April 06, 2004

By: Grace Milden
Website: http://www.1st-in-ebooks.com

Slavery was the blame for illiteracy in yesteryears, but what is to blame for illiteracy today?

Jane Theresa Edwards penned a biography of her aunt, Louella Daigle, who at the age of 76, has never learned to read. Born in 1927, Louella makes the following statement: "My parents were one generation removed from slavery. While growing up, there were no books in our home." Sad to say, the story teller would be quite surprised to know that in the year 2004, in many homes, particularly those of African-Americans, there are still no books.

This book, Lady With A Secret, is a testament of how faith, determination, and perseverance helped one to triumph against the odds. Louella's tragic secret was that she could not read. In keeping with the historical, socio-economic times for Blacks, she was taught to ride a horse, drive a tractor, plow the field, walk a mule, and plant seasonal crops. As the years passed, she made peace with and accepted the fact that it was no fault of her own that she did not attend school Louella had no education and no children of her own. However, she recognized her purpose. She not only adopted two children, but as foster parents, she and her husband nurtured and gave a new beginning to many children who temporarily shared their home.

In the course of the story, when an employer left Louella a handwritten note of instructions, she was devastated. Knowing that she was unable to read, Louella wanted to run away and to never return to work. This scenario helps us to understand why many of today's youths do not apply for jobs. Many cannot read. Their stumbling blocks-the fear they will be unable to complete a job application or to take a written test-make them fail without trying.

By no means is the author downplaying education. However, she is sending a powerful message to those who can't read. She shares how rough her aunt's life was because of her hidden secret-illiteracy. Her message is… "Do not feel bad about your life; rather, find your purpose and change your circumstances, knowing that you can have a fulfilling life."

If youth today could travel this journey with Louella through the pages of this book, they, as well as their parents, would gain a new level of appreciation for LITERACY.

About The Author:

Grace Milden is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-ebooks.com.  A source of information on creating, writing and publishing an e-book.