Review: Willett Thomas' RAISED BY HANDS, LIFTED BY THE TIDES Shows the Role We All Have In Creating A Better World
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 30, 2013
When we look at where we are today so many things can be taken for granted. Especially when it comes to groups of people who felt ignored and mistreated, you might wonder if there is any hope at all. In Willett Thomas' novel RAISED BY HANDS, LIFTED BY TIDES we are shown that there is, but it comes with hard work.We are able to meet Lily aka Lil Bit, a young girl who is able to take us on a journey into the past through her own eyes, seeing what hurt, loss and disappointment looks like and can do to those you love. We are also able to see through her own challenges and growth the paralyzing effect of fear and how it can keep you from wading through your trouble and circumstances.What I really appreciate the most about this story is the way it personalized so much of what we hear about when it comes to the history of people of color in the South. We are able to see how when a family is torn apart it creates difficulties that are easy to understand or even overcome. The story also shows the importance of standing up for what is right and the fight for truth, even when its unpopular.Through Lil Bit's narrative and letters we are able to share, we are able to find that there can be healing and salvation, but it will definitely come at a price. The challenge for us is to be willing to pay the price in order to get what we want.Powerfully delivered and passionately written, RAISED BY HANDS, LIFTED BY TIDES shows the role we all play in creating a better world.