White Like Her: My Family's Story of Race and Racial Passing

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Jun 05, 2018 Yolanda rated it did non similar it

I hated this book! I would give information technology a zero if I could. I actually wanted to love information technology. Excellent topic that I ordinarily enjoy simply the style of writing and point of view irritated me. The fictional letters that were supposed to exist from the points of view is of people that she only knew about from birth records. The comments almost how her mother was probably big on manners because she thought it was more white. Has she ever been in contact with Southern Blacks earlier this discovery? Many Blacks merely lik I hated this book! I would requite information technology a zero if I could. I really wanted to love it. Fantabulous topic that I normally enjoy only the style of writing and point of view irritated me. The fictional messages that were supposed to be from the points of view is of people that she merely knew about from birth records. The comments about how her mother was probably big on manners considering she idea it was more white. Has she e'er been in contact with Southern Blacks earlier this discovery? Many Blacks merely similar anyone else are taught manners in the home. The being insulted that people asked about her ethnic groundwork, how? You're giving a talk on race! Dah! The not understanding why her Mother'due south siblings weren't told that Shirly was their sister when visiting. Well she was passing for white and they were black children if they told someone, she could have been killed. After all of this research you should have understood this. I was also surprised that in that location was no connection made between the the female parent'due south passing and her low? I'm baffled about the congrats that the writer received for reaching out to her Black family unit. They are family why would it be something different so reaching out to any family members? The final iii chapters were the most interesting. I wanted to stop reading this so many times. Distressing for the rant maybe the issue is likewise close! ...more than

December 09, 2017 Lisa rated information technology really liked it

During the 1960's I was agile in the Civil Rights motility. I've ever been involved in social and economic justice issues. In 2o13, prior to visiting Eastern Europe, I began to search my roots, hoping to find unknown relatives in Hungary. While I was unsuccessful in that endeavour, the practice gave me a glimpse into what information technology was similar to search for one'southward roots. When I heard nearly White Like Her, I knew that I would exist interested in this book.

Gail Lukasik always wondered why her female parent never

During the 1960's I was active in the Civil Rights movement. I've e'er been involved in social and economic justice issues. In 2o13, prior to visiting Eastern Europe, I began to search my roots, hoping to discover unknown relatives in Hungary. While I was unsuccessful in that effort, the exercise gave me a glimpse into what it was like to search for one's roots. When I heard about White Like Her, I knew that I would be interested in this volume.

Gail Lukasik always wondered why her mother never took her to New Orleans to visit her female parent'south family. She wondered why her mother always wore make-up to go to slumber and why she only knew a few of her relatives on her mother's side of the family. And then to cheque something out, she sends for her female parent's nascency certificate and discovers that her mother may be either black or of mixed race.

This non-fiction volume is Gail Lukasik'due south odyssey of discovery into her racial origins, her family, and what information technology means to be mixed race or of color in the United states of America. It was very well written and diligently researched. Gail Lukasik, a mystery writer, approaches her search equally her own personal mystery. She leaves no stones unturned. If y'all want a model for searching for one'due south own roots, I definitely suggest reading this volume. Yous won't exist disappointed.

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Similar many other people, I saw the author on Genealogy Roadshow and was elated to find she'd written a volume, giving us more of the story. I tore through this in three days.

I accept always been curious almost mixed race people who made the gut wrenching conclusion to pass the way Lukasik'southward mother did. I grew up in Detroit, one of several factory job destinations during the neat southern migration. Given its geographic segregation and restrictive, racist housing laws, Detroit had a lot of mixed race p

Like many other people, I saw the author on Genealogy Roadshow and was elated to observe she'd written a book, giving us more of the story. I tore through this in three days.

I take always been curious about mixed race people who made the gut wrenching determination to pass the way Lukasik's mother did. I grew upwardly in Detroit, one of several manufacturing plant chore destinations during the cracking southern migration. Given its geographic segregation and restrictive, racist housing laws, Detroit had a lot of mixed race people passing as white. Since the arrival of inexpensive genetic testing, I know a surprising number people who have discovered their mixed race heritage and, much like Lukasik and her children, are happy nigh it. I was primed and set up for this book and information technology does not disappoint.

Lukasik includes helpful guidance on how she approached and executed the genealogical research of her story, and it is never dry. Descriptions of large family trees, people'due south names, and other aspects of these kinds of detective stories can quickly become confusing, but Lukasik is clear, curtailed, and easy to follow. She ties threads together and I never felt lost.

The book is incredibly rich in U.Due south. history, almost none of which I learned in school, i.e. the settlement of Louisiana, shifting "colour laws" over fourth dimension, the growth and restriction of rights for black and mixed race people, then much more than.

