Freshwater Road

I can't say that this book was entertaining. However, this is a must read for those who are unaware of the events in the south during the early years of the Civil Rights movements. Freshwater road is extremely realistic and historically correct. The book is fiction but the described events are real. Well worth the time it took to read.

Freshwater Road is a compelling story and, while fictional, it mirrors the civil rights movement of the 1960`s with authenticity. It brings to life the shameful actions of many white Americans. It is painful to read of the injustice that was rampant, especially in the south. It was, however, heartening to be reminded of the quiet heroes who risked so much to bring about equality for all. This should be required reading for all Americans.

At times a bit slow paced, but still very engrossing. A great read about the civil rights movement in the 60's. The main character, Celeste, spends a summer in Mississippi during the 60's to fight for the right of black people to vote. Loved the writing style and loved all the characters.

This was an extremely tough book to get through. I enjoyed the topic of the book, but found it to be a slow read. It seemed very repetitive and wordy. I felt a lot of things could have been deleted from the book and it would have made it better. It did get better towards the end, but by then I was already wishing it would have ended chapters ago.

Freshwater Road is an excellent historical novel based on the Civil Rights Movement. The novel is eloquent, replete with imagery, and incredibly moving. When Celeste Tyree leaves the comfort of her middle-class Detroit home to register Blacks to vote, you will feel the sweltering heat and unbridled hatred of rural Mississippi in its Jim Crow hay day. But, you'll also enjoy a sense of triumph, a cold glass of sweetened iced tea, and a down home Southern celebration when several of the freedom fighters become eligible to vote.

Denise Nicholas also masterfully intertwines the themes of racism, classism, and sexism as she explores their impact on social values in post-Soul society. The rift between Blacks and non-Blacks, northern blacks and southern blacks, and men and women all come into play as the novel's protagonist, Celeste Tyree takes a courageous journey to fight racial injustice. Blacks aren't allowed to vote or use the same public restrooms as whites. Women (Black and non-black) have no place outside of the home or church. Southern Blacks aren't very fond of 'uppity' northern Blacks coming to show them a better way of life.

If you are a literary connoisseur with discriminating taste, Freshwater Road is a novel that you will savor. Mass-produced, 'microwave' fiction it is not. Denise Nicholas has taken approximately 5 years of painstaking care to write a novel which draws upon her own Freedom Summer experience. So curl up in a chair and enjoy the experience. Freshwater Road is sure to become a classic work of fiction.

Nicholas does an outstanding job of presenting a side of the Civil Rights struggle in the Deep South that is often not found in writings of this era. Her story and its settings are very believable and demonstrate clearly the commitment to a cause and the personal price paid by so many people. She has a sensitive understanding of human nature.

I just finished reading Freshwater Road, and can't tell you how much I enjoyed the book. I could not believe it was the authors first book. She brings touching realism to the struggles of civil rights in the deep south. As a person who grew up on the other side of the struggle, it touched something in me that I hope to always remember.

As someone who remembers Freedom Summer (I was too young to participate but I was there in spirit) this is one of the finest books I have ever read. Anyone who chooses this book will be enlightened. I cannot recommend it strongly enough. I'm waiting for another book from this fine author.

Was surprised to see reviews comparing this book to To Kill a Mockingbird, but have to agree this is an interesting and very well written story. Nicholas brings the civil rights movement of the '60 vividly to life. Her characters are complex, and the moral issues they faced reveal the turbulent road to creating change during violent times in US history. Highly recommend.

Life is too short to read boring books, and unfortunately, this is one of them. Too long, too many thin subplots, too much reflection, and not enough meat to the story. The premise had the potential of being thought-provoking and emotional, but just came across as flat.

This was an extremely compelling look at a terrible time for our country. The characters portray so many aspects of justice, compassion, steadfastness and faith - and bravery... such bravery.
These things happened.... and we shouldn't turn our faces away because it's ugly, we should accept it as part of the path that our country took to get where it is.

Living through the civil rights era will make this reading more significant to a reader. The treatment of both story and character capture the "landscape" as it existed during that courageious period. One can learn to accept the hardships, trials and tribulations of the young people who worked so hard to help others achieve justice as true acts of heroism.

A very compelling inside look at how racial tensions looked and felt during the 1960s. You feel like you are in the story, seeing Mississippi through the eyes of the main character, you feel her struggles and her pain, and you can see how she grows in her social awareness, courage and maturity as a young woman.

I loved this book. The story is about Celeste, who during the "freedom summer" travels to Mississippi to teach mostly African American children about the right to vote and also register African American adults to vote. The writing and details were really well done. I could just picture everything she wrote.

This book was very interesting as far as the historical content. The characters were a bit flat for my taste however, the descriptions of Freshwater were vivid and etched in my mind. I am glad I read this to gain a perspective on the civil rights era.

While reading this book, you get the feeling you are there in Mississippi during the hot summer of 1964. An inside look at the beginning of the Civil Rights movement attempting to get Blacks registered to vote in the deep south.

This book was very interesting as far as the historical content. The characters were a bit flat for my taste however, the descriptions of Freshwater were vivid and etched in my mind. I am glad I read this to gain a perspective on the civil rights era.

I am interested in how wars and slavery effect the lives of ordinary people..This was an excellent book with struggling people who have goals for a better world. In this case, winning rights for people in the south was the important thing.

Denise Nichols did a great job portraying the struggles to register blacks to vote. This book was spell bounding and gave the reader many thought provoking moments. Excellent read and highly recommended.

Denise Nicholas is by far one of my favorite actors , and I'm pleased to add the title of favorite author . The excellence of her storytelling is absolutely stunning. She's definitely opened my eyes to the depth of that white elephant called racism in the 60's.Thank you Denise and God bless.

This book brought the Civil Rights movement to my attention. Having lived thru that period and having read news articles about the happenings I continued to be amazed at what went on enabling the black folks the right to vote.

Everything that has been said in the other reviews is correct. What needs to be added is its reality. You are there, you are with Celeste, you feel her fear, disgust, indignation and resolve. It is emotionaly true. Read this book.