Alex Haley's Roots: An Author's Odyssey

Having lived with Alex Haley's longtime editor (some say, co-author) Murray Fisher during the phenomenon that was "Roots", I read this book with great interest. In the years since Haley's death in 1992, so many of the profiles written about him have either been hagiography or vilification that I eventually lost sight of the enormous contribution Alex made to the whole of our American culture, and let the bitter taste of controversy settle in its stead. But here in Adam Henig's scholarly examination of the man and his moment of international celebrity--and its wrenching aftermath--is an even-handed, insightful, and hugely readable chronicle of the perils of "sudden" success and its all-too-frequent camp follower, hubris. I was amazed at the detail and accuracy of Henig's research (which brought back memories I'd completely forgotten), gratified to discover long-missing pieces of a personal puzzle, and even more pleased to find that in the end, Adam's conclusions essentially echoed my own. And all this from a young author who wasn't even born when "Roots" was published! This is an altogether excellent effort, cleanly executed, and a must-read for any serious student of American literary controversy. An enthusiastic five stars from this notoriously parsimonious reader.

This book is a must read for all who read ROOTS and saw the TV series. Here in a very clear and concise writing style, Adam Henig debunks the Alex Haley myth. Yes, it is painful to read but it is the truth, well-researched, to be sure, and the facts well-documented. Who was Alex Haley, and why did he set out to con the world into believing that he was someone else, with roots going back centuries? True, it was a tale well-written, but it was not his tale alone. He used the work of too many others without giving them credit. Henig takes us from beginning to end. At first a trip of sudden and soaring success and fame, then the denouement, painful to all involved. If it was all for money alone, Haley was a success, though in the end he was in debt. If it was to secure a place in the pantheon of American literary greats, his was a transitory experience. Adam Henig is a powerful writer. I read the book through in an hour and a half without ever putting it down.

This is not something you may use right away

Adam Henig's book takes you through a roller coaster ride of Haley's rise to the epitome of literary fame and the subsequent fall that followed. As someone who is generally not a fan of non-fiction, I initially hesitated picking this one up. However, Henig's talent for story telling makes the characters jump off the page and gets you hooked on page one.Henig's book should abe required reading for all aspiring writers out there. Haley's process (or lack thereof) and the consequential legal battles that followed are important lessons in how to write non-fiction. In the end, I felt bad for Haley. If any of Roots was actually based on his own ancenstory, he made it virtually impossible to prove.Thanks, A. Henig for a very enjoyable read! Looking forward to your next book.

Years ago I read that Roots might not have been historically accurate, even worse, might have been plagiarized. Somehow I dismissed the accusations. I simply couldn't believe them. Henig's book convincingly addresses these issues, and more.It's truly a fascinating read, explaining in detail Haley's initial success and how it all unraveled in the period after Root's publication. It's sad to learn about Haley's problems, professional and personal, but Henig is fair-minded in his analysis. Clearly written and impressively researched, I strongly recommend this book if you want to know what happened to one of the most popular authors of the 20th century.

I enjoy reading books that are succinct, judiciously analyzed, and impressively researched. Not only does Henig's book fulfill those requisites, it's fascinating to boot. Haley was by far the most popular African American author of the 20th century, yet aside from rumors and innuendos little of substance was known about him after the publication of Roots. Henig sets the record straight. We see Haley warts and all, but Henig reminds us that you can't deny Haley's massive contribution to the racial dialogue in America. Henig focuses on a pivotal chapter in Haley's life; one hopes that he will write more chapters about this complex and enigmatic author.

As someone who has neither read famed author's Alex Haley's most renowned novel "Roots," nor researched author Alex Haley, I was a complete newcomer to the history of Roots and its subsequent success. From beginning to end of this well-written eBook, I never felt uninformed. Reading from page to page was a light, conversational discussion with a well informed researcher with all of the necessary evidence to turn well informed opinions into the most logical conclusions. An entertaining and informative read.

In this near master piece, Haley traced the beginnings of his family tree. Two thumbs up.

disappointed it didnt make clear the horros of black slavery

A very interesting Read. I remember the TV series as a young man and was very impressed. Adam Henig has done a great job ofof highlighting a real problem when it comes to money and power. In many ways it made me feel sad for Alex Haley, the fame and fortune did little for Him personally. Although I must say that the legacy he left behind, and the way his work shone a light on themany problems faced by African American's then and now was moving indeed. It showed me a side of Alex Haley I never Knew,and served to remind us all of what should really be important in life.

I was disappointed as I thought I was ordering the actual novel Roots .

Not what I expected, wanted the Roots full book/story. Never mind, it's my mistake. Got bored with this. If you want the proper book then this is not the one for you......

OK