ALL DIFFERENT KINDS OF FREE by Jessica McCann

About Jessica

I write. I live in the metro Phoenix area with my husband, two children and two dogs. And I write.

All Different Kinds of Free, my award-winning historical debut novel, was published April 2011 by Bell Bridge Books.

My reporting and creative nonfiction has appeared in a variety of magazines, including Business Week, The Writer, Phoenix, Raising Arizona Kids and ASU Research to name a few. Many corporations, universities and nonprofit organizations also tap me to write and edit dynamic communications materials.

About Book

A free black woman in the 1830s, Margaret Morgan lived a life full of promise. 

 One frigid night in Pennsylvania, that changed forever. They tore her family apart. 

 They put her in chains. They never expected her to fight back. 

All Different Kinds of Free was inspired by a true story. It is about Margaret Morgan, who was kidnapped in 1837, along with her free children, and sold into slavery. Although she fought hard to regain her freedom, Margaret endured tremendous loss and hardship. Her ordeal led to one of the most important yet least-known Supreme Court cases of the era, Prigg v. Pennsylvania.

Text books will have you believe the story of Prigg v. Pennsylvania is important because it ended in controversy and fanned the early embers of the Civil War. This book will have you believe the story is important because it began with Margaret.

"All Different Kinds of Free draws on an obscure 1842 Supreme Court decision for a gripping story of a free black woman abducted into the horrors of bondage. Jessica McCann adds flesh and blood to dry history to recreate the savagery and sometimes even the humanity of slavery. This book tears at your heart." ~ Sandra Dallas, New York Times best-selling author of Prayers for Sale and Whiter Than Snow

"A terrific, historical novel -- well executed, emotionally engaging, illuminating an important Supreme Court case and the heart of an heroic woman." ~ Jewell Parker Rhodes, American Book Award winner and author of Douglass' Women

Visit the official website for links to research, reviews, book club discussion questions and more!

www.AllDifferentKindsofFree.com

Buy the book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or an Independent Bookseller near you.

My Thoughts

In 1830, Pennsylvania, a free family of color, Margaret Morgan, her husband Jerry and their three children were seen as an asset to there community .  Jerry employed at a local business and Margaret had her a very successful seamstress business .  Then her freedom and that of her children's were taken away.  Her former boss claiming she was a runaway slave.  They were kidnapped and sold at auction to the highest bidders. The kidnapper was charged for the crime of kidnapping but an appeal at a higher court overturned the verdict before anyone could find Margaret and her children.  This all sewed seeds of discontent which a lot of people believed eventually brought our country to Civil War. 

It was unthinkable the treatment Margaret and other slaves had to live through.  I cried over the injustice and cruelty the slaves and freed slaves had to endure.  They got less care and respect than their owner gave his livestock.  Granted not all slave owners were cruel but they still condoned slavery. 

Margaret never gave up hope that she would once again be free.

If you think you can handle the truth think again. 

You must read what the author writes about  the truth of what happened To Margaret Morgan and her family and so many other people back then !!!!! 

I abhor the fact that there are still people with such prejudice still in this world.  Will we ever be free of this ignorance of racism?  I pray to God we will!

The Holy Bible: King James Version. 2000. 

The Psalms 23

 The LORD Is My Shepherd A Psalm of David. 

 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: 

for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

 thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: 

 and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. 

 Published by The American Bible Society

I highly recommend this book!!!

I rate this book a 5+ out of 5.

Disclosure: 
I received of free copy of this book from the Author/Bell Bridge Books for review. I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.