In Goode Faith

by W. Wilson Goode, Joann Stevens

Philadelphia's first black mayor tells of his odyssey from poverty to the heights of big-city power and politics.

Genres: Autobiography, Local History

316 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Will Turner]

In many ways, this book (especially toward the end) serves as an explanation and justification for Goode’s role in the Move disaster. The book begins with his family in North Carolina as Share Croppers and details his early childhood, specifically the injustice done toward his father and it’s negative effect upon his father. After his move to Philly his young adulthood and early advocacy career is told. The story of Mrs. Hardigan who told him he would never amount to anything. Later the last few chapters deal with his mayoral life, specifically the Move tragedy. He claims that he would never have dropped the bomb if he knew what it really was and that he commanded the fire to be put out while the police chief let it burn leading to the loss of 11 lives and 61 homes surrounding 6221 Osage Ave. He does mention his faith in God on numerous occasions and there are some references to Jesus. No mention of the cross. It is a pull yourself up by the bootstraps type of Christianity. God blesses those who work hard and have strong faith. His faith seems genuine, just a shame there is no mention of the cross and more talk about his faith than Christ’s work.

[Ali Kutner]

I enjoyed reading this. Easy to read, and written like a real person telling their story.