I think the U.South. is, as a nation, finally against its ugliness and repressed demons in many ways, and this book is an of import, warm, and fascinating office of that shift. In the last few capacity, in item, you can experience the dear, come across how different nosotros and our earth can be, and won't exist without tears. I am so grateful Lukasik had the courage to appear on PBS and write this book.

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I'll laissez passer

Disappointed. The author wrote the book through the lens of white privilege. Annoyed with her take and felt she whined through the whole story. Felt very disconnected"

I'll pass

Disappointed. The author wrote the volume through the lens of white privilege. Annoyed with her accept and felt she whined through the whole story. Felt very disconnected"

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I am torn regarding my opinion of this book. I tin be cynical and viewed the book that way. I was asked to read it for my book club and would non have picked this story on my ain. But I also could sympathise with the author's demand to larn her own family history and not being able to larn any of it from her own female parent.

The author begins the book by explaining how she stumbled upon her mom's birth document and realized that she may non be white. She investigates further and realizes that her w

I am torn regarding my opinion of this book. I tin be cynical and viewed the volume that way. I was asked to read it for my volume social club and would non have picked this story on my ain. Just I also could empathize with the author's need to learn her own family history and not beingness able to learn any of it from her own female parent.

The writer begins the book by explaining how she stumbled upon her mom's birth certificate and realized that she may not be white. She investigates further and realizes that her was considered 'not white' in Louisiana b/c of the one drop rule. She confronts her mother and is asked to keep her hush-hush until after her mom dies. She does so and so goes on Genealogy Roadshow to learn the truth. Before long after she writes and releases her book detailing her journeying.

I often felt that the book was padded with historical references to carry the volume and, when she had no bodily information, she would write "I tin just imagine what said" and so would write an imaginary letter between 2 of her ancestors. Then she would explain, in bully detail, many steps of her inquiry which made the book drag on. I did appreciated\ her view on the phrase 'passing' for white. She interpreted it as 'passing' away (having to kill off your black identity) or passing a test (the test of appearing white).

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Feb 20, 2018 Vladimir rated it it was ok

It's a fascinating story and a wasted opportunity to write a fascinating story. It's structured like a lurid novel unaware that information technology's pulp and comes off as more of an outline of a book than a finished product. It lacks depth and introspection - writing random questions similar: Who am I now? Am I still white? What does it mean to be white? Who was I all these years? Who was my mother?- is not introspection. And information technology really takes a special kind of talent to brand a book almost race in America politically Information technology's a fascinating story and a wasted opportunity to write a fascinating story. Information technology'due south structured like a lurid novel unaware that it'south pulp and comes off as more of an outline of a book than a finished production. It lacks depth and introspection - writing random questions similar: Who am I now? Am I still white? What does it mean to be white? Who was I all these years? Who was my mother?- is not introspection. And information technology really takes a special kind of talent to make a volume near race in America politically dull and irrelevant. ...more

Really liked her story. Fabricated me reexamine my own unconsciousness near bigotry. I don't experience like I'chiliad racist; still, I don't know what it is like to exist black. I am white and not mixed. Only I do have mixed races in my family unit - African and Hispanic. I was raised in the South during tumultuous times, yes, they are even happening now. Simply I effort to treat everyone with respect and compassion. Nonetheless, her book and indeed, it has been brought to my attention lately that most people practise see color. Ms. Really liked her story. Made me reexamine my own unconsciousness about bigotry. I don't feel like I'chiliad racist; however, I don't know what it is like to be black. I am white and not mixed. But I do accept mixed races in my family unit - African and Hispanic. I was raised in the South during tumultuous times, yeah, they are even happening now. Only I attempt to treat everyone with respect and compassion. Nonetheless, her volume and indeed, it has been brought to my attention lately that most people do encounter color. Ms. Lukasik'due south volume helped me to reaffirm that we are different but we are all i race - human being. We should care for each other as we wish to exist treated. ...more

This was a interesting and thought-provoking story on racial passing and how a curious and intelligent daughter, Gail Lukasik discovered that her female parent was passing as a white woman although married to an overt bigoted hubby.

If you savour reading nearly genealogy -family history and civilization, so yous will relish reading this memorable story on finding who you actually are in a world sometimes divided by the color of one's skin.

"In the African American community, information technology is an unwritten rule that you lot d

This was a interesting and thought-provoking story on racial passing and how a curious and intelligent daughter, Gail Lukasik discovered that her mother was passing as a white woman although married to an overt bigoted husband.

If you enjoy reading well-nigh genealogy -family history and civilisation, then y'all will enjoy reading this memorable story on finding who you really are in a globe sometimes divided by the color of one'south skin.

