Lanier has escaped the family's Southern chauvinism and tells the story that we all knew about but didn't know this much about. Her Black family actually voted for Governor Faubus because they thought he worked well for people. How well they, and we, learned their lesson. By the way, this was one smart teen-aged girl. She valued her education, she had the opportunity to go to the 40th best ranked high school in the nation, so she took it. In this case, it was her society that was off the rail ( )

Gave me a new appreciation for the day to day realities of growing up and living in pre-integration South, as well as the toll racism takes on individuals and society. An inspiring story of courage and perseverance. ( )

I did not read this book, but thought it would be a good read in a history or english class to understand life during the civil rights era.

Carlotta Walls Lanier was a member of the original Little Rock Nine -- a group of young people who integrated Little Rock (Arkansas) Central High School. Her memoir joins several others in recounting the prejudice, fear, and violence of that time. Unlike "Warriors Don't Cry" Carlotta takes a slightly wider angle to the subject. She actually spent two years (most only passed one) at the high school and, in addition, tells of her life after the event. While she suffered only minor scrapes and humiliations, her parents' house was bombed and, most tragically, a family member was blamed (all evidence suggests it was local segregationists). Unlike her colleagues, Lanier has mixed feelings with her role in the event and often kept her past a secret.

While articulate and thoughtful, Lanier's tone is amazingly dispassionate. Her objective voice makes the horrifying abuse she endured all the more credible. At the same time, this reader wanted a bit more emotion, at times. She is not very forthcoming of her inner-most feelings (e.g., she talks about a girl stepping on the backs of her heels -- months of abuse -- with little rancor; she introduces her husband-to-be almost as an afterthought.) "Warriors...", in contrast, churns with emotions. The person truly interested in this dark hour in American history should read both books. ( )

This is a "good for you" sort of book - particularly for those of us who didn't live through the civil rights turmoil of the 50s and 60s - but it's not a miserable read. Perhaps not delightful, but do-able. One I'd definitely recommend. Be sure you stick it out through the conclusion - Mrs. Walls' viewpoint on the election of President Obama is enough to bring tears to your eyes.