“Progress Through Struggle,” the compelling memoir by Henry R. Leggette, has been lauded by book reviewers for its heartfelt storytelling and unflinching portrayal of the challenges faced by African Americans in the Jim Crow South. The book has gained recognition for its balance of personal triumph, communal history, and motivational insight.

San Diego Book Review applauded Leggette's “unflinching portrayal of the inequities he faced in education and employment,” noting his powerful imagery of riding in “makeshift 'wood box' buses” while white students traveled comfortably in factory-made buses. The review also underscored Leggette's ability to blend autobiography with community history, particularly Kemper Springs, a segregated town that evolved through self-reliance, despite systemic discrimination.

Meanwhile, giving the memoir a perfect five-star rating, the Seattle Book Review stressed the book's spiritual depth. The reviewer observed that Leggette draws parallels between “Christ carrying the cross” and his own struggle to overcome the barriers of race and education. The review also praised Leggette's simple, purposeful prose for conveying the injustices of segregation with dignity.

Another review echoed this praise, describing the memoir as “incredibly heartfelt.” The US Review of Books noted that Leggette's “matter-of-fact tone carries the narrative” and commended him for confronting the disturbing truths of the era.

Moreover, Tulsa Book Review commended the author for not focusing on accusation and showcasing the self-reliance of the Kemper Springs community. According to their review, Leggette's work serves as both a testimony of endurance and a manual for overcoming adversity, capturing the essence of collective effort and faith in the face of hardship.

Pacific Book Review recommended “Progress Through Struggle” for readers of biographical and motivational non-fiction. They noted the “detailed and compelling writing style” that conveys Leggette's life from his upbringing on a Mississippi farm to a career in the FAA Aeronautical Academy.

Echoing the praise, the Portland Book Review gave the memoir a 5/5 rating, highlighting its depiction of self-sustaining Black communities. The review also described the author's voice as “gentle but firm,” passing wisdom to younger generations. IndieReader described the book as “inherently interesting” as well.

“Progress Through Struggle” stands as a testament to endurance, community, and faith, offering readers both historical insight and personal inspiration. Through vivid storytelling and an unwavering moral lens, Henry R. Leggette's memoir exemplifies how adversity can be transformed into progress.

Interested readers may purchase a copy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or the ReadersMagnet Bookstore.

Book Details
“Progress Through Struggle”
Author: Henry R. Leggette
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: ReadersMagnet LLC
Published Date: August 4, 2025

Author's Biography
Henry R. Leggette, a native of Kemper Springs, Mississippi, is a retired FAA electronics engineer and manager. He was the first African American Vice Director and Director of the Delta Division of the American Radio Relay League. Leggette is a Distinguished Toastmaster and serves as a deacon at Greater Middle Baptist Church.

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