Love in Black and White - by William S Cohen (Hardcover)

About the Book

Most Americans regard the World War II period as belonging to the greatest generation, but it was also a time when religious intolerance and racial violence flourished. It is within this world that this compelling memoir is set--a story of inspiration, hope, and ultimately the redemption of America's soul.

Book Synopsis

William S. Cohen, born in Bangor, Maine, was the eldest son of a Jewish father and a Protestant Irish mother. Janet Langhart, an African-American, was raised in Indianapolis, Indiana by her single parent mother, a Southern Baptist. The book draws fascinating parallels between the histories of two people from different regions, races, and religions, as both are witnesses to and targets of the social tensions of the day. Opposites in so many ways-in color, faith, and culture-seemingly a bundle of contradictions, they meet in 1974, become friends, and eventually fall in love. They were married on Valentine's Day 1996.

Review Quotes

Love in Black and White is a great love story, and much more. Bill and Janet Cohen show what can happen when people from diverse backgrounds move beyond their differences to embrace their common humanity. We can all learn from their example.

Love in Black and White is a heartfelt message that love, respect, and tolerance give us the strength to challenge the darker impulses of humanity.

Love In Black And White is one of the most eloquent, searing, and brilliant explorations of love across the color line that I have ever read. With the pen of a poet and the wisdom of a sage, the Cohens delve richly into their own story to illumine the nation's story-one shaped by the vices of racism and the virtues of racial progress. By tapping the wellsprings of their remarkable individual journeys, and then testifying of the union they have forged in the midst of skepticism and hostility, their courageous vow to love each other no matter what inspires us all to do the same. This soul baring and heart cheering memoir is must reading.

A poignant testimony to the blessings that come from seeing beyond race, religion, and politics into the hearts of others.

A unique and moving memoir-instructive, insightful, and filled with poignant and joyous stories-a pleasure to read.

In Love in Black and White, William S. Cohen brilliantly chronicles the courageous struggles against ethnic and racial discrimination encountered by two twentieth century families who epitomize the American Dream, and who dared to allow love to trump convention in the process.

Our nation needs to engage in an open and honest examination of race. Bill and Janet have something to contribute. Their willingness to challenge convention throughout their lives is a story that needs to be told. Now is the time to tell it.

Racism and Anti-Semitism are twin evils in our lives and Bill Cohen and Janet Langhart Cohen have confronted them both with courage and class. They are two of my favorite human beings.

This is an inspiring story of two high-profile people...of different racial and religious backgrounds who managed to overcome the long and troubled history of race and romance in the U.S.

About the Author

William S. Cohen is a former Secretary of Defense (1997-2001), U.S. Senator (1979-1997), and U.S. Congressman (1973-1979). He is currently the Chairman and CEO of The Cohen Group. He is the author of ten previous books-four nonfiction, four novels, and two books of poetry. Janet Langhart Cohen is a former model and television journalist. She is currently the CEO of Langhart Communications and President of The Citizen's Patriot Organization. She is the author of From Rage To Reason: My Life In Two Americas (2004).