I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Authors Lori Ann LaRocco and Abby Wallace share the story of four families who all depended from slaves and reflect on the journey their families have taken in the book “Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future: Four Families Descended from Slaves Reflect on Stories of Strength, Love and Gratitude”.
The Synopsis
In Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future, descendants of four prominent Black families whose ancestors were enslaved tell readers what life was like for those ancestors, and how their experiences shaped and influenced future generations. Their experiences had a profound impact on each of these families—and the wisdom, traditions, and values that have been passed down from generation to generation. The authors worked with family historians, gathered volumes of historical documents, and worked with historians from Montpelier, Mount Vernon, and Africatown to ensure its accuracy
The Review
This was a compelling and thoughtful nonfiction read. The exploration of the history, culture, and journey of these four families and the trials these enslaved people faced was heartbreaking yet inspiring. Seeing and reading about the contributions these individuals made and the horrifying hurdles they had to overcome not only puts into perspective the darker aspects of American history but showcases the drive to provide a better future for the future generations of these families.
The amount of detail and depth the authors put into the research and interviews with these families was remarkable. The honesty and inspiration that these individuals provided and the balance the authors struck between the history of these families and what they endured, with the impact that can still be felt in these modern times, made the book feel alive and remarkable to learn about.
The Verdict
Engaging, thoughtful, and vital reading material to understanding the history of our nation and the harrowing journey for many black families in the United States, authors Lori Ann LaRocco and Abby Wallace’s “Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future: Four Families Descended from Slaves Reflect on Stories of Strength, Love and Gratitude” is a must-read nonfiction and historical read. The detail and insightful nature of the book, and the way the authors highlight both the horrors of slavery and the challenges many families still face in the wake of racism, as well as the light that hope and all that struggle has brought to future generations of these families, making this a remarkable book to read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Lori Ann LaRocco is an American Journalist and is also the best-selling author of Trade War Containers Don’t Lie: Navigating the Bluster (Marine Money 2019), Dynasties of the Sea: The Untold Stories of the Postwar Shipping Pioneers (Marine Money, 2018), Opportunity Knocking (Agate Publishing, 2014), Dynasties of the Sea: The Shipowners and Financiers Who Expanded the Era of Free Trade (Marine Money, 2012), and Thriving in the New Economy (Wiley, 2010
Abby Wallace is an advanced placement History and English student in New Jersey. Abby enjoys writing, reading, drawing, riding horses, and performing on stage. Abby loves to give back to others and enjoys volunteering at Pony Power Therapies. She hopes to one day have a therapy barn of her own.
