Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Jesse Jackson is such an important figure in the civil rights movement but is often overlooked. This book did a great job of shining light on a great figure.

David Masciotra's presentation of Jesse Jackson's long life of service to American Democracy is praise-worthy for its double stance. While Masciotra praises Jackson's life and work, he also objectively adds the imperfections of the man. As the book is about to end, the author discusses the power of Jackson's charisma, for which Jackson was occasionally criticized. Considering Jackson's life's work, often unnoted by the media and the government, Masciotra comments, in so many words, that it is lucky that Jackson chose to use his gifts to work so much good in this world, for he has been and is still a formidable man.