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ladyj317's review
challenging
informative
slow-paced
3.0
i was into the first part—learning about the 1800s in california and the stanfords—and parts throughout but mostly it was a slog
ohhek's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
mailei's review against another edition
challenging
informative
slow-paced
3.5
The beginning third was super interesting! And this author has a pension for writing iconic, historically contextual zingers. That being said, the last third and some of the middle moved at a breakneck speed in terms of subject matter. Would’ve loved a more even coverage. And a hair more closure at the end!
hrgisahero's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
5.0
Wahoo!! First 5 star read of the year. An absolute must-read, especially if you were given the abysmal California education that I was. It will remind you that California was built of very reactionary and money-focused structures that actively worked against non-white and immigrant groups. The author does a great job of structuring the book and covering enough detail to flesh out his stories and points while staying zoomed out enough to cover nearly 300 years of history.
cghegan's review
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Colonisation, Racism, Classism, and Ableism
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic, Child death, Slavery, Suicide, and Xenophobia