Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
What a read. I loosely knew the story of the early parts of the book, but it still lulls you effectively into a false sense of security before snatching it away violently. It’s some of the most straightforward prose I’ve encountered in a while but due to the nature of its content at times it can be difficult, even exhausting, to read. That said, I think my “favorite” part was how it shows the characters enduring, managing to find pockets of humanity and even real joy, in the midst of generations of suffering. I’ve heard that there were some liberties taken in the storytelling, so while the absolute veracity of the book may be in doubt, I fail to see how that takes away from its very real power.
This was extraordinarily difficult to read. It's a work that's so important but raises so many mingled emotions for me as an African-American. Haley makes the print version of his family's oral history something you can feel, something that stays with you long after reading the last word. His story provides hope for those with tidbits of their past that may be able to piece it together and a substitute for those whose stories are lost to them for good.
dark
informative
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There are those special few books that you will before carry around with you forever after you finish them. Your life will never be quite the same after reading it and for me Roots is one of those books. I was born after the epic mini-series and have never seen it, so for the most part the story was completely fresh to me. I will never think of family and heritage in quite the same terms again. I feel as if you should have to read this book to truly be able to call yourself an American, or at least before you can get your driver's license. Then drive yourself over to grandpa's smelly house without complaint because you can! We are greatly lacking this genuine and raw perspective of US history which makes it all the more an essential read.
This book lives up to all the rave reviews--so read it.
This novel can seem intimidating by its length but it definitely doesn't disappoint. A very fascinating story of American history.
I don't often give a rating of five to works of fiction, just on general principle...I tend to like more substance. Roots, however, is an outstanding exception! I read this wonderful piece of historical fiction (apparently mingled with fact) some 30 years ago, shortly before the similarly outstanding miniseries was released. I have rarely been so enthralled with a storyline. The perspective gained from the generations long history of which Alex Haley wrote gave me added empathy for and appreciation for the people who suffered and eventually emerged from such terrible conditions.
In part because of this book, I have since read other works that have helped (somewhat) to fill in some of the gaps in my understanding of the African-American experience. Books such as Warriors Don't Cry, Black Like Me, and Up From Slavery are among them. I recommend all of these to anyone wanting to know more about this important aspect of American history.
In part because of this book, I have since read other works that have helped (somewhat) to fill in some of the gaps in my understanding of the African-American experience. Books such as Warriors Don't Cry, Black Like Me, and Up From Slavery are among them. I recommend all of these to anyone wanting to know more about this important aspect of American history.
Always a wonderful and sad read. I have read Roots three times and it still has the same impact i have had in day one. It’s sad to believe that this is how things were and still are to some extent.
Brilliant story and way of sharing the history of the US through a long line of family.
Brilliant story and way of sharing the history of the US through a long line of family.
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated