My Grandfather's Son: A Memoir

'' The Truth Behind the Myth '

It's obvious now, after reading, My Grandfather's Son, why the Thomas confirmation hearings had a lasting effect on me. I applaud this great man, husband, grandson and father for going the distance. Now, when I read anything about Clarence Thomas, I will do my own editing and unscramble the opinions that get in the way of the truth. What a humbling experience reading this book. I could not put it down for three days, reading it into the early hours of the morning. Please, read this book and know this man and empathize his tough journey that took him to the highest court in our land, the U.S. Supreme Court.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

An American Success Story

I had read a previous biography of Clarence Thomas and assumed this would parallel that book. It obviously did follow the same outline but Mr. Thomas fills in the inner world he dealt with so honestly, I was amazed. He wasn't happy about the other biography and I assumed that he intended to write an even more positive view of himself, boy was I wrong. Mr. Thomas is so honest and vulnerable in his portrayal of himself it almost reads like a private journal where one might take themselves to the woodshed. Anyone who believes that this complicated man is a lap dog of the right, an "uncle tom" or anyother label you would want to put on him is grossly mistaken! One of the most facinating biographies that I have ever read.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A book everyone should read!

The only thing I remember about Clarence Thomas prior to reading his auto biography was the terrible things Anita Hill had to say about him during his confirmation hearings. Upon reading this book I don't know how he managed to keep it together, but I am sure grateful he did.
I just take pride in being an American because men like him could come from such humble backgrounds and overcome such hardships to become a Suprem Court Justice.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

I represent my own self...

My Grandfather's Son I read Clarence Thomas's autobiographical My Grandfather's Son some months after the first flush of publicity. The book is well worth reading, which is not to say that it won me over to Thomas's political views, or made me an admirer of his tenure in government. The early chapters provide a moving account of growing up impoverished in rural Georgia, subject to the pathological Jim Crow laws and customs of the time, which is as authentic as any other that has appeared in print. The book does establish that Thomas is a complex human being, a unique individual, as are we all. That is important. Nothing is more infuriating than being critiqued for something you are not, rather than for a life and a set of principles that one is proud of, even if others sharply disagree. Thomas is absolutely correct that he has a right to be his own self, not to conform to any expected orthodoxy based on his race, his sex, or any other irrelevant characteristic. In this, he is merely living up to Jesse B. Semple's defiant statement to his employer ''my boss is a white man'' who asks him 'What does The Negro want now?' Simple responds, many times over, 'I am not The Negro. I am this Negro. I represent my own self.' 'Taken from Langston Hughes's, Coffee Break. Thomas's rejection of a brand of so-called liberalism based on cheap stereotypes is a breath of fresh air. But his critique is missing a good deal of history, and his own account makes clear that, to those he adopted as his closest political allies, he was merely a convenient pawn, thrust into jobs he might indeed not have been well qualified to fill. Thomas knew that most of the inner circle in the Reagan administration were uninterested in offering anything to advance civil rights. 'By the end of my first year at the Department of Education, I took a dim view of the prospects for blacks in America. I no longer thought that the Reagan administration could do anything that would be of any help to them... Those of us who had chosen to work for President Reagan found it hard to shake the nagging feeling that this aides didn't trust us... Too many political appointees appeared to me to be too preoccupied with celebrating their own ideological credentials to pay attention to the needs of blacks. We hadn't voted for him, so why should they bother with us?' Ronald Reagan's plaintive phone call asking Thomas why African Americans considered him racist, and his protest that he personally had never been racist in his life, were no doubt sincere. But Reagan's administration, and his party, highlighted in Thomas's own words, provided the plain answer to the president's question. Thomas relates that he was shocked by Coretta Scott King's dismissal of Ronald Reagan, 'Well, he IS a Republican.' What did the Republican Party mean in 1980 for African Americans? As early as 1960, the limited-federal-government wing of the northern and western Republican Party had been finding common ground with the states' rights Dixiecrats still embedded in the Democratic Party. Between 1964 and 1980, the Republican Party had made an open bid to all racists dissatisfied with Democratic sponsorship of civil rights laws and federal intervention to change parties. Thomas may not have noticed that, because by his own description, it occured during a time when he was less than interested in electoral politics. But it was bitter history to most African Americans who observed it. Yes, there were Republicans who were instrumental in passing civil rights legislation. Considering the size of the southern Democratic bloc in congress, passage would have been impossible without those Republican votes. But, those Republicans were increasingly marginalized in their own party. There is no doubt that the Democratic Party took black votes for granted, had a very limited vision of what to offer black voters, and took their cue from an aging civil rights leadership, which could not fully recognize the changing

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

An honest look into an amazing life

After reading this book, I am in awe of Justice Thomas' achievements. This is a really inspiring story about a man who has risen to greatness despite such humble beginnings. I didn't pay much attention to his confirmation hearings when they went on, but I now really appreciate his path, his personal struggles, and the enormity of being confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Poignant,Informative and insightful book!

I have always admired Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. His memoir gives the reader insight into his youth, and the grandfather that shaped him into the wonderful and decent human being that he is today. It makes someone who did not grow up in the south or who is not black see another side of life. Justice Thomas seemed to strugle most of his life with inner turmoil. It is a truly fascinating book and I have always wanted to hear his side of the Anita Hill story. I was very suprised when I read that he really never wanted to be a Supreme Court Justice. He endured such pain and sorrow due to his public hearing and tears flowed for this decent human being when reading this chapter. I whole heartedly encourage all to read. You will not be able to put it down...I know I couldn't!!

