RELIGION AND AMERICAN CULTURE focuses on the relationship of religion to the social and cultural dynamics of American history. Because most survey texts provide only brief coverage of this topic; Marsden's narrative is designed to explore the role of religion in American culture.
#739975 in Books Ingramcontent 2016-10-17Original language:English 9.00 x .50 x 6.00l; #File Name: 153930227X222 pagesAustin Boulevard The Invisible Line Between Two Worlds
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A very thoughtful and important bookBy Daniel DalyAustin Boulevard is both extremely important to read and depressing. The two often go hand-in-hand. This book offers a very well-researched approach to guide the reader from the days of slavery through the present time in America. The news offers information; friends and family bring their views; and we all form our own limited and biased opinions. That is why this text is important. Ferdinand offers a comprehensive look at the racism against black people through scores and scores of sources who are experts in their fields; and together they cover hundreds of years of territory. Among the specific topics covered are slavery; Jim Crow laws; the KKK; the war on drugs in America; and housing discrimination. Through it all is senseless murder and brutal violence. The relationship between black and white people is complex and will continue to be. This book takes a highly methodical approach to see where we've been as a nation; and ends on a positive note with realistic solutions. Austin Boulevard offers information that everyone knows is out there but would much rather ignore. The truth is ugly; but a peaceful relationship between black and white people is not hopeless. People from all backgrounds and races will find this to be a compelling read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. but still learned a great number of thingsBy Cory De LaceyAustin Boulevard is an interesting and well documented read. I appreciate the author's passion in threading together the events that brought Austin/Oak Park/America to our present divisive state of race relations. As a long time resident of Chicago; I found the book in line with my understanding; but still learned a great number of things.I am in the midst of reading Hillbilly Elegy; and am struck by the relationship of the two books. They tell a story of separate worlds with many similarities.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Misleading TitleBy M. BurnsThis is simply a short; albeit well referenced; overview of the history of slavery and racism in America. If titled to accurately reflect that primary subject matter; I would have no complaint. The small section of the book specifically devoted to discussing Austin and Oak Park; however; reflects an unfortunate lack of understanding on the part of the author as to what actually happened in Austin and Oak Park in the 1960's and 1970's. The decline of Austin was due to more than simply racism and unscrupulous realtors. The balance maintained in Oak Park was difficult and hard fought by the city and its residents. To reduce the complexity of those worthwhile topics to the few pages in the back of this book does a great disservice to any reader hoping to gain an understanding of that issue. Austin Boulevard may simply be a convenient metaphor to the author but it is much more than a figure of speech to those who lived and continue to live the changes; whatever their race.
