Life is So Good
Dawson,George/Glaubman,RichardProviding a window into the entire 20th century, Life Is So Good is a reflective look at a humble man who has lived an understated yet fascinating life. This memoir of George Dawson, a black manual labourer who learned to read at age 98, is the product of a collaboration between Dawson and a high school history teacher. It gives a black man's perspective of life in the American South during many of the significant events of the century. Although he endured hardship, Dawson's positive philosophy has sustained him to a ripe old age.
Comments from Groups
We loved the book - inspirational. It put our small problems into perspective. Nelson 020 We all found something interesting in this book. Learning to read at 98 is amazing. His outlook on life too was really inspiring. Napier 007 There was an element of 'rose-coloured glasses' and acceptance that people found hard to believe, but what choice was there for him? Recommended. Whakatane 012 Historically interesting, well written biography. All loved the character of George and his humility. Papamoa 001
Pages
285
285
Year
2000
2000
Reviews
17-10-2022
Most of our group enjoyed this memoir. The following comments were made..."loved the way Richard Glaubman captured the cadences and syntax of George's voice.. George is a delightful character - humble and wise...despite the racism and lack of money George remained optimistic and self-sufficient". George's quote 'growing children but not raising them' really resonated within the group. A remarkable memoir.
16-06-2022
Great! What an inspiring read. Made us stop and think about what is important and what isn't. So pleased we added this book to our reading list.
02-11-2018
Everyone enjoyed the book and decided that George was an amazing character. His philosophies impressed us all and made us consider our own priorities. The fact that he learnt to read and write at 98 proved what an amazing person he was. The book also brought to light the race situation in America during his lifetime, and we felt that while there had been positive developments, deeply held views were still apparent.
02-11-2018
All our group enjoyed this book. Richard Glaubman's writing style suits George Dawson's life. A fascinating piece of American history.
02-11-2018
We all found the book a good holiday read - uplifting and fairly undemanding. The acceptance by George of his situation annoyed some members, but others found a message of stripping life to its simple essentials, profound. Several felt the story of growth related more to Richard Glaubman than George Dawson.
02-11-2018
A most enjoyable, uplifting and worthwhile read.
02-11-2018
Our group was quite divided over this book. The general opinion was that it was a rose-tinted and sanitised account of his life, and that Mr Dawson hadn't really done anything particularly admirable - although it was also conceded that this could have been the way that the author decided to portray his story. It was observed that Mr Dawson's focus was on his work (and fishing) with little said about his wives and children...
02-11-2018
An inspiring book, we were all fascinated by this amazing man. It was interesting to hear the other side of the story as regards segregation, and their coping mechanisms.
02-11-2018
Our entire group gave this book the thumbs up. It was an easy read, with interesting insights into the life of coloured people of the period. We felt there were lessons to be learnt from George Dawson's life guidelines. As one person put it, "Don't sweat the stuff you can't change", also to believe there is good as well as bad in other folk, and to treat all people with respect...