Comments on: New book on segregation and bigotry holds up a harsh mirror to Baltimore

By: Simone Ellin

Simone Ellin — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:45:00 +0000

Antero Pietila will also be at the Jewish Museum of Maryland this Sunday, Feb. 27 from 2-4 p.m. Mr. Pietila will sign his book and then join a panel of Reservoir Hill residents for a discussion moderated by WEAA radio personality Marc Steiner. For information, http://www.jewishmuseummd.org or 410-732-6400, ext. 214

By: Terry_upshur

Terry_upshur — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 01:14:52 +0000

Great job this is a fascinating book. My parents moved to Baltimore in 1961. I have lived in and around my entire life with the exception of 6 years served in the military. There are so many things I was unaware of and so many recognizable names and places. I don't quite know what to think or how to process this new information. Very well done.

By: Terry_upshur

Terry_upshur — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:14:52 +0000

By: Antero Pietila

Antero Pietila — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:59:13 +0000

The following appears on blackpast.org, a main site for black studies
http://blackpast.org/?q=perspectives/finland-not-my-neighborhood-antero-pietilas-journey-and-through-racially-divided-americ

The following is from the Baltimore Urbanite
http://www.urbanitebaltimore.com/sub.cfm?issueID=84&sectionID=4&articleID=1520

By: Antero Pietila

Antero Pietila — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 02:37:05 +0000

Older people’s reception of the book has been very emotional. Mike Bowler, who introduced me at a book club meeting at Harbor Court condominiums, described the atmosphere “electric.” People loved the book but hated the pain that it inflicted. The crowd was all-white, elederly and about half Jewish.
The book has been well received among young African-American professionals. They had always been curious about their parents’ neighborhoods — Ashburton, above all. “You told my story,” wrote a 44-year-old African-American woman.

By: Editor

Editor — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 13:49:22 +0000

Thanks for the update, Antero. What has the response been like? Any interesting themes or repeat questions emerging? Any reactions that surprised you?

By: Antero Pietila

Antero Pietila — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 04:42:30 +0000

Good news: Since its release last month, my book has been selling briskly and may have been difficult to find. Amazon still has copies. And a second printing is under way.

By: reasoner

reasoner — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:15:55 +0000

Hey mj – offer some evidence, please – something that people can check. Talk is cheap.

By: mj

mj — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:07:33 +0000

Have not read book – but have read excerpts, and listened to Mr. Pietila on the radio.

I could not disagree more. He came to this country in the late 60s. He has no idea of what really went on.

Whatever research he did to support his claims of bigots and racists, I lived in one of those neighborhoods – and I know differently.

Pointing fingers and claiming “bigots” may be popular and lucrative – and if he has to sacrifice a lot of decent people to make money and sell books – oh well.

I read a bio on this man. Apparently, claiming that white working-class are bigots is “his thing.” He then works backwards to try to find anything he can to substantiate his claims.

I guess he was not anticipating running into anyone who lived it and knew better. Nor does he care.

File this book in the worthless “fiction” section.

By: Susan (sjanova)

Susan (sjanova) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:53:08 +0000

As planned, I ordered the book through Amazon to be sent directly to my friend who would be very interested in it — and she much appreciates it. Just got it today, so I’ll have to give her time to read it before asking for more comments than “it looks very interesting”!