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corinth11's review against another edition
2.0
Listened to this book in the car and had a lot of trouble following it. There are fascinating parts, but it felt more like a collection of notes for a book than a fully realized narrative. I think it would've worked better as a collection of essays.
year23's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
A blend of history and memoir - focused mostly on the 50s and 60s. I wanted more memoir than history but appreciated the focus on a specific section of Black community, starting from pre-Civil War - following how DuBois' notion of the "Talented Tenth" manifested in daily life for Black families. Though DuBois would later recant the idea of the Talented Tenth, the impact of that theory or position remains and has impacted generations of Black families. This is particularly resonant when the author shares of her mental health struggles in the late 60s/early 70s.
I still left the text wanting more of the author's life - she's a journalist, so putting everything in historical context - striking an objective tone- makes a lot of sense, but then you miss all the subjective experiences and emotions. It's still an important memoir that fills a gap in highlighting the upper-class Black community - both the privileges and challenges.
I still left the text wanting more of the author's life - she's a journalist, so putting everything in historical context - striking an objective tone- makes a lot of sense, but then you miss all the subjective experiences and emotions. It's still an important memoir that fills a gap in highlighting the upper-class Black community - both the privileges and challenges.
nrach's review against another edition
2.0
While I loved the opportunity to experience the life of a portion of the historic U.S. population that rarely gets discussed, the colorful anecdotes and humor, and all the references to University of Chicago, Margo Jefferson's manner of writing is in the abstract, stream-of-consciousness style which makes it sometimes hard to follow. The read ended up being somewhat difficult, though I get the sense the book was more about Ms. Jefferson pouring out her poetic memories and resonating with those who grew up similarly with similar thoughts. I'd love to hear what readers who have experienced a similar coming-of-age felt about it.
readandchill23's review against another edition
1.0
DNF
The narrative was completely discombobulated, making it extremely difficult to follow. Such a shame, too, considering the awesome topic.
The narrative was completely discombobulated, making it extremely difficult to follow. Such a shame, too, considering the awesome topic.
laurynreads's review against another edition
4.0
I’m so glad I finally got around to reading this one, which has been on my radar for years now. Jefferson’s writing style is so unique and incisive and witty and I thoroughly enjoyed her reflection on her life and the lives of those in her family.
katie01lynn's review against another edition
3.0
Great information; not my favorite genre. Not gonna lie, I was hoping for more of a story.
momwrex's review
4.0
Margo Jefferson is a few years older than me. I found her accounts of her life fascinating. She grew up with many more privileges than I did, but faced racism (which I, as a European-American, did not). The issues she faced as a female growing up in a social circle with many expectations of girls' behavior that I did not.
It was an interesting snapshot of how specifics of race, class and gender impact us as individuals.
It was an interesting snapshot of how specifics of race, class and gender impact us as individuals.