My Grandfather's Son

My Grandfather’s Son
Written by Clarence Thomas

289 pages

I honestly couldn’t remember a whole lot about this era, probably because I was in college and uninterested in current events! (Distracted by dating, perhaps?)

Anyway, I enjoyed this book and learning more of his background, and the difficulties he had as a young black man seeking to get a good education and succeed in life. He worked so hard and still he and his wife hardly had any money, and he writes of them having to wash out their clothes in the bathroom sink each night, or at another time either paying for bus fare and not eating, or walking to work and eating.

It is interesting to note all of the ups and downs of his journey; first of all getting his law degree and passing his Bar. Secondly, of his different jobs, salaries, and then the Supreme Court Nomination?! Wow!

He of course brings up the Anita Hill scandal, and convincingly (to me at least) provides a strong argument of his uninvolvement with her. (She seems like a real flake!)

He quotes from the Bible, and leans towards conservative political views, but I didn’t get a real clear read as to where he is at spiritually. Maybe he’ll write another book on that topic some other time. ;-)

The title is due to his grandfather’s guidance throughout his life. His grandfather raised him, loved him and his brother, but was not very ‘warm and fuzzy’. He took his job of raising them very seriously, and made sure they weren’t wimpy. He would make them work very hard, and let’s just say he wasn’t too concerned with their ‘self esteem’. J It’s funny, because later on when Clarence has his son, all of a sudden Clarence’s grandfather spoils his great grandson absolutely rotten, and cuddles him all of the time. Clarence has a tough time with that!

I enjoyed it, I’d give the book a 7. (I don’t know if he had an editor, but……in my opinion, he should have either had one, or hired one! :-)

Brenda