THEY CALLED THEMSELVES THE K.K.K. The Birth of an American Terrorist Group

The strength of Bartoletti’s book is the way she blends the viewpoints of many people into a multifaceted history of the frightening secret society called the Ku Klux Klan. Dion Graham’s rich voice has a rhythmic storytelling quality that is a perfect reflection of Bartoletti’s energetic style. He enriches his narration by delivering powerful portrayals of the principals: the former slave owners who fear economic ruin after the Civil War, the African-American victims of lynchings, the Irish teacher bent on educating freed slaves, and the six men who begin the secret organization itself. The audio opens with powerful words from the author that explain the historical context of the brutal events and harsh language that follow. A bonus disc of images is also included. S.W. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2010]