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or10n's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.75
This book was so educational and an excellent choice for a Black History Month read. It really felt like I was finally getting the rest of the story. The main critique I've seen of this book is that it doesn't touch on the war on drugs in the way that it should, and while this is true, it didn't feel like there was an obvious hole in the narrative. I think the omission was intentional. A whole book can (and has) been written on the war on drugs alone. There are much better reviews for this book here, so I'll keep mine brief, but if you don't read this book, your education of American History is incomplete.
Content Warnings
Minor: War, Gun violence, and Racism
jhook's review against another edition
4.0
Loses a bit of steam when it gets into international politics, but that's all necessary. Fascinating read, especially if all you know is Huey Newton on the wicker throne.
mcf's review against another edition
4.0
An impressive meticulous examination of not only the rise and fall of the Panthers, but also the shifts the party went through during its short life. Oddly repetitive at times, but nevertheless a very important, eye-opening read -- utterly fascinating and very gratifying in the detail and ambition of its reporting and analysis.
hc21's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars, really. This book is a fantastic history of the Black Panther movement that has great resonance now in the age of BLM. For people who weren't alive at the time, it provides a wealth of detail at an approachable level. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that the authors are clearly scholars first and authors second. Sometimes paragraphs or other small sections get a bit repetitive, sometime almost exactly restating themselves word for word. I did not find that particularly valuable. But the actual historical and scholarly content of the book is wonderful, making it a definite to-read for anyone interested in social movements.
danieleales's review against another edition
5.0
Insightful, engaging, and depressing.
Must-read for anyone interested in revolutionary movements, and gives much to reflect on. The importance of intersectionality to the success of the Panthers is highlighted throughout the book in a way which is tied to the thoughts & actions of the Party at its most influential.
It also paints a sad picture of the decline of the party, due to both external pressures & internal contradiction. Much to be learned from that side of the story too, in order to create any sustainable movement capable of overcoming the status quo.
Must-read for anyone interested in revolutionary movements, and gives much to reflect on. The importance of intersectionality to the success of the Panthers is highlighted throughout the book in a way which is tied to the thoughts & actions of the Party at its most influential.
It also paints a sad picture of the decline of the party, due to both external pressures & internal contradiction. Much to be learned from that side of the story too, in order to create any sustainable movement capable of overcoming the status quo.
girlnovels's review against another edition
5.0
the way this book took me 13 months to finish… anyways…. If you’re looking for a textbook on the black panther party, this is it. with all the details you could ever desire — but be prepared for that as it is hefty.
byrenical's review against another edition
5.0
Essential reading. If people understood the power structures the Panthers faced I think the world would be a much different and better place than it is. There has obviously been progress in the past 50 years in many regards, however there is a mountain of importance that has, on a foundational level, remained unchanged.
msscribe_stan's review against another edition
5.0
A fantastic analysis of the BPP, especially why they declined and what that means for the US as a whole. Very well done.