This book was written by an author I had come to respect by reading several of her other books. She is an excellent storyteller. It was not until I read this book that I knew of her roots. She was, in fact, the granddauthter of my step-grandmother. As I read of her journey to North Carolina, so many memories came back to me. I am a bit younger than her father would have been, but I knew him well. Some of her aunts, uncles and cousins are/were my contemporaries. The Mr. Abe of Sweet Summer was my mother's father! Her discussions about him brought much joy to me. I ensured that my two surviving aunts (Grandpa's daughters) received copies of the book. They, too, were taken back to Pasquotank County, the rutted lane, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, South Mills, Elizabeth City, the Dismal Swamp.Miss Mary, Bebe's grandmother, was just as she described her. I spent many a day at that home, feeling the love of Grandpa Abe and "Miss Mary". Dining at their table was a singular treat,though I still marvel at how there was enough food for the collection of children, grandchildren and visitors who may have stopped by.I wish I had known Bebe Moore Campbell. By the time I knew of the family connection, she had left this earth. I believe she is entertaining the angels with her stories.I read parts of the book to my granddaughter's fifth grade class. The teacher asked me where she could find it, so I bought one for her. She told my granddaughter that she enjoyed it immensely.