Author Description

Should we judge a man by the color of his skin, by the pattern of his speech, and by his educational background or ease of sophistication? Or should we judge a man by the sincerity of his friendship and loyalty; his trustworthiness; and the manner in which he treats others around him, especially those deemed "beneath" his social standards? If you were to pass judgement upon a man using this second set of means, you have followed in the footsteps of author Ross Chichester and the brave and honest people who worked for him in his tile factory in San Jose, California. In "Walking Backwards," Chichester describes not only his relationships with a group of multi-ethnic workers but also their actions and reactions toward his Caucasian-American world. Chichester proves to be a charming narrator throughout, enchancing stories with his own observant opinions on subjects ranging from politics to family fealty. "Walking Backwards" is an important and reinforcing novel fro those who truly do know how to judge the worth of a man: not by his appearance or manner of speech but by his conduct, his concern for others, and the sincerity which lies behind his unspoken word.