Trayvon Martin’s parents take readers beyond the news cycle with an account only they could give: the intimate story of a tragically foreshortened life and the rise of a movement. On a February evening in 2012; in a small town in central Florida; seventeen-year-old Trayvon Martin was walking home with candy and a can of juice in hand and talking on the phone with a friend when a fatal encounter with a gun-wielding neighborhood watchman ended his young life. The watchman was briefly detained by the police and released. Trayvon’s father—a truck driver named Tracy—tried to get answers from the police but was shut down and ignored. Trayvon’s mother; a civil servant for the city of Miami; was paralyzed by the news of her son’s death and lost in mourning; unable to leave her room for days. But in a matter of weeks; their son’s name would be spoken by President Obama; honored by professional athletes; and passionately discussed all over traditional and social media. And at the head of a growing nationwide campaign for justice were Trayvon’s parents; who—driven by their intense love for their lost son—discovered their voices; gathered allies; and launched a movement that would change the country. Five years after his tragic death; Travyon Martin’s name is still evoked every day. He has become a symbol of social justice activism; as has his hauntingly familiar image: the photo of a child still in the process of becoming a young man; wearing a hoodie and gazing silently at the camera. But who was Trayvon Martin; before he became; in death; an icon? And how did one black child’s death on a dark; rainy street in a small Florida town become the match that lit a civil rights crusade?Rest in Power; told through the compelling alternating narratives of Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin; answers; for the first time; those questions from the most intimate of sources. It’s the story of the beautiful and complex child they lost; the cruel unresponsiveness of the police and the hostility of the legal system; and the inspiring journey they took from grief and pain to power; and from tragedy and senselessness to meaning.Praise for Rest in Power“Not since Emmitt Till has a parent’s love for a murdered child moved the nation to search its soul about racial injustice and inequality. Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin’s extraordinary witness; indomitable spirit and unwavering demand for change have altered the dynamics of racial justice discourse in this country. This powerful book illuminates the witness; the grief; and the commitment to reform that Trayvon Martin’s death has mobilized; it is a story fueled by a demand for justice but rooted in love.â€â€”Bryan Stevenson; author of Just Mercy “As the fifth anniversary of this tragic crime nears; Fulton and Martin share a remarkably candid and deeply affecting in-the-moment chronicle of the explosive aftermath of the murder. Writing in alternate chapters; they share every detail of their shock; grief; and grueling quest for justice. . . . Given the unconscionable shooting deaths of young black men; many by police; that followed Trayvon’s; this galvanizing testimony from parents who channeled their sorrow into action offers a deeply humanizing perspective on the crisis propelling a national movement.â€â€”Booklist (starred review)
#1443215 in Books Alistair Horne 2006-05-09 2006-05-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .50 x 5.20l; .39 #File Name: 0812975553240 pagesThe Age of Napoleon
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent history of NapoleonBy Joanna D.This is an excellent biography of the origins of Europe's military genius and conqueror. Because so much time has passed since the late 1700's; we don't think about Napoleon in the way we think of Hitler; but he had as devastating an effect on Europe; and the Napoleonic Wars were as violent; in their way; as World War II.Where did he come from and how did he become a military commander at such a young age and with such authority? What were the secrets to his success and his weaknesses? This is covered --as well as his relationship and reasons for marrying Josephine; who is an equally interesting historic figure. After reading this; I got a biography of Josephine to read as well.Napoleonic history; and most of European history is not taught in American schools--at least; when I went to school; we didn't get much of anything. I read a lot (you probably guessed that) but I read whatever I wanted to read; so I covered a lot of earlier history and English history; but never French (despite studying French in high school and elementary school for that matter) and so I missed covering this portion of history. But the French Revolution and the aftermath of Napoleon are as vital to knowledge of world history as are the Thirty Years' War. So I am filling in what's missing.One thing that is interesting --after a revolution such as the French Revolution; which ended in violence; completely unlike the American Revolution; there is a vacuum of power; and the long wars and Napoleon's iron grip on much of Europe; though short-lived; were highly destructive. There's a lesson in this: history repeats itself. After violence; a vacuum; and then a despot.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Very readable history of the man as state leader rather than generalBy Tony KingI've become such a fan of Alistair Horne's books. His history is among the most readable histories; if not the most readable. And I read a lot of history. This book focuses on the non-military aspects of Napoleon's life; especially his physical impact on the city of Paris. So if you are looking for a history of the Napoleonic Wars look elsewhere. But if you know that history and want to flesh out the man and his accomplishments (good and bad); or you want to know more about Napoleon than the widely written military history; this will do the trick. Now to find Horne's book(s) on the Napoleonic Wars!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Good Background of Napoleonic EraBy JackEnjoyed reading about Napoleon the arts critic; Napoleon the lover and husband Napoleon the science aficionado rather than Napoleon the military general.
