Library Journal

Pioneering journalist Davis, writing with Haddock, tells her fascinating story in this highly readable memoir. Davis grew up hand to mouth in Louisiana and then Oakland. Unable to afford college, she began writing for African American publications and later moved to radio and local television news. Despite resistance at every turn because of her race and gender, her fame and influence grew with each career move. Davis covered the defining events of her time and place, including the Berkeley protests of the late 1960s, Jim Jones and the massacre at Jonestown, the Harvey Milk/George Moscone shootings, and the rise of AIDS. She took reporting trips to Cuba, Israel, and East Africa. She also managed to raise two children, promote innumerable causes, and cultivate friendships with an impressive list of celebrities. While Davis is justifiably proud of her achievements, her lack of a college education and her feelings of inadequacy as a mother continue to haunt her. VERDICT Davis is an engaging, likable personality with an inspiring story. Recommended for any reader interested in journalism, history, or gender and race relations in the United States.—David Gibbs, Georgetown Univ. Lib., Washington, DC.

Davis, Belva with Victoria Haddock. Never in My Wildest Dreams: A Black Woman’s Life in Journalism. PoliPoint. Feb. 2011. c.249p. photogs. ISBN 9781936227068. $24.95. COMM