leahegood's review
5.0
As a young adult, I read widely about topics like the Underground Railroad and the Civil Rights movement. Books like [b:Breakthrough to the Big League|11082331|Breakthrough to the Big League The Story of Jackie Robinson|Jackie Robinson|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|16003978] caused me to respect and desire to emulate people of history who showed character and dignity as they fought for freedom, equality, and respect.
This book by Rosa Parks reminded me why I respected these people. Not that I ceased to respect them, but my memory was a bit rusty. In this book, Rosa shares her experiences and imparts her wisdom to a new generation. She urges action and determination built on a foundation of faith. It's a short book worthy of rereading for it's wealth of down-to-earth, practical advice.
This book by Rosa Parks reminded me why I respected these people. Not that I ceased to respect them, but my memory was a bit rusty. In this book, Rosa shares her experiences and imparts her wisdom to a new generation. She urges action and determination built on a foundation of faith. It's a short book worthy of rereading for it's wealth of down-to-earth, practical advice.
cloudss's review
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
good to hear her own words on many subjects. also explain the prevalence of the church in early civil rights movement
davidbythebay's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
A short and uplifting treatise on Rosa Parks' values and views by the Civil Rights icon herself. She is humble and strong throughout, providing clear and concise information and world views. Fantastic! So glad I found this in my library randomly.
gofortori's review
3.0
3 stars for the read, but 5 stars for the person.
Reflections by Rosa Parks: The Quiet Strength and Faith of a Woman Who Changed a Nation is a short read by Mrs. Parks herself, a series of vignettes and essays about her approach to life and fighting injustice – essentially where she draws her strength.
As someone who truly didn’t know that much about Rosa Parks before reading this book, it was illuminating for me – and sad in a way, that I didn’t learn about her life in school the way I should have. In my mind, Rosa was an average worker woman, who, on that fateful December day on the bus, had had enough and made a split-second decision. In reality, Rosa was purposeful about her fight against injustice and worked for the NAACP. She knew the consequences of her actions, and she knew that if she didn’t do something, no one else would.
It’s compelling to read about someone with that much purpose in her life. You rarely see that. Rosa is extremely centered in a strong, quiet way. She’s unflappable. She knows what she wants, where she’s going, and has faith in the next step to get her there.
An unintentional but informative component to this book was the behind-the-scenes process of how legacy works. Rosa Parks’ name would have faded out of cultural memory except for the active and intentional movement to preserve her legacy. This book is part of that movement. While Rosa Parks definitely deserves her place in the history books, it just goes to show that history is written by those who intentionally write it. If you are poor or don't have the resources to ensure a legacy like this, you likely won't have one.
A major takeaway from this book is Rosa Parks' idea of the potential for change as potential energy, in small pockets of people, just waiting for a flash point. I love that idea, as though while people pray for change, the universe is molding certain people and their life experiences so that they will respond at the crucial moment, just like Rosa Parks did.
Reflections by Rosa Parks: The Quiet Strength and Faith of a Woman Who Changed a Nation is a short read by Mrs. Parks herself, a series of vignettes and essays about her approach to life and fighting injustice – essentially where she draws her strength.
As someone who truly didn’t know that much about Rosa Parks before reading this book, it was illuminating for me – and sad in a way, that I didn’t learn about her life in school the way I should have. In my mind, Rosa was an average worker woman, who, on that fateful December day on the bus, had had enough and made a split-second decision. In reality, Rosa was purposeful about her fight against injustice and worked for the NAACP. She knew the consequences of her actions, and she knew that if she didn’t do something, no one else would.
It’s compelling to read about someone with that much purpose in her life. You rarely see that. Rosa is extremely centered in a strong, quiet way. She’s unflappable. She knows what she wants, where she’s going, and has faith in the next step to get her there.
An unintentional but informative component to this book was the behind-the-scenes process of how legacy works. Rosa Parks’ name would have faded out of cultural memory except for the active and intentional movement to preserve her legacy. This book is part of that movement. While Rosa Parks definitely deserves her place in the history books, it just goes to show that history is written by those who intentionally write it. If you are poor or don't have the resources to ensure a legacy like this, you likely won't have one.
A major takeaway from this book is Rosa Parks' idea of the potential for change as potential energy, in small pockets of people, just waiting for a flash point. I love that idea, as though while people pray for change, the universe is molding certain people and their life experiences so that they will respond at the crucial moment, just like Rosa Parks did.
misskeesa's review
4.0
I enjoyed this little book very much. I learned a lot about Rosa Parks that I didn't know before - like the fact that her husband was born in Wedowee, my hometown! I also loved the way her faith ran through the book, underpinning it, giving strength and grace and courage to her convictions. And I loved her dignity and sense of purpose. I would have loved to have known her in real life. I think we might have been friends. <3
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