"An important book.... Mr. Lewis narrates the AACM's development with exacting context and incisive analysis.... Because the book includes biographical portraits of so many participating musicians, it's a swift, engrossing read." - New York Times "In bringing intellectual breadth and what Lester Bowie calls 'good old country ass-kicking' to bear on past and present indignities, Lewis has produced a fitting companion to the music he celebrates." - Nation "With A Power Stronger Than Itself, Lewis exceeds expectations. For rather than merely recount the ascent of the AACM, he elegantly sets it against the backdrop of cultural, racial, and social changes that shook the twentieth century.... Lewis unreels this tale with dramatic flourish and scholarly authority, in effect telling the story of not only the AACM but also the city where it's centered, Chicago." - Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune"