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Roberta's Boys

Name: Roberta's Boys
Author: Ann Carlson
ISBN: 978-0-9962883-0-9

FOUR PITTS BROTHERS OF MACON, GA

by Ann Carlson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 7, 2015

An account of the achievements of four African-American brothers; of interest primarily to Pitts family members.

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Carson’s book documents the ascent of four young African-American brothers during the early 20th century.

The four sons of Roberta “Sis” Pitts—Willis, Robert, Raymond, and Nathan—all became accomplished professionals when such a thing was rare for even one member of a black family in the Jim Crow South. Pitts’ sons credited their mother with instilling in them the determination and will to succeed no matter the obstacle. The book traces the lives of each of these men and shows how three earned Ph.D.s as educators and one became a federal government employee. Written in a straightforward, chronological style, Carson portrays each son’s life by what he did year to year from childhood to death. The author provides extensive quotes from all; here Raymond discusses moving into a soon-to-be racially mixed neighborhood: “I think we ought to get to know and love our neighbors.” The book is at its best when it details the racist incidents that show the endemic bigotry of the time, such as when Willis was forced out of the carpentry business because he accepted clients from white carpenters or the way the Pitts family became “blockbusters” (blacks who became the first African-Americans to live on a whites-only block) in Pasadena, California. There is one egregious historical error: “In 1917, just weeks after he became the first Southerner elected President since the Civil War, Woodrow Wilson….” (Wilson was first elected president in 1912). The book provides thorough, frank details about one black family’s experiences during the beginning of the 20th century; however, unless someone is keenly interested in the story of the Pitts brothers, there is little here for the casual reader.

An account of the achievements of four African-American brothers; of interest primarily to Pitts family members.

Pub Date: Dec. 7, 2015

ISBN: 978-0-9962883-0-9

Page Count: 282

Publisher: CreateSpace

Review Posted Online: Sept. 12, 2015

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.