleman

By returning to the cottonfields, tobacco barns and humble dwellings of her ancestral home in the rural South, author and cultural preservationist Lorraine Johnson-Coleman learned first-hand what is missing from the history books between the pages on slavery and present day African American culture. It is the experience of ordinary people who, on second glance, have led truly extraordinary lives. She developed an appreciation for their words, wit and wisdom and has made it her life's work to pass along their experiences.In this collection of original short stories, Johnson-CLomen pays homage to those ordinary folks--kinfolks, homefolks, waymakers, and caretakers through lyrical tributes that are almost musical to the ear. From the front porch to the shanty to the church pews, her characters come to life, bringing with them lessons about worship, courtship, social consciousness, naming practices, and burial traditions. This jewel of a book is in keeping with the author's mission to both entertain and educate about the African American experience; she concludes each story with an author's note that places it into its proper cultural perspective.

Ultimately, "Just Plain Folks" is about folk culture as a continuum; a link back to the past to discover the essence of who African Americans are today. Maybe more importantly, it's beautiful thank-you note from one African American woman to some pretty awe-inspiring colored folks because sometimes it isn't so much about where we are or where we came from that's important, but how we got there.

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories

165 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1997

Reviews

[Karee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The stories made me feel like I was at home, with my relatives. The space felt real and familiar to me. Such a great read, especially for Black history month.

[Kimberly Westrope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful group of short stories that reflects on black culture and its importance, particularly in the life of one young woman and her family. Well-written and thoroughly enjoyable, as well as eye-opening and thought provoking. Encourages the reader to take a deeper look at the world and the many different people (and cultures) who inhabit it.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this collection really enjoyable.

[Carol Mann Agency]

From School Library Journal

YA-Folklorist Johnson-Coleman's theme of knowing and respecting one's ancestral roots is clearly recorded in these unforgettable short stories. Based on interviews the author conducted while traveling through her homeland of North Carolina, the selections celebrate the cultural heritage of rural blacks. The author introduces everyday people who lived during times of slavery, Reconstruction, the Depression, and the Civil Rights era. What they have in common is a sense of pride, loads of wisdom, and values that are still applicable and needed in today's world. Six chapters cover family members, neighbors, female/male relationships, young people, Jim Crow laws, the religious populace, and even a version of the folktale "Wiley and the Hairy Man." Each one ends with an "Afterthought" that puts the story in context. For example, in "Call Me by My Name, the author tells of her childhood dislike of her name until her grandfather explains its origins. In the conclusion, she explains the history of the African-American naming custom. The tales are hilarious and harsh, and the dialogue moves at a rapid pace. Young adults will find rousing music, love in all shapes and sizes, and genuine characters here.

--Connie Freeman, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, IN

Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set in my second home, Greene County, NC so I had a particular interest in the stories. The stories were interesting and I can tell that she really put effort into getting in the heads of our ancestors from that place.

[angrykitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

another bargin bin find. these stories are pretty good, and if you like zora neale hurston or a less poetic morrison, you might like these stories.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful stories, artfully told!

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just LOVED it. It has a permanent place in my library.

[V.K. Sansone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful book and stayed great until the end! Worth the read! :)

[Honeycarmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice collection of short stories that intertwine. Lots of self pride and respect for one's past. Very positive.

[Ig-88 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing