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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
popsugar challenge 2019: read a book about a family
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cursing, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Classism
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity
Minor: Infertility, Dementia, Fire/Fire injury, War
Animal cruelty = Rooster fighting
This was a fantastic book that I don't want to read again... but maybe I should.
While you're not getting the most vibrant, uplifting, or intriguing story you ARE getting something that feels visceral. Haley's passion for ancestor created a work that is genuine and honest with little fluff.
While you're not getting the most vibrant, uplifting, or intriguing story you ARE getting something that feels visceral. Haley's passion for ancestor created a work that is genuine and honest with little fluff.
Roots is a genuinely compelling read which brought, and continues to bring, a new awareness of the horrors of slavery. However, if you've read any of the Slave Narratives, you know it was actually far worse than this book portrays.
What truly diminished the story for me was how glossed over the post-Civil War backlash against blacks was. A couple of white guys talk a little smack and then just wander off when the Kinte descendants refuse to cooperate. There is absolutely no mention of the Klan or lynchings or any of that.
I suppose if you haven't read much non-fiction on this topic it would have a greater impact. For me, however, it seemed really toned down. I wish Mr. Haley had been given the chance to write this one novel as a multi-part series. I feel this would have given him a chance to expand upon the post-Civil War era. Sadly, the publishing world was barely ready to release this book at the time.
What truly diminished the story for me was how glossed over the post-Civil War backlash against blacks was. A couple of white guys talk a little smack and then just wander off when the Kinte descendants refuse to cooperate. There is absolutely no mention of the Klan or lynchings or any of that.
I suppose if you haven't read much non-fiction on this topic it would have a greater impact. For me, however, it seemed really toned down. I wish Mr. Haley had been given the chance to write this one novel as a multi-part series. I feel this would have given him a chance to expand upon the post-Civil War era. Sadly, the publishing world was barely ready to release this book at the time.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
What an intense adventure, and masterful audiobook that diversified the characters well. Despite the issues with plagiarism and perhaps historical biases, it really left an impression on me, and I look forward to ready more like it.
Feels fitting to finish this very American story on Election Day, one that's been on my should-have-read list too long, as I'm about the same age as it and I feel like I've always been aware of its presence.
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced