Title: Which Way Is Freedom Now?
Author: Linwood J. Williams
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1669872221
Pages: 240
Genre: Non-Fiction / Biographies
Reviewer: Christina Avina
Pacific Book Review
In the grand history of the United States of America, there has always been one lingering question which has defined the direction and the place the country has in the world – which is how freedom should be defined. While the American Revolution was fought to allow colonists the freedom to live their own way rather than as subjects for
the King of England, freedom would remain a constant struggle. The question of freedom versus slavery which arose during both the Civil War and even during the Civil Rights Movement decades later is another cultural change. This question is still being asked today, with recent upheaval regarding immigration and the current political environment calling “freedom” into question.
That idea of what freedom truly means in the world is what drives author Linwood J. Williams’ book Which Way Is Freedom Now? The book is an autobiographical look into the author’s early life living in a segregated society, as well as a commentary on how society has and continues to define freedom today. Through resilience, faith, and a lifelong insight into the evolution of America as a whole, the author explores the meaning of a true spectrum of freedom.
Insightful in every way, this book delivered a personal and introspective look at the evolution of the United States and what freedom means today. The author was able to find a great balance between personal storytelling in relation to their life experiences, and the history and philosophy behind the United States and their definition of freedom. The vivid detail the author went into with their childhood memories and life experiences, from discovering the need to find his own name after a shocking discovery of his birth certificate, to meeting and falling in love – and so much more – allowed me to truly connect with and engage in the author’s viewpoints wholeheartedly.
Readers who thoroughly enjoy non-fiction books, especially those that specialize in autobiographies and memoirs, as well as history and philosophy concerning the idea of freedom, will savor this as a memorable and insightful read. The way the author examines two differing philosophies or schools of thought regarding freedom, (Fidus Freedom, or responsible freedom, versus Legibus Freedom, or the right to do whatever a person wants), creates a thoughtful approach to the topic allowing readers to have the room to think for themselves and explore what kind of freedom truly benefits a right and just society; including discussions of wealth disparity and social discourse.
Linwood J. Williams invites readers on a personal and political journey that confronts injustice while holding fast to hope. With raw honesty and lyrical prose, this book asks the questions many are afraid to face—and offers the courage to seek answers. A must-read for anyone committed to building a more just society.
