Review: Carry Me Home: Birmingham, Alabama: The Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution

Carry Me Home: Birmingham, Alabama: The Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution by Diane McWhorter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Carry Me Home is a thorough account of the history of the fight for civil rights in Birmingham, Alabama. McWhorter gives detailed background on the politics behind segregationist groups, Dixiecrats, and the Freedom Movement. Also covered are the Freedom Rides, local marches led by Martin Luther King and Fred Shuttlesworth, and the various bombings in the area, culminating with the bombing at the 16th Street Baptist Church that killed four young girls during Sunday School. McWhorter wraps up with a follow up on what happened to the major players, and the trials of the two remaining bombers that led to their convictions. Interspersed throughout the book are the author's own recollections of these years and the part her father may or may not have played in any nefarious acts.

This was a very good book and worthy of its Pulitzer Prize. It was exhaustive and is very dense but very much worth the read. It definitely takes you to that time and helps the reader to understand the climate and tense atmosphere of Birmingham, Alabama from the early 40s through the 60s and beyond.

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Review: Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy

Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a short book on handling grief, or as the author calls it "Option B". That's the plan you have to go with when life takes you off course and on a new path. Sheryl Sandberg is an executive at Facebook and was on a vacation in Mexico with her husband Dave, and their friends. Dave died on that trip while working out at the resort gym. It was completely unexpected. This started Sheryl and her two children on their path down Option B. This book covers the uncomfortable situations that she often found herself in after his death, learning to be strong for her kids but vulnerable enough to let them know it's okay to grieve. Sheryl also talks about becoming resilient and eventually moving on and finding happiness in life.

This is a great book for those who are grieving but also for those who are supporting those who have had a major loss. In particular, I was inspired the chapter on dealing with the "elephant in the room." We are often not sure what to say to someone who has just suffered a loss. Sometimes, that person just wants to talk and reflect and that was the case for Sheryl. It relieves the tension and awkwardness. In the future, I'll remember to ask and to allow the griever to talk if they would like.

Many of the topics covered can be applied to other losses as well. Loss of jobs, homes, relationships, etc. There are different types of grief and our ability to deal with loss means we have to face it head on and adapt if we are going to find joy in our lives once again.

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Review: The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy

The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy by Blaine T. Bettinger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a comprehensive guide to understanding the different types of DNA testing and how these tests help genealogists to solve brick wall issues. The author does very well to explain the basics (and not so basics) of DNA, and what each test covers. The book covers tests from the 3 large testing companies: 23andMe, Ancestry, and Family Tree DNA. The book also provides charts and forms that the genealogist can use to get started on a "genetic genealogy" tree.

This is well worth the read, especially if you feel overwhelmed with the different options in DNA testing, or don't know how to interpret your results. I was really impressed at how well the author explained everything without getting too technical.

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