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Melvin E. Edwards
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The Strength of a Thousand Sons: More Stories from My Texas Family Kindle Edition

by Melvin E. Edwards (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 25 ratings
See all formats and editions

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

2022 Literary Titan Gold Award

2022 PenCraft Book Award Winner for Literary Excellence

"This book is essential for every reader out there, regardless of age, race, gender, or nationality."
- Literary Titan

"This book was such a delight to read... [Edwards] wrote straightforwardly and communicated perfectly well with his readers. The book's transition from father to child's story was beautiful to watch as it showed an in-depth connection between both father and son. The book deserves a 4 out of 4."
- OnlineBookClub.org Official Review

"Award-winning author, Melvin E. Edwards, has a new memoir, The Strength of a Thousand Sons. This series of stories about his Texas family is a compliment to his previous memoir, The Eyes of Texans. Edwards has the honor of being one of the first Black members of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. As a newspaper reporter and genealogist, he has documented his family’s history and little-known Black history in Texas."

"Readers will enjoy this memoir and a look into a segment of little-known Texas history. Although genealogy study is fascinating, the reader must be aware that it can 'also open old wounds.' The Strength of a Thousand Sons is a testament to knowing your roots, resilience, the importance of family, hard work, and the power of owning your truth."
- AuthorsReading.com

When you're in an abusive family, you can only break the cycle if you have the strength of a thousand sons.

The author of the award-winning book, The Eyes of Texans: From Slavery to the Texas Capitol: Stories from Six Generations of One Family, returns with the riveting follow-up that features the paternal side of his family, beginning in 1842.

Like his maternal ancestors, Melvin E. Edwards' paternal ancestors are also Texans from the time of the Republic of Texas. However, the Edwards line emerged from its human bondage with deep scars that aren't healed with time. One mind-boggling act of desperation by 10-year-old Melvin Edwards changed that trajectory and provided a softer landing for his son, this book's author.

If you found Isaac Bladen to be unforgettable in the last book, you'll find the elder Melvin Edwards equally compelling in this true story.

Studying family history can be fascinating. It can also reopen old wounds.

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  1. Print length
    164 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    August 2, 2022
  5. File size
    8420 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is essential for every reader out there, regardless of age, race, gender, or nationality."
- Literary Titan

"The Strength of a Thousand Sons: More Stories from My Texas Family is an inspiring and eye-opening memoir written by Melvin E. Edwards. All families have a long history, and some of them possess a past that can only be described as gruesome and heartbreaking. This is the case with the Edwards family. Born into slavery, it was hard to imagine anything good ever-growing from such a soul-draining situation. Melvin Edwards does a fantastic job of portraying the hard path that his family had to take long ago and how with each new generation, new changes started to materialize that led to the evolution of the family dynamics. Social discourse, racism, and the importance of a healthy family are brought concisely in this memoir, giving the reader a history lesson that will broaden their perspective."
- Literary Titan

---
"Award-winning author, Melvin E Edwards, has a new memoir, The Strength of a Thousand Sons. This series of stories about his Texas family is a compliment to his previous memoir, The Eyes of Texans. Edwards has the honor of being one of the first Black members of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. As a newspaper reporter and genealogist, he has documented his family's history and little-known Black history in Texas.

He has a unique perspective on racial relations. He was raised by African-American parents who had experienced some of the depredations of post-slavery mentality. He later married a white woman and reared Biracial kids. He is currently with a white woman raising white children. He knows racism exists because he's experienced it, as have his ancestors. His journey through researching his ancestors has uncovered many fun and unforgettable heartwarming stories and revealed deep scars due to racial mistreatment that time hasn't healed.

Readers will enjoy this memoir and a look into a segment of little-known Texas history. Although genealogy study is fascinating, the reader must be aware that it can "also open old wounds."  The Strength of a Thousand Sons is a testament to knowing your roots, resilience, the importance of family, hard work, and the power of owning your truth."
- AuthorsReading.com

---
"The Strength of a Thousand Sons by Melvin E. Edwards can be passed off as a biographical novel of the lives of three generations of Edwards. The story shows generations of men who wanted to leave energy for children better than anything they had lived. They were inspired by the need to avoid making the mistakes of previous generations of Edwards. While trying to succeed, they left a legacy that'll live on for years after they die because that's how excellent the Edwards family's spirit has become.

