Clarence Thomas

If Clarence Thomas were a political liberal, his story would be a movie, his name would be on elementary schools, and this book would be read in college courses. He would be considered an American hero. But, he is a political conservative and a faithful Catholic, so, that is not the case. For much of America, he is a villain. For many conservatives, he is a paragon of right-thinking. His biography is gripping. Born dirt poor in coastal Georgia, his first language being Geechee (Gullah), his family life was a shambles, and prospects did not look good for a Black boy in the Jim Crow South. But, his maternal grandfather, whom he called "Daddy," took him in, sent him to private Catholic schools, gave him discipline, and set him on the course of his life. It's a story of grit, determination, and overcoming reminiscent of Ben Franklin's or Fred Douglass's, and a very touching memoir. My only regret is it ends with his taking his seat on the Court. The whole Anita Hill business? His side of the story makes sense to me, though I could see how and why others would not believe the story one bit. Maybe some things were done and said that were interpreted differently, and exploited later. But, a good memoir.… (mer)