The Crystal Pumpkin

The Crystal Pumpkin is an upbeat, uplifting, compelling story which takes the reader on an emotional, historical journey through eighteen years in the life of the author. The book captures the essence of the culture, experiences, struggles, music, entertainment, art, poetry, religion, charm, and nuances of Black life, Black love, and Black survival. Importantly, the author provides a riveting portrayal of events in local and national history as seen through the lens of a young Black girl who grows into adulthood in Chicago. The characters are real, and their lives, like their stories, are unforgettable. The lessons provided are universal, and the messages are moving and memorable. This delightful semi-autobiography has adventure, mystery, intrigue, shock, comedy, crime, drama, tragedy, and a scintillating love story. It provides a factual account of an era that featured struggles for individual and collective identity, purpose, and social justice during an earlier and simpler time. The stories unfold as the book, divided into three parts, explodes with historical developments and personal triumphs born of tragedies. The author explores the dawning of her identity amid self-doubt, family secrets, childhood fantasies, the specter of racism, and her educational and professional challenges as a public-school teacher and university faculty. Her pursuit of education and her explorations of social justice, civil rights, and antiwar endeavors are chronicled in her experiences of a "new day" when she comes of age during a tumultuous time. Her activism, high school and college experiences, and travels to the Bahamas and Western Europe mold her dedication before shocking and tragic developments alter the trajectory of her life. The reader will experience the educational, social, and personal challenges, struggles, setbacks, and victories of main characters during an unforgettable era. The treasured stories and sentiments shared are unique and timeless.

-- Crystal Arlene Kuykendall