Jefferson's Children: The Story of One American Family by Shannon Lanier Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Jefferson's Children: The Story of One American Family
Book Review: Helps beautifully to make up for a lost heritage
Summary: 5 Stars
In a dignified manner this book offers true accounts of lives that were lived in the shadows of an uncertain heritage. With more and more Americans embracing the Thomas Jefferson-Sally Hemings romantic relationship for the reality (I have longed believed) it was, we are free to enjoy--and to learn from--this mixed-race, talented, loving family.Few literary efforts make race seem so indistinct and unimportant today as this work by a remarkable young Jefferson-Hemings descendant. Everyone who has felt cheated by historians while attempting to learn the full story of Americans' mixed heritage can make up for that in part by reading Jefferson's Children.
By the way--it's not just a children's book. It's for everyone. It also provides a good historical perspective of Sally Hemings as the half-sister of Jefferson's late wife, Martha, who died 19 years before he became President.
Some people's sense of reality will conclude, rightly I believe, that Sally Hemings was, in his heart, the First Lady of President Thomas Jefferson. I regret the time was not right for open acknowledgment of that. It certainly is now.
Book Review: Jefferson's Children
Summary: 4 Stars
I think Jefferson's Children: The Story of One American Family was a great book. The story is about a decsendant of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings who asks other decsendants what they know about their relationship. Before I read the book I didn't even know anything about Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings and now I know so much more than I expected. Jefferson's Children gave a lot of information about Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings. The reason the relationship is so improtant is because Sally Hemmings was a slave of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was about thirteen years older than Sally Hemmings. Thomas Jefferson married Sally Hemmings after Martha Jeffers, Thomas Jefferson's first wife died. I find two things very interesting about Thomas Jefferson and his decsendants. Thomas Jefferson fought againts slavery but owned slaves. I think it is amazing how big the Jefferson and Hemming's family is.Book Review: My Opinion
Summary: 4 Stars
I've read the other reviews of this book, and I was both surprised and shocked. I'm really sick and tired of people trying to make Thomas Jefferson a god. I don't claim to know the truth on this matter, but I do know a person's family history is very important in who you are. How can somebody call the Woodson and Hemings descendents sad individuals, and that they are desperate to be related to a great man? Sorry, Jefferson was not a god, but he was an important figure in American history. This scandal doesn't diminish his integrity, it just makes him human. What I think is really shocking is the descendents of Jefferson try to push these people out, because they claim there is no real evidence to support their heritage. From what I've read from their side, the whole Jefferson family seems heartless to me, save for a few individuals on the side of the Woodson and Hemings families. The DNA may not be real clear on the matter, but it's a start. I commend the Woodson and Hemings descendents, they are brave individuals sticking up for their heritage. This book was a start for bringing about some sort of family unity. I would recommend this as a read for anybody interested in this story.Book Review: Spirit of Hope
Summary: 5 Stars
I have just finished reading Jefferson's Children:The Story of One American Family, and the stories included here of the Hemings and Jefferson families have given me renewed hope that someday we all will treat each other as cousins and family. I realize that all families don't love each other, but these stories encourage me to believe that we can be more loving toward all people. While this is catalogued as a children's book (ages 9-12), I believe it is a family book. Parents should read and discuss it with their children and teachers will develop lesson plans around it. I believe that this book will bring us all closer together.
Book Review: Chris - Did you read this book?
Summary: 5 Stars
... "Jefferson's Children: The Story of One American Family", is a fair and thorough assessment of the current controversy with both pro and con arguments from family members representing all sides. ... I encourage ... any family (even non traditional ones), to buy this book, read it and discuss it! There are many familiy stories similar to this one and through this type of examination (just listening and documenting the words) we can begin to understand our various experiences and maybe reach some mid point to peace. ...