"In the African American customs, it is an unwritten rule that you do non "out" a person who is passing for white. And I was going to "out" her mother on a national idiot box bear witness. I felt equally if I was betraying Gail's mother, because I understood that she made a great sacrifice and a painful pick. As an African American woman who had family members who passed, I knew Gail's female parent had turned her back on her family unit, her friends, and her heritage. And in doing and then, she'd assumed an identity that she barely knew but worked so hard to achieve. Her mother must accept always lived in fear that someone might find her out. What if her children were born with darker peel? How could she explain that to her white husband?" - Kenyatta D. Drupe, Host of Genealogy Roadshow (PBS)

"Race is a social construct. " - Gail Lukasik

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How a person can take a subject that in itself is fascinating and brand information technology painful to read baffles me. In the simplest sense, White Like Her is the story of how a woman discovered her mother was passing for White and how she made a promise to her mother that she would keep her secret until her female parent passed away.

Passing for white is a subject that's close to home as I've frequently heard stories of my relatives (ie my grandfathers sisters and grandmothers cousins) who have done this in the past. So I

How a person tin can take a subject that in itself is fascinating and make information technology painful to read baffles me. In the simplest sense, White Like Her is the story of how a adult female discovered her female parent was passing for White and how she made a promise to her mother that she would keep her secret until her mother passed away.

Passing for white is a subject that's close to habitation as I've often heard stories of my relatives (ie my grandfathers sisters and grandmothers cousins) who have washed this in the past. So I jumped on the opportunity to look at this subject from the other side. From someone who didn't realize the magnitude of it and that they were the production of someone who passed. I wanted to know more virtually how she felt. How this news changed her life. The context. Instead this book was poorly written, contained fictional letters and conversations (that the writer "thinks must've happened") among the facts, and the fashion she writes nearly historical interracial "relationships" (while avoiding whatsoever mention of rape) and some of the language used makes me cringe.

I read half of it and but could not proceed. Such a shame.

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Feb 26, 2018 Robert rated information technology did non similar it

I believe I would take liked reading about the author'southward uncovering of her mother's hidden past, but the writing approach was poorly called and executed. The book jumped between three or more than phases of the author's journey of discovery and descriptions of revealed ancestors (an approach like to one which, in moderation, can exist constructive in fiction). The overall event was a jumbled mess, with pointless, incoherent transitions, and i that failed to sustain my involvement, so I gave up halfway th I believe I would have liked reading about the author's uncovering of her mother's subconscious past, but the writing approach was poorly chosen and executed. The book jumped between three or more phases of the author's journey of discovery and descriptions of revealed ancestors (an arroyo similar to one which, in moderation, can be effective in fiction). The overall effect was a jumbled mess, with pointless, incoherent transitions, and one that failed to sustain my involvement, so I gave up halfway through. ...more

What would you practise if you found out that you belonged to a unlike race from the one you'd be raised every bit all your life? Who and what determines what race you are, anyhow? Gail Lukasik'south thought-provoking family memoir sheds lite on her family unit's past as she uncovers her mother's racial passing in Ohio and a family unit history filled with interesting and heroic ancestors. Some participated in the Louisiana Native Baby-sit (formed by free men of colour who fought agains the Confederates in the Civil War); What would y'all practice if you lot establish out that you lot belonged to a different race from the 1 y'all'd be raised equally all your life? Who and what determines what race you are, anyhow? Gail Lukasik's thought-provoking family memoir sheds light on her family unit's past as she uncovers her mother's racial passing in Ohio and a family history filled with interesting and heroic ancestors. Some participated in the Louisiana Native Guard (formed by complimentary men of color who fought agains the Confederates in the Civil War); others owned businesses, owned slaves, or were slaves. Gail weaves her family's rich history with the history of New Orleans also as the story of her advent on PBS' Genealogy Roadshow. Gail honored her mother's request to tell no 1 of her racial identity until later on she has passed; about four calendar month's afterwards Gail'due south mother's death, Gail told her mother's story on Genealogy Roadshow. The result and the ramifications of that revelation take changed Gail's world and helped a lot of usa think about what race really means (or matters) after all. ...more

Jan 07, 2018 Kate rated information technology it was amazing

I confess to being a history junkie with a fondness for genealogy, but Gail Lukasik's book is positively fascinating. On a quest to find out more than about her close-mouthed female parent's family, she discovers that her mother is mixed-race, and has lived her life passing every bit white. Wanting to acquire more but held past a promise to her female parent that she will not tell anyone, it takes years of research and a trip to a tv testify to larn truths almost family, self-identification and the difficult nature of "race" in I confess to beingness a history junkie with a fondness for genealogy, but Gail Lukasik'due south book is positively fascinating. On a quest to discover out more than about her shut-mouthed mother'southward family unit, she discovers that her female parent is mixed-race, and has lived her life passing equally white. Wanting to learn more but held by a hope to her mother that she will non tell anyone, information technology takes years of research and a trip to a tv show to larn truths about family, self-identification and the difficult nature of "race" in the United states. Lukasik grew up in a Maverick enclave in Ohio, and I enjoyed her passing mentions of Czech food equally a weird sort of Hey Me Too. The book also gives a potent sense of how growing upward in an alcoholic household is of import to her story. Very very interesting and doesn't shy abroad from thinking about Lukasik's understanding of herself and her guilty sense that, having white privilege, she might not have the right to claim her familial history. ...more than

I received this volume from the publisher and I really wanted to similar information technology. For people who are genealogy buffs, this volume would exist the flop.com. My eyes glazed over at the the meticulous details of her plethora of great keen cracking grandfathers, uncles, cousins, etc. It was enlightening to read most the racial history of New Orleans, however, I got lost on the multi-generational details. I wanted more than of her mother'due south personal story. Raising 2 adopted bi-racial boys, I am on a quest to learn more I received this volume from the publisher and I really wanted to similar it. For people who are genealogy buffs, this book would exist the bomb.com. My eyes glazed over at the the meticulous details of her plethora of great great groovy grandfathers, uncles, cousins, etc. It was enlightening to read near the racial history of New Orleans, nonetheless, I got lost on the multi-generational details. I wanted more of her mother's personal story. Raising ii adopted bi-racial boys, I am on a quest to learn more than about our nations racist foundation. I found myself grappling with the question of whether or non I would have fabricated the same choice as Gail'south female parent. My pick, and I believe the pick of many, would point to how far we still have to go as a country to accepting and embracing people of all colors. ...more

Touching

I was overcome with emotion reading this book. It touched so many of my own needs for a connection with family unit, that until I was over lx years quondam didn't know I had. I am so glad that the writer got that privilege. I advise anyone who has an interest in genealogy to read this volume. I admire the author's courage and tenacity in
researching her mother'due south family. I too am so touched by the manner she accustomed with dear and pride her new family unit.

Touching

I was overcome with emotion reading this book. It touched then many of my own needs for a connection with family, that until I was over 60 years old didn't know I had. I am so glad that the author got that privilege. I suggest anyone who has an interest in genealogy to read this book. I admire the author's courage and tenacity in
researching her mother's family. I also am and then touched by the way she accepted with love and pride her new family.

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I wasn't adopted, but I imagined being so – not considering my parents were bad but because I was enticed by the thrill of walking through a door and discovering that I was more/dissimilar than I'd idea I was.

Imagine doing genealogical work, only to observe that you aren't who you idea you were. I'm not a genealogist, but I presume that is role of the thrill: Mayhap in that location is a scientist, queen, or extra in my background!

Gail Lukasik made a discovery about her own mother, a woman with olive ski

I wasn't adopted, but I imagined being so – not because my parents were bad but because I was enticed by the thrill of walking through a door and discovering that I was more/dissimilar than I'd idea I was.

Imagine doing genealogical work, only to discover that you aren't who yous thought you were. I'm non a genealogist, but I assume that is part of the thrill: Mayhap there is a scientist, queen, or actress in my groundwork!

Gail Lukasik made a discovery about her own female parent, a woman with olive skin, nighttime optics, dimples, and a roman nose. Her mother had shared piffling nearly her own early on life and had few pictures. In her genealogical work Lukasik learned that her maternal grandfather was identified equally Black in 1900 and white in 1930. Her female parent was identified as Colored at birth, only lived her adult life as white, with not even her husband knowing her surreptitious. Lukasik'south genetic testing concluded that her DNA was seven-ix% African – enough that as late as 1983, she would have been identified as Black in Louisiana.

Gail Lukasik and her mother

In some countries, having some African ancestry would brand picayune difference. In the Usa, this fabricated and makes a large difference, opening some doors while closing others. In some settings, one would need to "laissez passer," to pretend to be someone other than who 1 is. Every bit someone wrote to Lukasik about her mother,

I know that [your mother] paid a huge toll in [choosing to pass as white]—having to deny her entire family and not even existence able to be fully proud of herself and who she really was. However, I surmise that she idea: "For one generation in that location volition be a price. Nevertheless, for my children and their children and all my generations they will have an opportunity for the best of life." (p. 290)

Passing as white, though, is well-nigh more than pare color but too other "white behaviors" and, after the fact, explained all sorts of things – wearing make-up to bed, refusing to get back home to New Orleans, and fifty-fifty her insistence on politeness:

I always attributed [my mother'south] strict emphasis on manners solely to her Southern upbringing. Only acting white is part of appearing white. Beingness so polite, and then well bred, how could anyone doubt her whiteness. (p. 240)

White Like Her was more genealogy and less reflection and family history than I would have preferred, just it was insightful enough to satisfy. Interestingly, fifty-fifty at the end of the book, I was more than interested in her imagined dialogue for family unit members most their decisions to pass or not than by dialogue with her mother. Even at the finish, her mother remained distant and a mystery.

