This video was developed by award-winning artist James Kuether. Photos are of ex-slaves taken in the 1930′s by artists working for the WPA. The song is the spiritual “Keep Your Lamp a Trimmed and a Burning,” sung a capella by a former Mississippi slave, recorded in the 1930′s through the WPA. Music and photos are archived in the Library of Congress.
Reading your novel and loving it! Such a well written book.
Thanks, Cindy! Let me know what you think when you finish, as well!
Dear Mr. Odell:
I just finished reading your book and loved it from start to finish. I am an American History teacher and I tuly enjoyed your focus on the women and slaves of the slavery era. I always teach a slavery unit that starts from early colonization and weave it throughout the school year. I have to add it to the curriculum because there is almost nothing in the textbooks about slavery. Your novel is EXACTLY what I have been looking for to get my students engaged in the idea of seeing things from a completely different perspective. I can’t wait to put together a proposal for using The Healing as a crossover book between Language Arts and History. I will definitely keep you posted on my progress.
Thank you for writing such a compelling and engaging story.
Laurie M
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Hello Laurie, I so appreciate your taking the time to tell me about your experience reading THE HEALING, and I’m so glad you see it playing a potential role in your class. That is such high praise! I’ve heard from other educators, both high school and college, who are also using the book. One nurses college is making it required reading for all students!
And yes, please let me know how this plays out. I’d love to know!