This book is a memoir, written in the form of a letter from a father to his adolescent son. In his book, Ta-Nehisi Coates explains to his son what he believes are the problems with America. He draws from his own experiences as a Black man, and speaks about how America was built on the backs of Black men and women. He recounts personal accounts involving racism, hatred and fear, regaling stories of his attendance at Howard University, involvement in the Civil War, and living in various places. He talks about America’s history, when Blacks were enslaved and segregated, and about its present, how Blacks are being threatened, imprisoned and killed in disproportionate numbers. He attempts to educate his son about ways to navigate this hostile environment, and how to free himself from its bondage. Then he delves into ways he can move forward from it all, giving him hope for the future.

Anyone who wants to know about the personal experiences of one particular Black man, his struggles with racism, diminished opportunities and hatred.

I enjoyed the poetic style to the writing of this book, and the idea that it is a letter written by a Black father to his son. I like that it is not a book about hatred for the past, but one of exploration of the past, in order to understand the present and point us toward moving forward to a better future. I'm glad he touched on the subject of "hope", so the book wasn't totally gloomy.

I found the jumping from story to story a bit jarring. Perhaps there needed to be smoother transitions between stories.

Find my place in this peaceful future for Black people. I wanted to find out what I can do to help herald in this hopeful future.

Like I have a part to play in the change that needs to happen for Black people, and all people, so we can truly be free and be treated an equal.

The author is passionate in his views about how vulnerable Blacks are in the hands of those who would kill the body without consequence.

It is a book of action, rather than reaction to a difficult position that Black people find themselves in. It is a book of perspective and hope.

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Created Oct 30, 2024 at 8:40pm • Submit your own review...