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"Halfway Home From Kinderlou"
by James Edward Alexander
Review date: 02/22/2008
"Alexander shares these stories in a smooth style, with a storyteller’s cadence. He performs that same neat trick which Mark Twain accomplished so well: Capturing the viewpoints of a real youngster but recalled with the hindsight of an adult’s experience and wisdom."
Dean Poling, The Valdosta Daily Times
A Grandfather's Gift, May 2, 2009
In this lovely book, James Edward Alexander commemorates the many kindnesses shown to an energetic, precocious child growing up in the rural south during the 1930s and 1940s. The author depicts the sense of community and mutual cooperation that were so prevalent and so vital in those days.
But the author does not lull the reader into thinking those were necessarily better times. Grueling hard work was the norm, for both blacks and whites. Racial segregation defined situations that in retrospect were sometimes downright ridiculous, as in the case of white German POWs being allowed to use a swimming pool denied to local blacks during Word War II.
The pragmatic approach to life exhibited by Mr. Alexander's characters provides lessons for us, in this more affluent era. Halfway Home from Kinderlou also reminds us of the profound effect we can have on children and the responsibility we have to children.
Enhanced by charming artwork, this book is a delight.
"Your book provides great insights into life and the economic situation in Southern Georgia during the height of racial segregation and insights into the culture and spirit of both colored and white residents of your community. Your many descriptions of the great support that members of the community provided for one another were interesting and inspiring. Thanks for writing the book"
Ron McDermott, Ph.D.
James' childhood memories recounts his extraordinary life as only he could; with sparkling wit, outspoken candor and an incredible recollection. The book captures you and you take a journey back with him and you truly enjoy the ride. Please write more.
Maxine Leftwich Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
A life I needed to know About, February 7, 2008 I grew up a 'white boy' in Washington, DC. during the same years James Edward grew up in southern Georgia. The difference is now, 60 + years later, as plain as "black and white". James' description of family and school life in the black, segregated south tells me that he enjoyed relationships within his family and community that never existed in mine. I thoroughly enjoyed this man's writings and only hope he follows through with more of his memories in later editions. And, I also hope he finally wound up with a copy of Black Beauty that he could call his own!
Robert J. Beard “Square Wheels” (Southern Maryland)
A Must Read, April 15, 2008
By Katherine (California, USA)
This is a wonderful book, lovingly written about his growing up years for the author's grandchildren. It is also a book that should be required reading for school children today, as it describes a time and an era of which many children are oblivious to. I challenge anyone to read this book, so full of warm and poignant memories, to keep a dry eye. It is the kind of book you want to read in one sitting with a nice cup of tea and cookies nearby.
I am a white person, born and raised during the same generation in a small town, not too far from your hometown. I love your individual stories. The book is so well written that I could enjoy each story, sit and think about it and then go for more. I can picture all of it and really felt as if I was there following you and just watching. I will give our children the opportunity to read Half Way Home From Kinderlou. They also need to know some of the good things that happened during our childhood. Thank you for writing this book.