Charlie's window on the world offers us a upclose and personal view of this historic town during its heyday. In an era of great flux-the immediate wake of World War I; the dawn of women's suffrage; the rapid industrialization of America; the introduction of the doomed social experiment known as "Prohibition"; the continuation of unstable race relations and racial hostility, intimidation, and violence against African Americans . . . Boley became a kind of cocoon enshrouding African Americans ("coloreds" or "Negroes" at the time). They thrived, emboldened, and empowered by the sense of openness and opportunity the town provided.
Through Charlie's eyes, we re-visit the importance of self-esteem, of believing in oneself and one's unlimited potential. Through Charlie's eyes, we reexamine what it means to be part of a family, to have deep roots. Through Charlie's eyes, we re-discover some of the values that help create a sense of community: love, faith, charity, hope, perseverance, and integrity, just to name a few.
Charlie's experiences illuminate a little-known slice of American history. In the process, they highlight important lessons for our present lives and for our futures.