He wrote straightforwardly and communicated perfectly well with his readers. This is a well-thought-out book written by two generations of Edwards who grew up in very different environments and learned from their fathers that you don't always have to be subjective in your approach to life. The book's transition from father to child's story was beautiful to watch as it showed an in-depth connection between both father and son. The book has no errors and deserves a 4 out of 4."
- OnlineBookClub.org --This text refers to the paperback edition.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B6MF51BZ
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 2, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 8420 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 164 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 25 ratings

About the author

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Melvin E. Edwards

Melvin E. Edwards

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

My latest book, "The Strength of a Thousand Sons: More Stories from My Texas Family" is now available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, and ebook.

Much like the first-person perspective of generations of my Texas family, this edition follows the adventures of the paternal side of my ancestry, beginning with Penn Edwards in 1842.

The very first chapter is a bombshell. The only reason you would stop reading is to catch your breath.

#TheStrengthofaThousandSons

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

"Award-winning author, Melvin E Edwards, has a new memoir, The Strength of a Thousand Sons. This series of stories about his Texas family is a compliment to his previous memoir, The Eyes of Texans. Edwards has the honor of being one of the first Black members of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. As a newspaper reporter and genealogist, he has documented his family’s history and little-known Black history in Texas.

"Readers will enjoy this memoir and a look into a segment of little-known Texas history. Although genealogy study is fascinating, the reader must be aware that it can “also open old wounds.” The Strength of a Thousand Sons is a testament to knowing your roots, resilience, the importance of family, hard work, and the power of owning your truth."

- AuthorsReading.com

----

*First Place for Memoir/Family History in the 2021 AMI Best Book Award competition.*

*Bronze Award Winner for Autobiography & Memoir in the 2020 Kops-Fetherling International Book Award competition.*

Melvin E. Edwards is a 6th-generation Texan, who was an award-winning newspaper reporter before he entered the colorful and ambitious world of Texas politics. He started his career writing about Texas high school football and within a few years, he was a speechwriter for the Lieutenant Governor and Governor of Texas.

He has the rarest Myers-Briggs personality type in the world, which could explain why he loves cowboy hats, boots, and baseball, and is able to imagine stories so big that they make even Texas seem small.

He recently returned to his home state of Maryland with his wife, Kimberly, and twin stepsons. His son is a mechanical engineer in Virginia. His daughters and grandchildren are 7th- and 8th-generation Texans, living in the Lone Star State.

#TheEyesofTexans

You can reach the author at https://www.facebook.com/TheEyesofTexans on Facebook or @edwards21228 on Twitter or via email at onlinechttr@yahoo.com. For interviews or signings, call 240-205-2019.

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
25 global ratings
Great historical nonfiction, of the paternal side of Melvin Edwards family
5 Stars
Great historical nonfiction, of the paternal side of Melvin Edwards family
In a follow up to Melvin Edwards family roots, that began in slavery in his book, “ The eyes of Texans, from slavery to the Texas capital“, The author focuses on his paternal side of the family. This is a good easy read That grabs you from the riveting first chapter, and never let you go til the final words of a tribute to his father, Melvin “Thank you, Dad for breaking that [hurtful] cycle in our family.” If you read this authors first book, you must follow up with this one. But this is a stand alone book that I recommend even if you haven’t read the first one. it is a quick read you can do in one setting, but it is well worth the time! I think it is an important read for improved race relations in America. So, I recommend this book highly.
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Top reviews from the United States

