But the most striking bits of the book are about the eels' determination to get to their destination, weaving braids of living bodies to climb waterfalls and walls, and even crossing land where necessary.

ECONOMIST: Slithery creatures, strangely determined

Unlike others who lament black history's segregation into a month and therefore seek to get rid of the celebration, Holder sees the need for weaving black history into the fabric of ordinary American life and offering our citizens a critical tool of self-inventory while broadening the horizon of our nation's self-awareness around racial issues.

CNN: Commentary: Holder wants to tear down wall of race

"Weaving and slaughtering chickens are as important as learning French, especially if I want to get a man one day!"

BBC: A Mayan revival