If your mom is religious, she might like the book I read on the history of the civil rights movement, since it emphasizes the role of the black church. I reviewed it here. Though it might be a little too academic for her, I don't know. He does get all down and dirty with the organizational politics--but there is still some very inspiring stuff in there.

I read the reviews on Amazon of the book you mentioned, and I could not draw a bead on the writer's position.