Remembering Roots - by Lucas L Johnson (Hardcover)

About the Book

A powerful tribute to Roots, marking the 50th anniversary of its publication, Remembering Roots by Lucas L. Johnson II explores the cultural impact of Alex Haley's epic through personal stories, interviews, and reflections that reveal how Haley's work continues to shape identity, heritage, and hope across generations.

Book Synopsis

"Now, on the fiftieth anniversary of Haley's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Johnson probes the origins of this American classic, the struggles Haley experienced in more than 12 years of research and seeking publication, the challenges to its authenticity, and its eventual triumph...Johnson's history is timely and timeless." --BOOKLIST, starred review

"Remembering Roots highlights the indomitability of the human spirit; and reminds us that, like our ancestors, as long as we continue to breathe, there's hope." --LEVAR BURTON, award-winning actor, director, author, and original cast member of Roots

Discover how the book and TV miniseries Roots became a cultural phenomenon that has shaped our understanding of heritage, race, identity, and family for fifty years.

As we approach the 50th anniversaries of Alex Haley's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Roots (1976) and its landmark television adaptation (1977), journalist and storyteller Lucas L. Johnson II reflects on the enduring legacy of Haley's work through the voices of those it continues to move, including scholars, artists, genealogists, students, and original cast members like LeVar Burton and Ben Vereen.

With vivid personal anecdotes, emotional tributes, and probing reflections, Remembering Roots shows how Haley's vision gave birth to a genealogy movement, inspired generations to reclaim their identities, and challenged America to confront its past. From a sixth-grader who became the first lawyer in her family, to a blind musician empowered by his father's retelling of Roots' most iconic scene, Johnson traces the ripple effects of Haley's griot storytelling across time and culture.

As debates rage over which histories get told, Remembering Roots boldly asserts the necessity to remember and retell our stories. A call to action, this book reaffirms that storytelling is not just an art--it's a path to healing.

Review Quotes

"Now, on the fiftieth anniversary of Haley's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Johnson probes the origins of this American classic, the struggles Haley experienced in more than 12 years of research and seeking publication, the challenges to its authenticity, and its eventual triumph... Johnson's history is timely and timeless." --- Booklist, STARRED review

"Johnson (Finding the Good) reflects upon Alex Haley's award-winning 1976 epic novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family and the 1977 ABC miniseries. It is replete with reflections from Black and white readers who were impacted." --- Library Journal

"[Johnson] understands that Roots was never just a book or script. No, it was a communal experience that played out in classrooms and living rooms all around the country." --- The American Scholar

"A lilting, bright reminder of the gifts of baptism." --Susan Dominus, author of The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success