Climbing the Rough Side of the Mountain is a powerful and heartfelt memoir that traces the extraordinary lives of Norman and Velma Hill, a devoted couple who were on the front lines of the civil rights movement. From their early involvement in union organizing to their close work with historic figures like Bayard Rustin, A. Philip Randolph, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Hills were not just witnesses to history—they were helping to make it. Their story offers a deeply personal look at some of the most pivotal moments in the fight for justice and equality in America. What sets this book apart is its emotional depth: it’s as much a love story as it is a civil rights memoir. The strength of their relationship and their shared purpose shine through on every page, making their journey feel both epic and deeply human.

While the transitions between Norman’s and Velma’s voices were occasionally unclear, it’s a minor issue in an otherwise moving and beautifully told narrative. This memoir feels like opening a window into the past—one filled with courage, sacrifice, and love. It’s a reminder that real change is often driven by those who work quietly and persistently, side by side. I highly recommend Climbing the Rough Side of the Mountain to anyone who values history, activism, and stories that celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. The Hills’ legacy is not just one of action, but of deep compassion, partnership, and purpose—and it’s a story that will stay with you long after the final page.