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poisonenvy's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I first heard of this book years ago, on the Daily Show, and promptly added it to my TBR list. So imagine my delight when Libro.Fm was giving out free Audiobooks this last Black History month. So yes, I read this in audio, and the narration was excellent (even going out of her way to differentiate what was a quote and what wasn't; too often in non-fiction audiobooks, the narrator does not).
This book was insightful and easy to read and understand. It gave a concise history leading up to the #BlackLivesMatter protests, had a detailed analysis of race relations in America, and ended the book with strategies to move forward with, which is often something that many political non-fiction books lack. It's academic, but not inaccessible. Overall, an excellent look at the state of race relations in Obama's America.
This book was insightful and easy to read and understand. It gave a concise history leading up to the #BlackLivesMatter protests, had a detailed analysis of race relations in America, and ended the book with strategies to move forward with, which is often something that many political non-fiction books lack. It's academic, but not inaccessible. Overall, an excellent look at the state of race relations in Obama's America.
tiffanie39e8e's review against another edition
5.0
I don't normally write reviews, but I felt it was necessary for such an important book.
I was worried this book might only be a rehashing of things I already knew, but almost all the information was new to me. Taylor goes into much greater detail than I expected. The most important and eye-opening chapters deal with how representation in the upper classes does not improve life for working-class and poor Black people, and how austerity politics and police militarization have combined to devistate Black communities. Though I had some understanding of these issues, I was unaware of the extent to which they are intertwined in American society, and how much of an uphill battle this struggle is. Taylor goes into gut-renching detail on these issues especially.
This is obviously not an easy or uplifting read, and I wish that Taylor had presented more potential solutions than she did. That said, this is essential reading for everyone interested in social justice.
I was worried this book might only be a rehashing of things I already knew, but almost all the information was new to me. Taylor goes into much greater detail than I expected. The most important and eye-opening chapters deal with how representation in the upper classes does not improve life for working-class and poor Black people, and how austerity politics and police militarization have combined to devistate Black communities. Though I had some understanding of these issues, I was unaware of the extent to which they are intertwined in American society, and how much of an uphill battle this struggle is. Taylor goes into gut-renching detail on these issues especially.
This is obviously not an easy or uplifting read, and I wish that Taylor had presented more potential solutions than she did. That said, this is essential reading for everyone interested in social justice.
courto875's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
triqster's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
jjlim1996's review against another edition
5.0
A must-read for anyone who wants to learn and more importantly un-learn the historical context of black oppression in the US! It was a compelling read which unpacks the entire political economy on which the racial oppression is based on.
go2hellstephanie's review
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
After a very long delay, I am so glad I’ve finished this book. A deep and insightful look into the racial politics of the United States, From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation is deeply thoughtful and impactful.
I’m ashamed to say that my historical knowledge of racial politics, and politics more broadly, has always been lacking, but Taylor makes these complex subjects comprehensible, without losing any nuance. She tells the story of how Black movements came to be and why things are coming to a head now.
While not an “easy read” (something this important doesn’t need to be easy), Taylor doesn’t overcomplicate things, which I find happens a lot with nonfiction. She is an excellent writer, and I can’t wait to expand my knowledge further.
I’m ashamed to say that my historical knowledge of racial politics, and politics more broadly, has always been lacking, but Taylor makes these complex subjects comprehensible, without losing any nuance. She tells the story of how Black movements came to be and why things are coming to a head now.
While not an “easy read” (something this important doesn’t need to be easy), Taylor doesn’t overcomplicate things, which I find happens a lot with nonfiction. She is an excellent writer, and I can’t wait to expand my knowledge further.
diskofsorrow1989's review against another edition
5.0
simply artistic explanation of black liberation in the latter half of the 20th century and 21sty century.