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Feb 09, 2018 Becky rated it liked it

I chose to read White Similar Her... by Gail Lukasik later reading a review in the Silicon Valley Mercury News. White Like Her... tells the story of Gail'south search for her roots after uncovering the fact that her female parent spent her life "passing" as a white woman living in the Northward after leaving her family in New Orleans. Gail uncovered this information and more than later on taking a DNA test and then following upwards with extensive genealogical research.

Ms. Lukasik held my attention by including the history o

I chose to read White Like Her... by Gail Lukasik later reading a review in the Silicon Valley Mercury News. White Like Her... tells the story of Gail's search for her roots later on uncovering the fact that her mother spent her life "passing" every bit a white woman living in the North after leaving her family in New Orleans. Gail uncovered this information and more than after taking a Deoxyribonucleic acid exam so following up with extensive genealogical inquiry.

Ms. Lukasik held my attention by including the history of New Orleans, the social construct of gratuitous men of color, the social custom of placage, the one drop of blood rule, and other historical views and laws dealing with race in our country.

I rated this book with three stars because I institute it repetitive in places and did not like the imaginary letters and conversations the author used to explain how her female parent must take felt at different times in her life.

With the advent of hands obtained Dna results, I practise think more and more than people will observe they are of mixed blood. This book will most likely become of involvement to more readers equally fourth dimension goes by.

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I saw office of this story on Genealogy Roadshow and being a genealogy buff was looking forwards to reading this volume which tells the true story of the discovery of a female parent's secret, that she had been passing as a white women for most of her life. The author narrates a long and drawn-out story about her search for her Mom's past, through records and archives and all means possible to find the truth about her blackness ancestors and the reuniting with her relatives from that side of her family unit. What I I saw part of this story on Genealogy Roadshow and beingness a genealogy vitrify was looking forrard to reading this book which tells the true story of the discovery of a mother's cloak-and-dagger, that she had been passing as a white women for most of her life. The writer narrates a long and drawn-out story well-nigh her search for her Mom's past, through records and athenaeum and all ways possible to find the truth nearly her black ancestors and the reuniting with her relatives from that side of her family. What I liked about the book was that the writer delved rather well into this land's history of racism. That said, what I didn't like most it far outweighed the positive. I personally found the bulk of the book which deals with the research to be interesting, only I can't see how the average reader would non be bored with information technology. I felt sorry for the Mom existence exposed without e'er really knowing her side of the story. (The Mom is now deceased and the author never had a discussion with her that pb to any sense of the Mom'due south reasoning nor feelings on the subject area other than her objection to being exposed.) I recall the author felt that exposing her mother's shame and putting her story out in that location would shine a light on the injustice of racial prejudice, but this subject has been washed many times prior and I institute nix new in this ane. The reader doesn't become to really know how the author feels about herself within the story either and I found that a chip defective. I also felt a bit of whining in this book. I would recommend this book to history buffs who take an interest in the subject affair.
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Feb 01, 2018 Catherine rated information technology really liked it

With the boom in readily accessible dwelling genetic testing kits, this story is a must-read. Author Gail Lukasik discovers a hidden family unit link, later confirming information technology with extensive genealogical enquiry and a genetic test. Her female parent passed for white as a young adult female, leaving behind an extended family in New Orleans that chose to remain on the other side of the colour line. Lukasik is also a fiction mystery author, and tells her real-life mystery story with skill, revealing her search bit by bit. Wit With the boom in readily accessible home genetic testing kits, this story is a must-read. Writer Gail Lukasik discovers a hidden family link, later confirming it with extensive genealogical research and a genetic test. Her female parent passed for white as a immature woman, leaving behind an extended family in New Orleans that chose to remain on the other side of the color line. Lukasik is also a fiction mystery author, and tells her real-life mystery story with skill, revealing her search bit by fleck. With compassion, she delves into the historical milieu and racial oppression her mother faced that drove her to make a decision readers today might otherwise not find sympathetic. Interspersed with her family's story and the research is Lukasik's advent on the Genealogy Roadshow television program. Whether your own genetic test has revealed a surprise, or you are just curious most the historical phenomenon of racial passing, this story is fascinating. ...more

