Once upon a time when we were colored Book

This is the first book I have ever started and finished in the same day. The writing style is so conversational, it just flows so well. Taulbert is a great story teller!

From his introduction, I thought it was interesting how he wanted to write down his childhood stories to show his children that pre-integration, there were good times and good memories to be had. I thought it was interesting how he said that there were lessons and values that he thinks the African American community is starting to forget, particularly because these good memories aren't typically what historians and people in general focus on when discussing the segregated South.

Anyway, the book is a series of stories from his childhood from about age 4-5 to his graduation from high school. He concentrates on discussing his relationships with his multi-generational family, the hard work ethic that was instilled in him by them, and the fun the family and community would have when they could get together for leisure time.

I thought it was a good book plain and simple, primarily because it was a refreshing read. One knows that the segregated South wasn't a happy time or place, but to see that there was still some joy to be had through the young eyes of Taulbert, it really was refreshing.