I first learned of this book when I lived in Birmingham, Alabama. I heard Sene Jeter Naslund speak at the Unitarian Church. I was completely inspired by her, but at the time was not ready to read Four Spirits. I read Ahab's Wife, which became one of my favorite books.

Now, back in Milwaukee, I was inspired to read Four Spirits. Within the first few pages, I was transported back to the Birmingham I had just begun to love. It was also clear, as I knew it would be, that the Birmingham ... (show more)

I first learned of this book when I lived in Birmingham, Alabama. I heard Sene Jeter Naslund speak at the Unitarian Church. I was completely inspired by her, but at the time was not ready to read Four Spirits. I read Ahab's Wife, which became one of my favorite books.

Now, back in Milwaukee, I was inspired to read Four Spirits. Within the first few pages, I was transported back to the Birmingham I had just begun to love. It was also clear, as I knew it would be, that the Birmingham of the '60s was a very different world than the one I experienced in the '90s.

Four Spirits is at the same time uplifting and absolutely heart breaking. Though Naslund calls the book fiction, her fictional characters comfortably weave in and out of actual events and respond to actual people.

I think it is important to note, for those who have read Ahab's Wife, that this book is, at least intellectually, an easier read. Do not expect a light emotional trip, though. I literally sobbed through more than one section- barely able to read the words on the page.

This is an important book. Though much has changed since the early '60s, much of what's occuring in the U.S. today seems to mirror those times. Will we make the same mistakes again? Is so much suffering necessary for positive change to occur? (show less)