History- The Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave
Friday, November 14, 2008

Posted in In The Readers Den

I found out about this narrative through a book I've been reading in the Elm Creek Quilt Series by Jennifer Chiaverini.  Thus far, the book has alot to do with history and touches on slavery.  I've been really interested in History for quite some time, having also grown up in Auburn, NY. I know a thing or two about the "underground railroad" and Harriet Tubman. 

In my opinion though, to spite that my mom worked with the owner and caretaker of the Harriet Tubman Home now, I haven't delved much into serious history concerning slavery during pre and post civil war time.  While I haven't had much time to do so in the past, this Fiction series I've been reading has me ready to learn more. 

According to the Author of Elm Creek Quilt Series, Jennifer Chiaverini, there is a debate about a series of quilts that could have been used as communication between slaves running toward freedom and those homes that were considered safe to shelter in, otherwise known as the "Underground".

I became interested in knowning if this were true.  Obviousely this was a "fiction" book, but it REALLY sparked my interest.  I looked to the back of the book and Jennifer Chiaverini let her readers know that she tied some things into her book that while haven't been denied, were all the same, debated.

Throughout the book I started reading about different things I'd write out to read descriptions via google on what a paticular item was used for and to see if certain things were, in fact fiction, or had some reality to it.  I can't help it!  A spark in me turned on and I became interested.

So I looked up a paticular book that one of her characters read to a slave who needed encouragement and found that the book was in fact REAL. That book is The Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave.  In doing a search of my own, I found that the book was shared online in whole by Berkley Digital Library.  So I offer you the opportunity as well, to read about the life of Frederick Douglass.  While some of it is real and eye-opening of his time, it is also encouragement to how God used him to deliver other slaves to freedom.  His story is one NOT to be forgotten, but to be remembered and read aloud. 

Without Further Ado, take the time to read each chapter as it is offered to you. 

The Life Of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave

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Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by joshields

I happened by your blog while pressing the "random" button, and am really pleased I did. I love the Elm Creek Quilt books and was fascinated by the bits about quilting and the underground railroad, so I expect I'll enjoy reading the narrative you linked to - it looks really interesting. I read a very interesting book called "Hidden in Plain View" about a "quilt code" that had connections to the underground railroad - it was quite scholarly and not easy to read, but was nevertheless fascinating.

Thanks for sharing your interesting find.

Best wishes,
Jo

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