This is a stunning book!

I would highly recommend reading this. Clarence Thomas provides a window on his world that is both heart-rending and inspirational. I have the utmost respect for his courage and great compassion.

A Survivor of the Good, Bad, and Ugly ... in Life and Politics

My Grandfather's Son affected me emotionally because it proved to me, once again; one can find fairness, truth, and justice ... in this land, called America. Prevalent among memorable dates in history are the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the murder of President John F. Kennedy, and the slaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King. Also, days that shall live in infamy with me ... are the confirmation hearings of Judge Clarence Thomas.

There was a certain irony (as I digress) because I remember thinking: "These should be days of joy, hope, and celebration, for all Americans ... surely this man represents the essence of the ideals promulgated by Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, W.E.B. Dubois, John F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King.

This memoir captures the anguish; Judge Thomas' family and friends had to endure. His sister was among them. Like many others kissed by the sun, she had been a life-long contributor to her party ... only to watch it disparage her brother and call him: Every name but a child of God.

I encourage everyone to explore this marvelous memoir. It is well documented, intriguing to read, and covers an important time in our country's history. Purchase it not because the author is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court ... get it because he is the personification of a grandfather's son, an American hero, and God's child.
Reginald V. Johnson, Success-Tapes.Com

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

More than yu think

There are many reasons to read this very fine personal utterance. Not only does this inspire respect but understanding the judge's background and the manner of his work ethic makes HIS version of the Anita Hill thing absolutely believable. The critics who said this was whiney were just whining bec they could not find wrong with it.

Great Read!

This story was inspiring. I have so much more respect and admiration for this great man knowing what he has achieved in life and having to endure the many hardships to get there. I would love for this story to be made into a movie.

Buy a copy today

I cried, I laughed, I was angry at times, and I was just plain sad at times. This book was wonderful. Judge Thomas should write more books. He is a great writer. Thanks for sharing a portion of your life, Judge Thomas.

ANNOY A LIBERAL..........WORK HARD AND BE HAPPY!!!!

I found Clarence Thomas' book 'My Grandfather's Son' to be a fantastic read. Clarence was raised by his grandparents - dirt poor in the deep South in post WWII America. His grandfather was a hardworking, honorable man and he passed these life lessons on to Clarence. During Clarence's early adulthood, he embraced the philosophies of the Democratic Party ..... then he 'smartened-up' and became a Republican! He felt the liberal ideas of the Democratic Party handicapped the black community. Didn't give them the incentive to work hard and make a better life for themselves. The Democratic Party made them too dependent upon the goverment. With Clarence's new Republican status, he achieved success during the Reagan administration with mid-level government positions. The first President Bush nominated him to the Supreme Court and Clarence endured so much hatred and injustice, it's a wonder that he could 'stick it out'. The seminary, Holy Cross, Yale Law School, Supreme Court Justice - truly an example of what hard work and tenacity can bring!!

Must Read

What other's intended for harm, God used for good. For every negative in Justice Thomas life there was a positive. He overcame the negative's, focused on the positives, took initiative and the end result is a man that should be considered a gift to America. Too many people quit, say they can't or expect other's to do it for them. Not Justice Thomas. He is a true American Hero. A man of principle, honest and a representative for all people regardless of age, sex or race. I beleive that he did not become a priest because God knew that we needed him on the court. Thank you Justice Thomas.

Surprising

Although I do not subscribe to some of Justice Thomas' politics and legal decisions, I have a great appreciation now of how the core of this man was formed and how his thinking process was shaped. The book highlights many of the financial, social, and personal struggles Clarence encountered growing up, school-wise, and thru the SC nomination process. I particularly found it refreshing that he articulated his personal shortcomings, something that few of us are willing to admit. I found his story inspiring in that even those of us in the most dire of situations the U.S. can rise above it all. What I thought was missing was some discussion of the past 16-years of his life since he was confirmed to the Court. The foregoing may have shed some further light on the evolution of this man.

Thank you for writing this book

This book is so needed in this climate of me generation and what can you do for me mentality. Justice Thomas' life shows that in this country you can come from poverty and racism and be what you strive to be if you have the passion, perseverance, deligence, and rock solid traditional values. Should be a required reading for all middle schoolers and up.

A reviewer

' my grandfathers son' is one of the most amazing books I have ever read.Justice thomas is a very remarable individuel person. he was very dirt poor and was raised by his grandfather but never forgot the values that he was taught early on and I was truly touched as I was reading this book to see everything that this man had to endure both as a child and rigers of the nominating process but the book has 2 main themes :sticking with your principles no matter what the odds and taking the wisdom that your family taught you to heart . what I apprieate most about this honorable man is he is speaking to students about his life so their lifes can be better. this is truly a great gift idea for a friend or family member.

Eye Opener!

This book certainly makes Clarence Thomas look like an intelligent, humorous man. From the image the media cast he was dry, boring, and unwilling to show his feelings on issues. Great book.

An outstanding American

I am so happy to be in a Country where men like this can excell against all odds. He has set a great example for all legal Americans as to what you can do if you are not lazy. You cannot live in a welfare condition and expect to be fed and taken care of and excell like Justus Thomas. I would consider it an honor to see him in person someday. May God continue to bless this great man!!!

REMARKABLE MAN

The cd is wonderful - judge thomas' story in his own words!! i could not stop listening until i finished the book! eye-opening, enlightening, entertaining, educational i hope everyone finds time to either read or listen to this book! it is well worth it!

great thinker

its a must have book, lots to learn from.