If the Creek Don't Rise gets a nice review as as part of a round-up in the Tucson Citizen that ran on Thursday, May 25th.

"Williams is a gifted writer and she has crafted a fascinating story. "If the Creek Don't Rise" is highly readable, immensely entertaining and should be on everyone's summer reading list."

May 25, 2006 Thursday

SECTION: CALENDAR PLUS; Pg. 24L

LENGTH: 971 words

HEADLINE: Shelf Life;
Book review by Larry Cox

BYLINE: Larry Cox, contactlarrycox@aol.com

'IF THE CREEK DON'T RISE: MY LIFE OUT WEST WITH THE LAST BLACK WIDOW OF THE CIVIL WAR'

By Rita Williams

Rita Williams is a Los Angeles resident who has worn many hats during her lifetime. In addition to working as an actress, she is a fairly competent musician, has taught, been a recovery counselor and even did a stint as a radio announcer. With the publication of her first book, she can now add talented author to her list of accomplishments.

Williams was 4 when her mother died in a Denver boarding house.  She was placed in the care of Daisy, an elderly aunt. Daisy was a feisty woman who helped her family members redefine themselves. In less than a generation, they dropped their tools in the cotton fields of the South to become ranch hands and hunting guides in the American West. Daisy was married to a Union soldier and after his death, she became the last surviving African-American widow of the Civil War.

This is a wonderfully written memoir that is genuine and filled with insight and warmth. Set against the harsh splendor of the Colorado Rockies, Williams was encouraged to become "a credit to her race."  Instead, she set out to discover and become herself. Her book is a testament to her determination and courage. It also underscores the emotional importance of making good on a lifetime of hardships and thwarted ambitions.

Williams is a gifted writer and she has crafted a fascinating story. "If the Creek Don't Rise" is highly readable, immensely entertaining and should be on everyone's summer reading list.

» Top of Page