Upon This Rock : Miracles of a Black Church, The
Author(s): Samuel G. Freedman
"Freedman's vivid, wonderfully affecting book . . . is journalism of the highest order, a compassionate account of a year in the life of an extraordinary man, a charismatic Brooklyn preacher named Reverend Johnny Ray Youngblood, . . . . A sharply focused, triumphant hymn-shouting wonder of a book documenting the spiritual and worldly struggles of a people grappling with everyday realities that would test the convictions of a saint." —Entertainment Weekly (A)
"Upon This Rock provides a route back to hope for all readers." —Christian Science Monitor
In this widely acclaimed bestseller, Samuel Freedman, the author of Small Victories, tackles another explosive issue, this time race in America, by taking an in-depth look at the pastor of a thriving Black church in one of New York's most desperate slums.
Review(s):
"A testament to how an individual and a group can be innovative, resourceful and brave—and achieve the near-impossible."
"This elegantly written book reawakens us to the fullness of the human spirit."
"Freedman's vivid, wonderfully affecting book. . . is journalism of the highest order, a compassionate account of a year in the life of an extraordinary man, a charismatic Brooklyn preacher named Reverend Johnny Ray Youngblood, . . . . A sharply focused, triumphant hymn-shouting wonder of a book documenting the spiritual and worldly struggles of a people grappling with everyday realities that would test the convictions of a saint."
"A rich book . . . it makes you want to weep with rage."
"This biography, falling somewhere between journalism and poetry, is full of sweat and struggle."
"The struggles and victories of the St. Paul Community Baptist Church, its pastor and its parishioners, is a story worth telling. The fact that it is so eloquently and captivatingly rendered makes Upon This Rock all the more a worthwhile read and inspiration."
"At a time when most of the nation has written off the possibility of a revitalization of our inner-city neighborhoods, Upon This Rock, provides a route back to hope for all readers."
"Vividly captures the story of a man and people who are transforming lives and communities every day."
"Brilliant."
"An important book. . . . Its existence is an ostensive definition of the secular miracles we need to discover if we are to survive as a nation of honor."
ISBN: 9780060924591