Go Tell Michelle by Barbara A. Seals
By Jennifer Coissiere • Mar 9th, 2009 • Category: Book Review 2009 •
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Throughout the 2008 presidential campaign, many people all over the world were glued to their seat hanging on the words of not only Barack Obama, but also his wife, Michelle Obama. Poets wrote poems; storytellers, novelists, and journalists wrote the emotions they were feeling at the moment. And those who were in different walks of life wrote down their feelings as well. Did any of these women know that there was a possibility they would have the opportunity to have their thoughts included in a book for the whole world to see what they were feeling? Some yes and many no. Go, Tell Michelle: African American Women Write to the New First Lady compiled and edited by Barbara A. Seals Nevergold and Peggy Brooks-Bertram is a powerful book of letters and poems to First Lady Michelle Obama.
There were two letters that brought tears to my eyes. The first one was the letter written by Peggy Bertram. I was reading it aloud to my daughter and almost did not make it to the end. It was due to the coincidence of the economic crisis and “Aunt Millie” coming to show the family how to stretch a meal when there is not any money to really purchase food. Even though, this letter was untitled many could relate to the subject and topic. The second was written by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie; her piece is called “My Great-Great-Grandmother Talks to Michelle Obama.” This piece moved me in so many ways. I could hear, from the tone of the letter, someone’s great-great grandmother’s voice quivering as she told the First Lady to embrace her title even when it feels weird to hear it. She also told her, Mrs. Obama, that she is a representation of not only her family, but all the women in history. I am happy I was sitting alone and reading it because I’m not quite sure what my family would have thought happened to me. There are many other pieces that made me think and nod in agreement.
I recommend all households, not just African Americans, but everyone, get a copy of Go, Tell Michelle. They should use it to see how many different women from all walks of life can appreciate one woman, who has done nothing but be herself, believe in and support her man, and be a wonderful mother. It is a book full of hope.
Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub
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Jennifer Coissiere is an aspiring author, a mother, and a wife. She has been reading books as far back as her memory will allow her to remember. She has always used books as an escape from her everyday life. Her passion for words became evident to her English teacher in the eighth grade. Since then Jennifer has been writing non-stop, but it was not until 2006 when she finally realized her passion. She reviews books because she truly loves reading, and wants to spread the word to more than just the people she knows.
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Dearest Jennifer. Such a lovely review. I am so pleased that you loved the story of my Aunt Lillie. I know that there are Aunt Lillies in all of our families. We could not have lived without her. I was so moved by your review and I hope that you will share any other comments on our blog at gotellmichelle.blogspot.com and on our facebook off of the Sunypress.edu page. We love your words and thanks. Peggy
Peggy, I am so proud of that a member of my review team reviewed this and embraced it. I remain blessed to have been a part of this project.
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