(Starred Review) "An important book in helping to understand the persistent racism faced by African Americans in this country and what individuals can do to help fight against the injustice."
-- Amy Lewontin Library Journal
"It’s fascinating to read biographies of Black women, particularly those for women as complex and layered as Louise Thompson Patterson.... Gilyard offers a look at one of the most dynamic Black women who’s ever walked the Earth."
-- Evette Dionne Bitch
"Louise Thompson Patterson is the finest sort of biography: impeccably researched and chock full of detail, it also compels the reader by crafting a powerful image of the world in which Louise and her comrades lived and struggled.... Gilyard has offered a masterful portrayal of a key figure in 20th century American history; more importantly his work reminds us there are heroes—imperfect people, like all humans, yet heroes nonetheless—whose commitment, idealism, and perseverance can still serve as an inspiration for us today."
-- Hans Rollman PopMatters
"[T]he story of a highly engaged African American Leftist who remained true to her convictions over the course of the 20th century. Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above."
-- J. E. Anderson Choice
"Keith Gilyard offers deep and invaluable insight into the life of one of the most important Black leftists of the twentieth century."
-- Charisse Burden-Stelly Black Perspectives
"A compelling narrative of political development. . . . We are fortunate to have Gilyard’s informed, sensitive account of a Black woman of the Left."
-- Cheryl Higashida Against the Current
"This pioneering biography deftly contributes to the emerging historiography on radical black feminists."
-- Anthony J. Stanonis Journal of American History
"Louise Thompson Patterson has brought Patterson’s story to life through abundant research and appropriate admiration."
-- Paul Buhle Science & Society
"Louise Thompson Patterson is a compelling, descriptive, and engaging narrative. . . . A welcome addition to existing biographical studies on radical black women political leaders."
-- LaShawn Harris Left History