Sometimes, it seems, books of the same topic group together. Often one person writes a book on the topic that does well commercially (Twilight and Harry Potter are good examples) and others try to capitalize on original book’s success by writing very similar stories. When I heard that Margaret McMullan’s new book, Sources of Light, was set in Jackson in the 1960s, I was worried that this phenomenon was happening again. (Anyone remember a little book called The Help by Kathryn Stockett?) However, as I started reading Margaret’s book, I realized I had judged too quickly. Sources of Light may be set in the ’60s in Jackson, but this telling of life stands on its own.
Margaret’s honest writing gives a complete
idea of what it would have felt like to be a teenager in Jackson during this tumultuous time. For fourteen year old Sam, monumental events such as the Birmingham church bombing aren’t textbook stories, they are just worrisome events in her life. While she notices the injustices around her, she doesn’t question them to begin with and her new friends are worried more about communists than race relations. Sam and her mother have just moved to Jackson from Pittsburgh after Sam’s father was killed in the Vietnam war. All Sam wants to do is blend in, make friends and get through school; but Sam’ mother is a teacher at a Jackson college, and really doesn’t fit in to the mold of a perfect Missississippi woman. When Sam’s mother goes to speak at Tougaloo college, the all black college in Jackson, her picture ends up on the cover of the Clarion-Ledger and the threats and vandalism begin. Sam knows she can’t do much to help, but she can capture the insanity surrounding her with her camera. With those images, she can shine a light on the injustice that has become law in Jackson.
Sam’s voice is so clear and her observations are given without prejudice. I loved seeing these event through her eyes, understanding that although these events may be my past, they were someone’s present, much like they are Sam’s. I highly recommend Sources of Light. It has a beautiful story and message to share with you. You will not regret reading this book.
Margaret will be here tonight at 5:00 to sign and read Sources of Light. She was also featured in last Sunday’s Clarion Ledger. It’s going to be a fun night!
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