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Usually ships in 1 business days | | | | | | By returning to the cotton fields, tobacco barns, & humble dwellings of her ancestral home in the rural South, this author learned firsthand what is missing from the history books between the pages on slavery & 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, & wisdom & has made it her life's work to pass along their experiences. In this collection of original short stories, she pays homage to these ordinary folks through lyrical tributes, many of which have aired or will air on National Public Radio. Beginning late this year, her own program, Just Plain Folks: Wisdom from the Front Porch, will air weekly on NPR. Like her radio segments, the stories in Just Plain Folks are meant both to entertain & to educate. Each story concludes with an author's note that places it in its proper cultural context. | | | |
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| | Product Details | | Average Customer Rating: |  based on 15 reviews |
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| | Customer Reviews | Average Customer Review: ( 15 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
 Extraordinary!! Apr 12, 1999
As a librarian, I come across, almost daily, many exceptional literary works of art. This one is currently at the top of my list. Any book that takes you through a wide range of emotions should be read by all. As a black woman having spent some time with relatives down south, I could relate big time with Ms. Johnson-Coleman's stories about her family. Somehow, we must be related because she described my relatives to a tee. I laughed out loud at some things because I lived almost the exact same moments myself. I also cried when I read the story about the "colored" fountain. That was probably the most powerful story for me in the entire book. I must admit that having grown up in the Midwest, I didn't have much exposure to my southern roots. With the author's "Afterthoughts" section, I now understand a lot about why things are the way they are. For that, I thank her. One thing we must never forget is that these "ordinary" people made extraordinary sacrifices and endured unimaginable indignities so that I, and those of my generation, could live a better life. We must continue to learn from them and thank them for their efforts. Most of all, we must not ever take for granted the good fortune that was obtained through the blood, sweat, and tears of those who came before us. I will pass this book on to all, no matter what race they are, who are willing to learn about where I come from.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
This book is funny, warm, entertaining and enlightening! Nov 02, 1999
By W. Bynum
I've read the book twice - so there's no doubt that I love it! I've read or heard some of the stories prior to reading them here (or a similar version - I think many of us may have.) But what makes this collection of stories special is the afterthoughts. The afterthoughts provide foundation for the stories, help us see the bits of wisdom in them and aid us in understanding why the stories have endured.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Great stories Dec 14, 1999
Ms. Johnson-Coleman is a fabulous story teller and relater of the human condition. I'm not African American, but I am Southern, and I really enjoyed wandering around in her paintings and learning about all of these people. There were some uncomfortable and definitely painful moments, but I think I have a better understanding of the present because of them.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A Wonderful Look into Family Life Dec 31, 2002
I first heard the author on NPR and was able to get the audio version of her book. I have listened to it many times and have shared it with many of my friends. I particularly enjoy hearing the generational stories that Ms. Coleman tells so well. It is great insight into another culture that is different, yet so much the same.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
History returns to The Story Apr 20, 2000
Rarely does one find a book that manages to provide an historic perspective without getting tangled in historiography. This book is a welcome reprieve. Perhaps even more rare is the book that speaks to a specific subtopic and manages to underscore the commonality of our culture. This might indeed be "Black History" but it also speaks eloquently to life in rural America as well.
See all 15 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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