The Harvest : Keeping It Real

The Harvest is a tapestry woven from strands of African American history and family tradition together with family morals and values. The author emphasizes that it is from this strong fabric that dreams are realized and bountiful harvests are reaped. The book presents the story of a nave, African American, country girl's experiences growing up and told through her own voice. She shares her dreams and sorrows and her tenacity to reach set goals as she moved from one personal and professional event to another and into the autumn of her life.

The book opens with biblical references supporting the existence of the human race. It is here, at the outset of the story, that the author stresses knowing and understanding yourself so that you realize where you are, where you want to go, and how you want to get there.

Then, the reader is introduced to the author's maternal and paternal grandparents and their offspring. She goes on to discuss what it was really like to grow up in the rural countryside of Mixonville, Alabama. From the chatter and laughter of the ladies at the quilting gatherings to the long rows of cotton that had to be picked in the broiling hot southern sun, the reader is allowed to experience the deep, emotional feeling of the author.

Once the reader has a feel of "the good old days' the author shares some specific situations that she witnessed and that resulted in learning experiences for her. The opportunity is presented that allows one the rare opportunity to get into the soul of a common, grassroots lady and begin an understanding of how she survives.

More than that, the themes of social and religious values present subliminal messages on what it takes to reach that ultimate harvest. One senses the deep religious commitment inherent in each of the eleven chapters. The conclusion leaves one contemplating his or her own life and inspired and motivated to keep on keeping on because the last harvest-when our Lord returns-is the most important one.