Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.43 AVERAGE
4.43 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Overall, I think Coates provides an in-depth exploration of race and the challenges that mirrored the Obama presidency. He does a great job explaining his perspectives and upbringing, which give context to his approach toward politics. The book offers valuable insights and thought-provoking commentary. The more I reflect on it, the more I appreciate his ability to weave personal and political narratives. I didn’t rate this book because I realized I was reading it for the wrong reasons. I was more interested in how the Obama presidency set the stage for a two-term Trump presidency, which Coates only briefly addresses in the epilogue
Coates is undoubtedly a beautiful and strong writer, but after reading this, I think Between the World and Me was a peak that none of the essays in this book come close to. The book is a collection of eight essays written throughout the Obama presidency, which leads to a few thoughts: (a) the essays are extremely repetitive, (b) if you’ve read other analysis of these years, or Between the World and Me, or more recent books on race and politics, you probably won’t get much more out of this, and (c) in the same vein, a lot of the insights on Trump/white America/Obama are outdated in that we have newer and more analysis. I think I would have enjoyed these essays much more had I read them contemporaneously and standalone; now, I was just trying to get through the book.
challenging
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Good book/very very well written. But man is it a downer for most of the book. Not saying we don’t need it ... but it’s not the most uplifting of you’re already down.
I have read some of these articles before, but reading them all together, with Coates's through-line of commentary and context, was impactful to say the least. Often overwhelming, and always sobering.
Highly recommended reading for anyone who doubts for one second that we are all (Americans, anyway) steeped in hundreds of years of white supremacy. Highly recommended for everyone, actually.
Highly recommended reading for anyone who doubts for one second that we are all (Americans, anyway) steeped in hundreds of years of white supremacy. Highly recommended for everyone, actually.
Thoughtful work, pairs past essays with current introductions, which provides context as well as further reflection. A lot to digest.
Had to return it before I got beyond first chapter--will get back to it.
The structure, linking the 8 years of Obama's presidency to the 8 years of reconstruction, was an adroit way to underscore the continuation of racism in this country. It was underscored by the judgment that what whites fear is not poor government by blacks, but good government.
Although the chapter on reparations gave me new understanding of the issues and made me a believer, the chapter on Michelle Obama as an All American Girl was the most enlightening. Every chapter had something new to think about, and when I reread it, I expect there will yet be more that is new and thoughtworthiy.
Although the chapter on reparations gave me new understanding of the issues and made me a believer, the chapter on Michelle Obama as an All American Girl was the most enlightening. Every chapter had something new to think about, and when I reread it, I expect there will yet be more that is new and thoughtworthiy.
This book is a must read. In it Coates shares his essays written during the Obama years. Wedged between each essay is an introduction talking about the events surrounding the writing of each piece as well as discussions about how we got to the 45th President. Coates doesn't mince words or talk around things. He is honest, thoughtful and writes beautifully. Sadly, the people who really need to read this never will.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by the publishers and Net Galley for an honest review.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by the publishers and Net Galley for an honest review.