Elderkind
5.0 out of 5 stars Melvin Edwards latest book is an engrossing historical read about legacy, love and loss.
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2022
Verified Purchase
Melvin Edwards book "The Strength of a Thousand Sons: More Stories from My Texas Family" is an authentic, magnificent read about the paternal side of Mr. Edwards family beginning with his great grandparents who as children were slaves in Texas. The focus is a letter of gratitude and love from the author to his father who broke the cycle of abuse he endured as a child and strove to make a better, happier life for his son. Through their shared love of baseball and fishing, father and son form a bond so strong not even death can break it. This is a powerful, engaging story of the enduring legacy a father leaves to his son and how that legacy is passed on to later generations and beyond. Melvin Edwards writing is emotional, raw and personal. He skillfully tackles complex topics such as abuse, racism, and the scars left by Jim Crow. He expertly depicts how these horrors affected generations of his family and their continued influence today. This book is historically captivating, poignant and left me wanting more. I look forward to future Melvin Edwards stories about his fascinating family.
2 people found this helpful
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J. L. Annis Jr.
5.0 out of 5 stars A highly readable and inspiring family history
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2022
Verified Purchase
In The Strength of A Thousand Sons, one finds a primer on how to write a family chronicle that can both reveal the facets of a family's background of which all within that family circle ought to be aware that can also inspire others. Author Melvin E. Edwards not only explores the experiences of his father in the Texas of the mid twentieth century but gives glimpses of his own rise into the middle class of late Twentieth Century Houston, not to mention more than a few memories of his beloved Astros. One would not have minded had he preached a bit more about the injustices African Americans have experienced over their experience in the nearly 2 century history of the Lone Star State. Alas, he concentrates his treatment to his own family's experience in a volume that will prove not only an intriguing quick read but one that gives the reader faith in the American Dream.
One person found this helpful
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Michael Beckman
5.0 out of 5 stars Great historical nonfiction, of the paternal side of Melvin Edwards family
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2022
Verified Purchase
In a follow up to Melvin Edwards family roots, that began in slavery in his book, “ The eyes of Texans, from slavery to the Texas capital“, The author focuses on his paternal side of the family. This is a good easy read That grabs you from the riveting first chapter, and never let you go til the final words of a tribute to his father, Melvin “Thank you, Dad for breaking that [hurtful] cycle in our family.” If you read this authors first book, you must follow up with this one. But this is a stand alone book that I recommend even if you haven’t read the first one. it is a quick read you can do in one setting, but it is well worth the time! I think it is an important read for improved race relations in America. So, I recommend this book highly.
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Michael Beckman
5.0 out of 5 stars Great historical nonfiction, of the paternal side of Melvin Edwards family
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2022
In a follow up to Melvin Edwards family roots, that began in slavery in his book, “ The eyes of Texans, from slavery to the Texas capital“, The author focuses on his paternal side of the family. This is a good easy read That grabs you from the riveting first chapter, and never let you go til the final words of a tribute to his father, Melvin “Thank you, Dad for breaking that [hurtful] cycle in our family.” If you read this authors first book, you must follow up with this one. But this is a stand alone book that I recommend even if you haven’t read the first one. it is a quick read you can do in one setting, but it is well worth the time! I think it is an important read for improved race relations in America. So, I recommend this book highly.
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Noneya2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful and Moving Memoir
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2022
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This family memoir was lovely to read. Like the author, I had a father who was also a very good man. Learning about the relationship that they had was heartwarming. It was also thought provoking. I enjoyed it very much, and it would be a good for anyone interested in researching their own family history. The first chapter is a stunner, and will make you cry. Recommended.
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Brandi
5.0 out of 5 stars Great follow up book to The Eyes of Texans!
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2022
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This was a great read and a deeper dive into Melvin’s life and the story of his father and grandfather. At times it’s a little sad to read how Black Americans could be treated so differently. Not able to vote but able to be drafted to fight in our wars. I enjoyed reading how his Dad really overcame a lot and set up Melvin to be a success and the man he is today. Then the last chapter is really outstanding. Such a good book written by a great human being.

- Curtis Harris
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DS
5.0 out of 5 stars Continuing Story of One Texas Family - Filled with Optimism
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2022
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This second history of the Edwards family on Melvin's father's side is compelling and inspiring. Interwoven with the baseball stories is the story of resilience and love, despite the personal experiences of racism. The story of Melvin's father and mother going to vote and how they treated it as a sacred duty - something most of us take for granted - was a snapshot of America few of us appreciate. Through it all, the optimism and hope for improvement for America's race relations and a better country permeates the book.
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Ginny Tourek
5.0 out of 5 stars Can't recommend this book enough!
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2022
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This remarkable book evoked such a wide range of emotions that I had to wait a day to put my thoughts into words. Beginning with heartbreak for a little boy's struggles with an abusive father, to the familiar feeling of pride in a student athlete, to what almost feels like guilt for my own white privilege, I was riveted from start to finish. The author has an amazing knack for sharing his family history while prodding the reader to always strive to be better. A great read!
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Katrina Rojas
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read, better perspective!
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2022
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Mel did it again! He is a great storyteller that leaves you wishing the story would never end.

The Strength of a Thousand Sons is not just a great story about the history of the Edwards family, but provides great life lessons that are applicable to anyone.
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