In the 1800's slavery was legal in many countries of the world; and it was also a very lucrative business venture. On occasion; when countries went to war against each other; many times; the people of the conquered were made to become slaves. Another way for depraved slave traders to make money was to target Negroes in Africa; capture them; torture them; and force them into slavery. Such was the case for the family of "Araminta" Ross; also known as Harriet T. Harriet was born into poverty; she was beaten and abused and had to watch her family members and a generation of Negroes suffer the same persecution that she suffered. Until one day she got sick and tired; and mad as hell; and decided she wasn't going to take it anymore. This is a story about a woman who had the "heart" to defeat all of her "bullies" and the courage to transform a nation.
#141109 in Books 2016-08-23Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.75 x 1.25 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 1510703802336 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy K. C.So much fun.15 of 15 people found the following review helpful. An interesting and entertaining witchy journey thru American history.By Bambi_UnbridledAmerican Witches is a light and engaging account of some of the darkest times in America's history. Susan Fair has a good voice and tells the multitude of witchy tales in a modern voice with laymen terms that will appeal to even the most casual reader and/or student.The history of witchcraft that ran rampant across America started even before people made it to the country. Bringing suspicions from England (and everywhere else); many would-be settlers never made it across the ocean due to bewitched voyages. Thus begins a journey through the history of America from the early settlers; through the Salem Witch Trials; American Indian witch hunts; and beyond. Accounts of bewitched children; livestock (especially pigs); unknown monsters; vessels and crops were not uncommon in the charges lodged against many society outcasts. Reading these fantastical tales that were all absolutely true really make you question human nature; and how neighbors could turn on one another with such viciousness.While most of the book is an entertaining history lesson; there are also a few modern tidbits; some pop culture type info; including an insightful look at the Blair Witch Project and an interview with the director. While I found this book interesting and entertaining; keep in mind that history accounts are slower reads. That being said; I recommend this book to just about anyone that finds America's witchy history intriguing. It would also be a good read for students who find it difficult to learn from dry and boring history books. I know I certainly would have remembered more of my history lessons if they were written in this manner.I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.13 of 14 people found the following review helpful. Bruja Chutzpah Faux-pasBy Doctor Drogo EmpedoclesI am very pleased that Susan's book on Witches was published! I am a fan of her book theme subjects and her witty yet friendly writing style. Her preface on being accused as a child of doing (or worse being) something terrible was relatable as an emotional personal experience. Indeed as Arthur Miller pointed out with the Crucible; being called a witch was similar to being called a communist in modern days; even today many of us are called both; and people still think that both are evil due to cultural conditioning.Susan begins her book with the 2nd European Colony in north America; Jamestown; which makes sense for the scope of the book as indicated by the subtitle segment “Four Centuriesâ€. Jamestown was the first English Colony; but the Spanish Colony of St. Augustine was actually first about 50 years earlier (RIP Dr. Albert Manucy; Spanish-American historian; love you grandad). As to how many witches were in the Spanish St. Augustine Colony; or if anyone was accused of witch-craft; I do not know. Considering the Spanish were responsible for THE Inquisition; it is certainly possible.Anyway; that is my only criticism of the book; which does not at all ruin my enjoyment of her stories; and respect for the importance of the subject. Some critics are quick to criticize humor with serious subjects; but often they just lack a healthy sense of the importance of being able to laugh when others cry. People respond to tragedy in various ways; depending on their social conditioning; or psychological reaction to conditioning which they dislike.Susan's sense of humor in her style is delightful to those of us with an 'Edward Gorey' or 'Tim Burton' gothic satire sensibility. It is our love for dark or scary subjects which makes our glee pleasant and not harsh. Her descriptions are excellent; and at times so darkly honest; that levity is welcomed.“What was mended one day; would the next day be in pieces.†This is the chaos magic of entropy; which haunts the weary world; even to this day. The mystery of magic in history; and the persecution of accused practitioners; is still a current issue. I recommend this book to anyone that loves the subject of 'witches'; and words like 'faux-pas' and 'chutzpah'.
