A review by uscrx
Parting the Waters: Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement 1954-63 by Taylor Branch

5.0

Despite growing up during these tumultuous years, I have been ignorant/uninterested in the story of the struggle for equal rights/freedom for the blacks in the United States. This past Spring, a pastor friend mentioned to me that his "hero" was Martyn Luther King, Jr. I was surprised at this comment, but intrigued enough to look into this man whose birthday we celebrate every January. A huge first volume of a 3-volume set, this book grabbed me continually as I read it. I was stunned at what was done to blacks in the 1950s! I was saddened that our great country could turn its back on its own citizens. I was also drawn to admire the persistence, grace, and character of MLK. He had his faults, for sure, but was used mightily in the struggle for freedom for the black people of our country. Highly recommended!