review for a fellow ally

michelle dobbs has sort of become a resident guest in this year's ally class. she facililitated this year's rev. dr. martin luther king jr. day training, as well as being the co-facilitator of the mid-year community-building retreat at bjorklunden.

aside from being a fantastic facilitator, public allies cheerleader and national office executive, michelle is also a talented writer. she is a finalist in the amazon.com breakthrough novel award contest. how exciting!

the contest is open for review, and if you are interested in reading michelle's chapter and submitting a review, details can be found here.

i felt moved to support her, and submitted a review on the sample chapter of her novel rock island line:

"She would throw her hand up; still facing the direction she was walking, in some kind of tired salute. I don't think she said any words with that movement, because she never looked back. That's the kind of person she was, I guess, the kind who moves on." -Michelle Dobbs, The Rock Island Line

Michelle Dobb's Rock Island Line is a fine look into historical beliefs of African American families, as well as powerful commentary on class. Writing from the viewpoints of distinct characters, Dobbs gives us a glimpse of superstitions and spirituality that touches the lives of many.

In terms of delivery, the words sway together and offer up for close inspection the feel of a time period long since gone. Conversational dialect is authentic, produced in a respectful tone. Each character is a colorful 3-dimensional woman, represented in print by the strength of her words.

In a sense, these women are the spokeswomen of a tribe of African American pioneers of sorts trying to break the culture barrier of traditionally white Rock Island. For anyone who enjoys period-style pieces and rich storytelling, Dobb's Rock Island Line is a must.