EDITORIAL REVIEWS

2022 Literary Titan Gold Award

2022 PenCraft Book Award Winner for Literary Excellence

"This book is essential for every reader out there, regardless of age, race, gender, or nationality."
- Literary Titan

"This book was such a delight to read... [Edwards] wrote straightforwardly and communicated perfectly well with his readers. The book's transition from father to child's story was beautiful to watch as it showed an in-depth connection between both father and son. The book deserves a 4 out of 4."
- OnlineBookClub.org Official Review

"Award-winning author, Melvin E. Edwards, has a new memoir, The Strength of a Thousand Sons. This series of stories about his Texas family is a compliment to his previous memoir, The Eyes of Texans. Edwards has the honor of being one of the first Black members of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. As a newspaper reporter and genealogist, he has documented his family’s history and little-known Black history in Texas."

"Readers will enjoy this memoir and a look into a segment of little-known Texas history. Although genealogy study is fascinating, the reader must be aware that it can 'also open old wounds.' The Strength of a Thousand Sons is a testament to knowing your roots, resilience, the importance of family, hard work, and the power of owning your truth."
- AuthorsReading.com

When you're in an abusive family, you can only break the cycle if you have the strength of a thousand sons.

The author of the award-winning book, The Eyes of Texans: From Slavery to the Texas Capitol: Stories from Six Generations of One Family, returns with the riveting follow-up that features the paternal side of his family, beginning in 1842.

Like his maternal ancestors, Melvin E. Edwards' paternal ancestors are also Texans from the time of the Republic of Texas. However, the Edwards line emerged from its human bondage with deep scars that aren't healed with time. One mind-boggling act of desperation by 10-year-old Melvin Edwards changed that trajectory and provided a softer landing for his son, this book's author.

If you found Isaac Bladen to be unforgettable in the last book, you'll find the elder Melvin Edwards equally compelling in this true story.

Studying family history can be fascinating. It can also reopen old wounds.