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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
slow-paced
A very difficult but necessary book. This book takes an in-depth look at history from the perspective of the people who aren't in charge; the Indians, the slaves, the labor organizers. There were certain sections that made me think "the more things change, the more they stay the same" multiple times while listening. This was especially true in the chapter titled Robber Barons and Rebels. There were definitely some shortcomings - there was very little on the LGBT+ movement, and I would have liked more of that. This is actually addressed in the afterword. No history book is going to be perfect, and I appreciated this one for what it attempts. It is slow going, and often painful, but absolutely worth the time. One very minor complaint about narration - Appalachia was pronounced wrong and it made my eye twitch every time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, Slavery, Colonisation, Classism
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
While this was a long and sometimes dense book, it explained the present state of the United States through historical events and truly changed my understanding of the world. I genuinely wish there were more chapters going from 9/11 to 2025, but obviously that’s an impossible request.
challenging
informative
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
informative
medium-paced
challenging
informative
slow-paced
Beneficial reading for all Americans. The education system taught most of us about these subjects (if at all) in a very superficial and sanitized manner, so the focus on the people at the crux of history was able to more clearly link together events and people. Anyone would benefit from the reminder that there are longstanding institutions and legislation in place in order for the government to secure its own interests.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
To preface, this is great history about US history up until the War on Terror. It’s unabashedly a counter-narrative to American Exceptionalism and the supposedly great men who shaped this country. As such, its reviews are heavily polarized, as Howard Zinn doesn’t hold back on his political opinions.
Instead, Zinn tells the stories of the silent working class, the struggling poor, and the oppressed ethnic and racial minorities. This is a class-conscious book, complementary to the mainline narrative, and I strongly applaud Zinn for his thorough research and well-crafted prose.
With that said, there are some shortcomings. The book is slightly dated, especially towards the end, which is not its fault but more so its publication date. That’s something to be aware of as you approach the ending chapters. My only real gripe is that some sections are flooded with quotes and paraphrases. This makes me lose track of the overarching narrative that Zinn’s trying to articulate.
Regardless, I highly recommend this book as core history reading, as it l brings lots of attention to class struggles, consciousness, and labor movements disregarded in mainline education.
Instead, Zinn tells the stories of the silent working class, the struggling poor, and the oppressed ethnic and racial minorities. This is a class-conscious book, complementary to the mainline narrative, and I strongly applaud Zinn for his thorough research and well-crafted prose.
With that said, there are some shortcomings. The book is slightly dated, especially towards the end, which is not its fault but more so its publication date. That’s something to be aware of as you approach the ending chapters. My only real gripe is that some sections are flooded with quotes and paraphrases. This makes me lose track of the overarching narrative that Zinn’s trying to articulate.
Regardless, I highly recommend this book as core history reading, as it l brings lots of attention to class struggles, consciousness, and labor movements disregarded in mainline education.
informative
reflective
slow-paced