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Gal: A True Life
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Gal: A True Life Hardcover - 1994

by Ruthie Mae Bolton

A story of agony and inspiration, Gal, written pseudonymously, tells of a young, black girl, raised by her abusive grandfather, who remained steadfast in her determination to succeed, despite seemingly impossible odds.


Summary

Ruthie Mae Bolton was born January 6, 1961, in the Hungry Neck section of Charleston, South Carolina. At the time, her mother was thirteen; she has never known who her father was. Her mother was the wandering kind, so Ruthie Mae-nicknamed "Gal" by her stepgrandfather-was raised in her grandparents' home. One day Grandmama died as a result of a severe beating by her husband-it occured to no one to call this to the attention of the authorities-and Gal was left in the brutal hands of her granddaddy, who beat her unmercifully as well. Ruthie Mae began to steal things in school and she developed a stutter; she drank and smoked dope. But she stuck resolutely with her education and graduated from high school, which was likely her salvation, for today Ruthie Mae is happily married, with children and a fine job. At last she is at peace-with herself and even with the memory of her grandfather. It is nigh impossible to convey the astonishingly eloquent simplicity of Ruthie Mae's witnessing to her time. Here is an absolutely remarkable document, as touching as it is painful, as ageless as it is timely.

From the publisher

Ruthie Mae Bolton was born January 6, 1961, in the Hungry Neck section of Charleston, South Carolina. At the time, her mother was thirteen; she has never known who her father was. Her mother was the wandering kind, so Ruthie Mae-nicknamed "Gal" by her stepgrandfather-was raised in her grandparents' home. One day Grandmama died as a result of a severe beating by her husband-it occured to no one to call this to the attention of the authorities-and Gal was left in the brutal hands of her granddaddy, who beat her unmercifully as well. Ruthie Mae began to steal things in school and she developed a stutter; she drank and smoked dope. But she stuck resolutely with her education and graduated from high school, which was likely her salvation, for today Ruthie Mae is happily married, with children and a fine job. At last she is at peace-with herself and even with the memory of her grandfather. It is nigh impossible to convey the astonishingly eloquent simplicity of Ruthie Mae's witnessing to her time. Here is an absolutely remarkable document, as touching as it is painful, as ageless as it is timely.

First line

now, all the streets are paved.

From the rear cover

Ruthie Bolton was born January 6, 1961, in the Hungry Neck section of Charleston, South Carolina. At the time her mother was thirteen; she has never known who her father was. Her mother was the wandering kind, so Ruthie - nicknamed "Gal" by her step-grandfather - was raised in her grandparents' home. One day Grandmama died as a result of a severe beating by her husband - it occurred to no one to call this to the attention of the authorities - and Gal was left in the brutal hands of her granddaddy, who also beat her unmercifully. Ruthie began to steal things in school and developed a stutter; she drank and smoked dope. But she resolutely stuck with her education and graduated from high school, which was likely her salvation, for today Ruthie is happily married, with children and a fine job. At last, she is at peace - with herself, and even with the memory of her grandfather. It is nigh impossible to convey the astonishingly eloquent simplicity of Ruthie's witnessing to her time. Here is an absolutely remarkable document, as touching as it is painful, as ageless as it is timely.

Details

  • Title Gal: A True Life
  • Author Ruthie Mae Bolton
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition First Edition
  • Pages 288
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Mariner Books, New York
  • Date May 23, 1994
  • ISBN 9780151001040 / 0151001049
  • Weight 1.32 lbs (0.60 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.25 x 6.3 x 1.07 in (23.50 x 16.00 x 2.72 cm)
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: 1950-1999
    • Cultural Region: Deep South
    • Cultural Region: South Atlantic
    • Cultural Region: Southeast U.S.
    • Cultural Region: South
    • Ethnic Orientation: African American
    • Geographic Orientation: South Carolina
    • Locality: Charleston, South Carolina
    • Sex & Gender: Feminine
  • Library of Congress subjects Charleston (S.C.), Bolton, Ruthie
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 93043705
  • Dewey Decimal Code B

Media reviews

Citations

  • Booklist, 06/01/1994, Page 1759
  • Library Journal, 05/01/1994, Page 126
  • Publishers Weekly, 04/11/1994, Page 50
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Gal: A True Life
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Gal: A True Life

by Bolton, Ruthie Mae

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Gal: A True Life

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Gal: A True Life

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Gal: A True Life

Gal: A True Life

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Gal: A True Life

Gal: A True Life

by Bolton, Ruthie Mae

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ISBN 13
9780151001040
ISBN 10
0151001049
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Gal: A True Life

Gal: A True Life

by Bolton, Ruthie Mae

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  • Hardcover
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Used - Acceptable
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Hardcover
ISBN 13
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ISBN 10
0151001049
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Gal : A True Life
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