Simple Not Easy: Reflections on Community Social Responsibility and Tolerance

Publishers Weekly

In his new collection of essays and speeches, psychologist and civil rights activist Roberts provides cultural perspective propelled by hope, strength, loss, and redemption. Roberts found fame at a young age, as one of the Little Rock Nine, a group of African American students who were the first to be integrated into a "whites only" school, an experience Roberts returns to often; the physical and mental harassment he endured, not only from peers, but from certain Little Rock adults, contains relevant lessons continually in need of unpacking. Including addresses at libraries, graduations, and Civil Rights conventions, Roberts' collection emphases personal responsibility-for one's highest values, as well as one's less noble biases-and connects with fatherly charm, a common-sense approach to justice and community, and a contagious belief in mankind's better nature. Vivid accounts from the days of segregation immerse readers in a divided world, but Roberts's charismatic voice and keen eye for topical developments keep his work fresh, focused, and inspirational.

Library Journal

Psychologist and management consultant Roberts (Lessons from Little Rock), one of the original Little Rock Nine, here presents speeches he has given over the last 20 years that "represent [his] core values and [his] concerns for our society." From integration, affirmative action, and issues of race and racism to community building, truth telling, and ethical decision making, Roberts tackles tough subjects in a text that doesn't provide all the answers but instead poses challenges to the reader. In seeking to build a relationship with us on the other side of the page, Roberts invites readers to enter into a dialog with him, whether or not we agree with his points, tone, or other aspects of his thinking. These addresses—which give us glimpses into Roberts's remarkable life—are written with an understanding and sensitivity to the idea that thinking beyond the ordinary and working for real change is simple, while things that are truly worth doing are rarely, if ever, easy. VERDICT This book is not exactly self-help, and though it has some insights into the author's life and experiences, it's not fully a memoir either. Yet it will surely be both useful and enjoyable to readers of either genre.—Eboni A. Francis, Oberlin Coll. Lib., OH