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Take My Hand cover art

Take My Hand

By: Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Narrated by: Lauren J. Daggett
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Summary

AS SEEN ON BBC2 BETWEEN THE COVERS

Montgomery, Alabama. 1973. Fresh out of nursing school, Civil Townsend has big plans to make a difference in her community. She wants to help women make their own choices for their lives and bodies.

But when her first week on the job takes her down a dusty country road to a tumbledown cabin and into the heart of the Williams family, Civil learns there is more to her new role than she bargained for. Neither of the two young sisters has even kissed a boy, but they are poor and Black, and for those handling their welfare benefits, that's reason enough to have them on birth control. When Civil discovers a terrible injustice, she must choose between carrying out instructions or following her heart and decides to risk everything to stand up for what is right.

Inspired by true events and a shocking chapter of recent history, Take My Hand is a novel that will open your eyes and break your heart. An unforgettable story about love and courage, it is also a timely and uplifting reminder that one person can change the world.

©2022 Dolen Perkins-Valdez (P)2022 Orion Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"Shot through with spirit and hope, it's one hell of a book." (Stylist, Books You Can't Miss in 2022)

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Distressing

I didn't know too much about the story but wanted to listen to this book after reading a review.
I was drawn into the narrative quite quickly and as it progressed, I realised that there must be a basis in fact behind the story.
It is a shocking tale and now that I've finished the book, I want to read up on the facts about the cases of forced sterilisation and the "medical trial" carried out on the black males, that had come to light earlier. Both stories are truly shocking and an awful reflection on the mass cruelty that humans can inflict on others whom they consider to be inferior.
The narration was perfect and I could have listened to her voice for many more hours. The interpretation was sensitive and moving.
Highly recommended.

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7 people found this helpful

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A Must Read or listen!

I didn’t know what to expect with this book and I must say I found it disturbing. The fact that this practice is still continuing today is frightening- the fact that the powers to be still allow the Federal Government to sterilize women they deem to be unfit is horrendous. I wonder in which other countries this is practiced.
A well written account that should cause waves.

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4 people found this helpful

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Moving thought provoking

This book made me feel ashamed as a 58 yr white woman with education knew nothing of the atrocities perpetrated on black and poor people saying that I loved the book and plan to look for more books of this genre

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4 people found this helpful

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Beautifully written gentle story - but with a thought provoking back drop that keeps you listening.

The narrator’s voice is very suitable for the story, but being from the UK I found it a bit too laid back and drawling as I often listen to books to keep alert when doing boring chores. If you are listening to relax you will probably love it.
She had a great way of disguising the voices of other characters.
The book is beautifully written and, as a Martin Luther-King fan who has visited Montgomery to learn more, the descriptions were vivid without being over flowery.
Thx story is gentle - there is no major drama build up but the subject is so hard hitting and shocking that it never felt slow. It leaves lots of room for pondering and sent me inquisitively off to read about the really cases that inspired the book.

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3 people found this helpful

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Essential listening for HCPs involved in women’s health

This reads more like non fiction and is probably more interesting to nurses and social workers involved in this area. Also readers interested in US history and in ethical issues generally

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Heartbreaking but Hopeful

I was completely ignorant of this aspect of American recent history. Knowing that the story was inspired by actual facts, it was heartbreaking to hear how many girls and women had been brutally robbed of a most vital human right. Civil is so brilliantly portrayed - I'm sure she must possess the same traits as the author - we see so clearly her blind determination to put things right despite overstepping her role, putting herself and colleagues in actual peril, and unwittingly neglecting those who love her. The narrator is brilliant. As an English woman, I have no idea how authentic the accent is, but it helped enormously to give a sense of place. I enjoyed the format of the book, jumping forward and backwards in time, in a letter to someone revealed at the end. This book made me weep but also confirmed hope for the future - I am so glad I chose it.

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Stunning

A totally captivating & devastating book. Beautifully, enthrallingly & eloquently told My heart was broken & my knowledge increased. I never knew this. I am not an American, however it made me question about this happening in many other countries.
Thank you Dolen Perkins-Valdez - I will be looking for more of your books.

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Excellent listen

Tried this book as a change from my usual genre & thoroughly enjoyed it. Would recommend.


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Excellent

Very thought provoking and well read!
I couldn’t stop listening to the book.
Thoroughly recommend.

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Raise the alarm

Warm, deep hearted, emotional and educational. Based on historical events this novel uncovers a tragedy turned national political case that unfortunately still mired in question today. A MUST read.

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