I think it is possible for the Black Panthers and the nonviolent Civil Rights movement to work together. The Black Panthers support nonviolence- they just are prepared to use violence if necessary. Sam decided not to harm the cop, yet also joined the Panthers. He has joined forces with both philosophies, and I think that many others could as well. There are probably plenty on Black Panthers who would not want to use such violence, yet do not just want to attend the demonstrations, hoping that their message will be sent.

As for the book, I enjoyed it very much. The ending was kind of hasty and the writing was not as well-written as it was, but all in all The Rock and the River was good.