Oct 08, 2018 Maureen rated it it was ok

I enjoyed learning about the history of race in New Orleans. Hopefully that information is accurate, dissimilar the genetics of sickle cell and beta-thalassemia. The author'southward mother is quoted every bit saying, "Y'all tin can't tell anyone in the family unit until after I die." Multiple time the writer includes an iteration of, "I kept my vow to my mother." Why does she believe her children are exempt from her promise? "Afterward the encounter with my mother and the vow, my children bragged to their friends about our mixe I enjoyed learning about the history of race in New Orleans. Hopefully that information is authentic, different the genetics of sickle cell and beta-thalassemia. The author'southward female parent is quoted as saying, "You lot can't tell anyone in the family until afterwards I dice." Multiple fourth dimension the writer includes an iteration of, "I kept my vow to my mother." Why does she believe her children are exempt from her promise? "Afterwards the encounter with my mother and the vow, my children bragged to their friends about our mixed race..." The book includes many contradictory statements. For example, the author afterward states, "I have no merits on blackness identity, no correct to declare myself even mixed race." ...more

Think of growing up as a white girl in mid-century America, with a father given to racist expressions, and only learning as an adult that your mother was (legally) a black adult female passing as white and keeping the clandestine from anybody! That is the case for Gail Lukasik who wrote a memoir, White Like Her, about her search for the truth almost her female parent'due south roots.

Gail'south story was first showcased on Genealogy Roadshow, and afterwards Gail, a mystery writer, began to write this memoir. The volume details t

Call back of growing up equally a white girl in mid-century America, with a father given to racist expressions, and merely learning as an adult that your female parent was (legally) a black adult female passing equally white and keeping the secret from anybody! That is the case for Gail Lukasik who wrote a memoir, White Like Her, nigh her search for the truth virtually her mother's roots.

Gail's story was showtime showcased on Genealogy Roadshow, and later Gail, a mystery writer, began to write this memoir. The book details the genealogical research she and others did to detect Gail's family'southward quintessentially American story. I was fascinated in the story because I am and so interested in family history, American history, genealogy, and mysteries. What a great text to introduce to those who practice not know the one-drib dominion and other stupid laws in the history of Jim Crow.

I did wonder a few times if some people might be put off by the who begat whom, but information technology'due south presented in a very cohesive and interesting way. I'chiliad not certain how the book is structured, although her appearance on the show is the gum for a big portion of the book–and and so the final section is most meeting her "new" family members and building a relationship with them. What one comes away from the volume with, more than anything, is that race is a construct, not a real matter.

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Well done.

Gail takes us on her journey to uncover the family her mother left backside. The sad truth of American history and the impact it has had and is still having on peoples lives.

Feb xiv, 2018 Adrian Jackson rated it actually liked it

I enjoyed reading this and taking this unique journey with the author. A friend complained that there was too much historical information, but I beloved history and genealogy, then it was the right mix for me.

3.5 stars. Enjoyed the experiences of the author and her family unit. Did non enjoy the travails through the research and establishing the link to African ancestry. Don't understand why that was and so important to pinpoint.

Center opening volume!

Beautifully written book, that truly opens your eyes. This book makes you want to research your own family history at present.

Interesting look at the other side if race bug.

Sep 03, 2018 Stephanie rated information technology really liked it

Quick & interesting read!

This volume sort of had two purposes: To come face to face with our prejudices in this country and to learn the toils of research.

Honestly this book was more nearly Lukasik's enquiry than it was about her mother's story of passing. I wish there had been more to the story, but Lukasik probably didn't have more data because her mother refused to talk nigh it. It would accept been interesting to know more well-nigh her personal reasons, hardships and feelings most what she

Quick & interesting read!

This book sort of had 2 purposes: To come confront to face with our prejudices in this state and to learn the toils of research.

Honestly this volume was more well-nigh Lukasik's inquiry than it was about her mother's story of passing. I wish there had been more than to the story, but Lukasik probably didn't have more information because her female parent refused to talk about it. It would accept been interesting to know more about her personal reasons, hardships and feelings virtually what she had to do. In that location was also a minor part of the book where Lukasik "imagines" letters sent habitation... I felt we could have done with out these. There was a lot of history included in conjunction with Lukasik's family unit tree that was quite interesting.

About memorable and craziest fact: "In a concession to the one-drib rule that dominated the Jim Crow South, Louisiana enacted a less stringent mathematical formula for race in 1970, which was enforced until 1984. The statute read: 'In signifying race a person having one-30-second or less of Negro claret, shall non be accounted, described, or designated by any public official in the State of Louisiana as 'colored,' a 'mulatto,' a 'black,' a 'negro,' a 'griffe,' an 'Afro-American,' a quadroon,' a 'metizo,' a colored person,' or a 'person of color.' Surprisingly, this mathematical formula for race was more stringent than the Nuremberg constabulary initiated by the Nazis during World State of war 2 that said anyone ane-sixteenth Jewish blood was Jewish."

