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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
informative
i was given this by my head of year, read it in an evening, and absolutely loved it. the intro itself sold me, talking about the rise of afro-american fugitive slave literature being a significant part of aiding the abolitionist movement was really interesting, and then of course the incredible life that frederick douglass lived - it was heartbreaking and inspiring in equal measures, his humble tone and simple explanation of the horrors and brutality of slavery was incredibly moving and gave me a greater understanding of something i have read very little about.
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
I don’t know how to describe it. Slavery = awful, no doubt at all. And he lays it out well and clearly. So I want to say the book is good except that the content, obviously, is horrible because it’s the enslavement and cruel treatment of another human being.
That said, he’s well spoken (or written), succinct, and aware of the consequences (like not naming people who helped him run). He doesn’t cater to the white readers and he doesn’t apologize for his honesty (shouldn’t have to either).
Of course I want more details about his life and the conditions and what happened after he escaped but I’ll have to find a biography for that. Overall, excellent book and vital reading for any American
That said, he’s well spoken (or written), succinct, and aware of the consequences (like not naming people who helped him run). He doesn’t cater to the white readers and he doesn’t apologize for his honesty (shouldn’t have to either).
Of course I want more details about his life and the conditions and what happened after he escaped but I’ll have to find a biography for that. Overall, excellent book and vital reading for any American
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
It's really hard to judge someone's actual life story, especially under these circumstances and with an iconic figure the likes of Frederick Douglass. The writing style is extraordinarily clear to understand, but at points long winded. Yes, even in a narrative this concise Douglass can get laborious at many points when describing examples of things that occurred. The narrative does seem to meander as well, while mostly sticking to a chronological timeline. I did really like his appendix clarifying his views on religion, Christianity in general. Taken in context his views and opinions were radically progressive for the time period (early to mid 1800's). However I believe current society needs a remedial course from Douglass in what true Christianity actually is.
While I listened to an audio version, the physical penguin classic paperback edition I own contains an introduction by Houston A. Baker, Jr., a note on the text, a preface by William Lloyd Garrison, and a letter from Wendell Phillips, which I have yet to read. I may review these introductory articles at a later time if I have something to comment. Happy continued reading!
While I listened to an audio version, the physical penguin classic paperback edition I own contains an introduction by Houston A. Baker, Jr., a note on the text, a preface by William Lloyd Garrison, and a letter from Wendell Phillips, which I have yet to read. I may review these introductory articles at a later time if I have something to comment. Happy continued reading!
challenging
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
informative
reflective
slow-paced
“Another preacher whining spoke
Of One whose heart for sinners broke:
He tied old Nanny to an oak,
And drew the blood at every stroke,
And prayed for heavenly union.”
What a heart breaking but beautifully written narrative. Douglass gives us a first hand account of this evil stain of history so that we may never forget. What an intelligent man whose way with words is almost poetic. I felt the sting of the cow whip through his words and I hung on every page waiting for him to escape.
Of One whose heart for sinners broke:
He tied old Nanny to an oak,
And drew the blood at every stroke,
And prayed for heavenly union.”
What a heart breaking but beautifully written narrative. Douglass gives us a first hand account of this evil stain of history so that we may never forget. What an intelligent man whose way with words is almost poetic. I felt the sting of the cow whip through his words and I hung on every page waiting for him to escape.
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced