My Grandfather's Son: A Memoir by Clarence Thomas
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Book Reviews of My Grandfather's Son: A Memoir
Book Review: A journey that everyone should take
Summary: 5 Stars
By writing this book, Justice Thomas opens a door and allows the reader to take a journey with him. A journey which reveals, in a small way, how he became the man he is today. With his straightforward and honest writing, he does not hold back from inviting the reader to take the journey with him. The journey from poverty, to youthful frustration, to confused teenager, to an angry youth, who battles with his Grandfather, to a man who finally understands how he fits into the scheme of things. In fact, in this book, he reveals to us that he does not need to fit into a role or way of life that others have pre-defined for him. Justice Thomas shows the reader that we are individuals who must be allowed to think and make decisions and lead a way of life not based on the color of our skin. As we are allowed to take this journey with Justice Thomas, one of the things learned is that political policies (either ill-conceived or with good intentions) have perverted and corrupted the dreams of generations of people. As the reader turns the last few pages of this book, we know that the journey is coming to an end. However, we want more. We want to continue the journey. Bravo, bravo to Justice Clarence Thomas.
The only complaint is that Justice Thomas just allows his sister, brother and first wife to be mere shadow figures in the background.
My Grandfather's Son: A Memoir
Book Review: An Honest Man's Story of Struggle, A Personal Story Well-Written
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a story of a man and his journey to the highest court in the land. In the telling of it, he is unabashed about his accomplishments without being self-aggrandizing, and he is honest in his portrayal of those who opposed him along the way. He identifies those in government who act exactly as we know many in government act; his portrayal of senators Biden and Metzenbaum is precisely like the reader knows these multifaceted (read "two faced") politicians are - and it makes delightful reading. He tells his side of the Anita Hill controversy with no punches about his feelings, but most effectively. His side is effective because he uses verifiable evidence supporting his claims (telephone logs of calls made to but mainly from her, the dubious backgrounds of those who support her story, and by pointing out that she claimed backing from reputable employees who served under Thomas who "evaporated" under scrutiny). I have not ever seen these points disputed, far less disproved. Surely, were there something there, these vicious critics of Thomas would not let them go unchallenged!
This is an autobiography. Thomas does not discuss his SCOTUS activities nor any particular agenda in judicial matters. He seems to studiously avoid such matters. Instead, it is a fascinating story of a man making his way in the world, and working through the particular set of problems that God alloted him. He did well in meeting the challenge.
Book Review: An American life
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is the 21st century version of President Grant's celebrated autobiography. Written in a plainspoken, straightforward tone, the book traces Justice Thomas' rise from a hardscrabble childhood in the Jim Crow South to the pinnacle of American public life. Justice Thomas doesn't spare the reader the difficult points in his life, and his message seems to be, "if I could do it, you can too." He comes across as someone who does not shy away from asking tough questions, and will not settle for empty slogans as answers. Regardless of what one thinks of his approach to judging, this is a riveting tale well told, and a hard book to put down -- it offers a window into the soul of a complicated and often misunderstood American. The book isn't just (or primarily) for law junkies; it's a fascinating glimpse into an American life before, during, and after the civil rights revolution of the 1960s, told from a fresh and unusual perspective. Contrary to what some of his critics seem to believe, Justice Thomas did not arrive in this country from outer space; he is very much a product of his place and time. The book ends with his arrival at the Supreme Court, after some electrifying chapters on his confirmation hearings. Presumably his written opinions pick up the tale from there on. This is an important and interesting book, and one I suspect will still be on library shelves (or their cyber-equivalents) a century from now.Book Review: Wow
Summary: 5 Stars
I could write my entire review of Justice Thomas's memoir in a single word.....Wow.
All too often, we see the official photo of the United States Supreme Court and view the Justices as stern, unapproachable solons separate from us mere mortals and sitting on high on their thrones of knowledge. But this memoir of Justice Thomas gives us an enticing peek into the man and his background; from his birth in unimaginable poverty in the Jim Crow South and all along the road that led him to where he is now.
One need not agree with his legal views or perspectives in order to thoroughly enjoy this book. It is written in a manner that makes his story fascinating. He is generous with his thanks to those that influenced his life in a positive manner, especially with his grandfather who showed him the right way with tough love.
This is an example and a celebration of The American Dream. As Senator Danforth once told him, 'There's plenty of room at the top.' Even suffering the problems of being a black man of his time, he overcame self-doubt, depression, alcoholism, and the shameless, unforgivable dirty tricks of modern politics.
Very well-written and inspiring. This is one gentleman that I would definitely love to meet sometime in my lifetime. Read the book with an open mind and celebrate the triumph over the incredible challenges that this great man overcame.
Book Review: Emotional, Inspiring and Eye-Opening
Summary: 5 Stars
Never before have I read such an emotional, inspiring and eye-opening account of not only the author's life, but the ugly interworkings of the dominant leftist politics and the elite media in America over the last half century, especially when race was involved. I came away with a new respect for this man, completely understanding and relating to his core ethics and beliefs, which were rooted in family, hard work and self-reliance, not partisan influences. I came away angered at the treatment he received for daring use these ethics and beliefs to speak the truth in the face of a left-wing and media establishment more interested in their own theories, routinely taking the black voice for granted, ruthlessly attacking with inherently racist methods when one spoke against their group-think with simple facts. I came away inspired by the successes he has acheived, despite all of the adversity he faced, both personal and political, and I appreciated his deep honesty and openess on issues of self-imposed adversity, such as his flirtations with black radicalism, alcoholism and the problems in his first marriage.
I'd highly recommend this book for anyone, whether you agree with his politics or not, just to see where he is coming from, and the hits he took along the way. The man is one of the most genuine public figures out there right now, and this book drives that home.