Why tin can't our history lessons be honest. We learn all about how horrible the Nazis were without coming face to confront with our own racial history. I feel this is really a reason why nosotros still have racial problems today - we have not confronted the past to the level it needs to exist dealt with.

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Not What I Expected?

The question mark in the championship of my review is intentional. I just finished, 'White Similar Her,' & well, it took quite a while. I typically go through a volume in virtually 3 hours, merely this 1 just didn't grip me like about tend to practice. It wasn't bad by any ways... it was simply rather dry out. Peradventure a bit as well drawn out with the ins/outs of inquiry? I can't put my finger on it even so.

Note, I've not seen more than a couple episodes of Genealogy Roadshow. I've not seen the episode in which

Not What I Expected?

The question mark in the title of my review is intentional. I just finished, 'White Similar Her,' & well, it took quite a while. I typically become through a book in about 3 hours, but this one just didn't grip me like most tend to do. It wasn't bad by any ways... it was just rather dry. Perhaps a flake too drawn out with the ins/outs of research? I tin can't put my finger on it yet.

Annotation, I've not seen more than a couple episodes of Genealogy Roadshow. I've not seen the episode in which the author appears, and so I have non a preference towards what aired vs. what's in the book. Moving on...

I institute the story's premise an interesting 1. Existence a Greek who is the fairest member of the family has put me on the receiving end of the, 'What are you lot?' question—especially as an awkward looking child. Information technology bothered me so, especially since I didn't understand what was beingness asked.

Unfortunately, genealogy itself bores me to tears. I've actually attempted to do research, however, as a screenwriter, I tend to gravitate towards stories that bound off the page. I was unable to feel that, salvage for very specific parts of this book. I felt the writer'southward longing for questions that volition forever go unanswered, at least by the woman she'd nearly like to answer them. And yet, simply like the writer, nosotros're left with enough speculation nigh people we'll never know.

Trying to follow the family unit tree of then & so & why they're of import to a person'southward personal narrative is probable incredibly interesting to people naturally interested in genealogy, but for someone like me, speculation & bits & pieces of stories fall flat.

The author makes some first-class points about the way Americans look at & discuss race. The book as well raises enough of questions that likely will cause the bulk of readers to consider equally they relate to their own lives & what they (believe?) know vs. the whole truth. In this way, I absolutely notice cracking value in White Like Her.

As a memoir that feels as though it breathes new life in to family members long deceased, well, it didn't strike that chord for me. Every bit an only child with ane parent in their final months - year of life & the other affected past Parkinson's disease, I have been more than interested in family memoirs at present more than ever earlier. I wouldn't modify having read this, just I also can't say I recommend it above many others.

If you dearest genealogy, this is probably a not bad choice. If you don't & you're not interested in trying to follow stories about how someone's mother passed for white, left her relatives to do so & later her daughter ends up on a quest to tell you why she'southward looking for information on her 3rd great grandparent (and giving you lot seemingly every particular), get out it on the shelf. It may be interesting to some, but most likely the, 'some,' are likely to be related to y'all. Every bit it's not my family, nor am I genealogy obsessed, there was as well much tedium & not enough meat for my liking.

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Nov 27, 2017 Tami rated information technology liked it

I loved learning how Gail Lukasik was able to learn about her heritage and piece together her family going dorsum to the 1700's in Louisiana. Interesting that she is a very white women with black roots that were kept a cloak-and-dagger from her, also equally her father, his family unit and her blood brother. The in depth research of using Notarial Archives as well equally the traditional inquiry tools genealogists use was intriguing to me. I loved how the writer integrated history and what the laws were at the time in that I loved learning how Gail Lukasik was able to learn about her heritage and piece together her family unit going dorsum to the 1700's in Louisiana. Interesting that she is a very white women with black roots that were kept a secret from her, as well as her male parent, his family and her brother. The in depth research of using Notarial Athenaeum besides as the traditional research tools genealogists utilize was intriguing to me. I loved how the author integrated history and what the laws were at the time in that particular region. Fascinating.
I enjoyed that she was able to solve who her grandfather was and his lineage also. He's listed on a census equally black and ten years later he'south white. Her female parent kept information technology a hole-and-corner until her daughter pressed her and continued to keep her mothers underground till she passed away in 2014.
I enjoyed learning a piffling bit about Louisiana's history and how she wove the pertinent parts into her family unit history. I was not enlightened that free people of colour could own slaves dorsum in the day. What?

