The Girl Who Fell from the Sky caught my attention right away because it is about a biracial girl. I won a copy of the book by leaving a comment in June Goodwin’s blog.The topic of biracialism is of interest to me. My three children are biracial, and they too had to deal with the similar issues the main character Rachel encountered.
Durrow is a master storyteller who brought to life Rachel from the inside out. When it comes to racial issues, one must muster plenty of courage to tell it like it is. Durrow held nothing back; she skillfully and exceptionally brought to the reader a story about race and class.
Durrow’s book is a handy resource for anyone looking to getting a genuine look at what it means to be of mixed race. Many biracial children have to face a very difficult journey in life. They have to come to terms with who they are as a human being, but not what society wants them to be. I believe biracial children should be able to celebrate their mixed heritage. My daughter Michele who is a senior in college made a profound statement: “I will never be black enough for the blacks and white enough for the whites, but as an American citizen, I am invariably free to be whomever I desire to be ‘Me.’”
Durrow’s book will help the reader understand that one should celebrate being biracial. It is a candid look at a young girl’s self-discovery of what it means to be biracial and how to cope with society’s ideas of race and class. Society wants the biracial person to identify with their black side and deny their white side. I remember too well the debacle with Tiger Woods. I agree with Tiger for taking a stand against those who wanted him to deny his mother’s heritage and only identify with his black roots. No person should be forced under any circumstances to deny any part of his or her heritage.
If you are looking for a great read that will keep you captivated, I highly recommend The Girl Who Fell from the Sky.