There was a part of her story that was troublesome to me. In the beginning of her research, Jan. 1995 she writes nearly the "windowless basement of the Buffalo Grove Family History Center". I'm not sure what basement she went to just I can assure you the BG FHC does not have a basement. I asked some fellow Family History workers who take lived here longer than I accept and none of them could think a basement used as a center. It'southward possible the writer is confusing this first visit to the heart with some other organization? The reason it was troubling to me is she further describes the incident with the bigoted volunteer who said some very demeaning and derogatory terms. Being a FH volunteer for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-24-hour interval Saints, I can say with certainty that's not who we are. Those comments she experienced were not appropriate. I couldn't help but wonder if the "basement" description is inaccurate, then could the description of this volunteer likewise be exaggerated to add more drama to her story. I promise not; she seemed similar an honest person when I heard her speak earlier this month, just I still accept an inkling of doubt.
Being a novice genealogist I enjoyed the book other than than gnawing part nearly her encounter with the volunteer. I liked that she was she able to discover her mother's family and that she was able to connect with the living descendants from her maternal grandfather and what a remarkable reunion that was. Nothing only love and acceptance and I think that'due south what her mother wanted for her and her future children as she chose to leave behind her heritage and laissez passer equally a white woman from New Orleans. Isn't that what we all desire?- Love and Acceptance

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I had mixed feelings near this book. Information technology is a genealogy volume, so often times it can feel boring or hard to follow along, only every bit a history nerd, I enjoyed the process of uncovering one'south history and past. A lot of times throughout the book, I got the impression of a white woman most fighting to prove that she was mixed race, and was using that to claim a larger sense of mixed-race identity. I also felt that in the beginning, she doubted her Female parent'southward decision to pass also often without realizing I had mixed feelings virtually this book. Information technology is a genealogy book, so often times information technology tin feel dull or hard to follow along, just as a history nerd, I enjoyed the process of uncovering i'southward history and past. A lot of times throughout the book, I got the impression of a white adult female almost fighting to show that she was mixed race, and was using that to merits a larger sense of mixed-race identity. I also felt that in the beginning, she doubted her Mother'south decision to laissez passer too often without realizing the timeframe in which her mother lived.

I will admit that the last quarter of the book did show that the author gained more agreement of her part as a white woman claiming that she was mixed-race as why her mother decided to pass, however, I felt that they could've touched on that throughout the entire volume. In addition, I wish she spoke more nigh the implications of white-passing in today's guild, and the differences betwixt her mom'due south experience and of those today.

There is too a huge amount of privilege that comes with being able to trace one's ancestry to the 1700s. Most mixed or African-Americans descended from slavery lost that right to their ancestry once they were put on slave ships or detached from their mothers. As a white woman who really only had a few mixed or African-American relatives, information technology was much easier for her to go most this process and trace her beginnings. Not one time did she mention the privilege her whiteness afforded her in this.

Lastly, as an African-American, it's difficult to hear a narrative of a white adult female wanting to bear witness that she has some other ethnicities, or looking to prove she isn't purely white. While it'south smashing that she realized this most her family, how does she programme to use this new knowledge to become an ally for people of color, or use her own white privilege to assist other identify their ancestry? I understand she won't explain that in the book, but my fear is that she volition return to her home and pay a bullheaded eye to the experiences of POC across the country, and only use her "10% African ancestry" when it's best suited for her.

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Gail Lukasik'southward memoir, White Like Her: My Family'southward Story of Race and Racial Passing, was released by Skyhorse Publishing in October 2017.
White Like Her has been optioned for a Idiot box dramatic series by FGW Productions. https://deadline.com/2019/01/white-li...
The documentary, History of Memory, in which Gail appears, won the 10 Award at the 2019 Tribeca Motion picture Festival. https://garage.ext.hp.com/us/en/mo Gail Lukasik'south memoir, White Similar Her: My Family's Story of Race and Racial Passing, was released by Skyhorse Publishing in Oct 2017.
White Like Her has been optioned for a Tv set dramatic serial by FGW Productions. https://borderline.com/2019/01/white-li...
The documentary, History of Memory, in which Gail appears, won the 10 Award at the 2019 Tribeca Motion-picture show Festival. https://garage.ext.hp.com/us/en/moder...
Gail was inspired to write the book later her appearance on PBS'due south Genealogy Roadshow where her mother's life irresolute hush-hush was revealed. The Washington Post named White Like Her every bit one of the most inspiring stories of 2017.
She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and was a dancer with the Cleveland Civic Ballet Company. She has worked as a choreographer and a freelance writer. Lisel Mueller described her book of poems, Landscape Toward a Proper Silence, as a "splendid collection." She likewise has been published in over sixty literary journals and magazines, including The Georgie Review, Carolina Quarterly, The Writer mag, and Ars Medica. She received her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she taught writing and literature. She lives in Libertyville, Illinois, with her husband. ...more

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