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4.43 AVERAGE
4.43 AVERAGE
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.
This rating does not reflect on the quality of the writing in this collection which I thought was spectacular. More, I didn’t enjoy the form of a collection of these essays back-to-back. If one was reading the Atlantic and his essay was on there, it would certainly blow everything else out of the water. I just found that stuck together they lost their impact somewhat.
Excellent collection of Coates' writing and hearing it all at the same time is incredibly useful to see these numerous pieces on race, politics, and culture in the same location. It allows Coates to reflect on the continuing thread in these pieces.
Powerful and provocative. Some I had read earlier from the Atlantic. The most interesting piece to me was the end when he talks about his interactions with Obama. There is obviously a love -hate relationship there. He admires Obama and what he accomplished but is surprised that Obama didn't see Trump coming because he didn't recognize the role racism still plays. That Obama and liberals like Sanders see economics and class being much more important. Yet the history he documents of 350 years of discrimination and then the "War on Drugs" has lead to a subjugation of an entire race that can only be repaired by reparations. It is a strong and powerful and compelling case. Everyone concerned about inequality in America and racism need to read this book.
Another required reading from Mr. Coates. It taught me a lot about the history of racism in this country. If you want to learn what someone means when they say that racism is not just prejudice; it's prejudice plus power or when they talk about white supremacy and the structural inequality it created, this book would be a good place to start.
It is not an easy read, both because it's longish and, even more so, because the material is often heavy. But like I said about the James Baldwin documentary I Am Not Your Negro: heavy but necessary.
WWEYIP is a collection of eight of the essays he wrote during the Obama years (with Obama himself figuring into some of them, though not all), including Coates' most well-known: The Case for Reparations and My President Was Black. Each essay is introduced by reflections on his life at the time he wrote it.
It is not an easy read, both because it's longish and, even more so, because the material is often heavy. But like I said about the James Baldwin documentary I Am Not Your Negro: heavy but necessary.
WWEYIP is a collection of eight of the essays he wrote during the Obama years (with Obama himself figuring into some of them, though not all), including Coates' most well-known: The Case for Reparations and My President Was Black. Each essay is introduced by reflections on his life at the time he wrote it.
Of uneven quality, but more good than bad. Written during and before 2016.
Powerful book as a collection of essays. Reading them “all at once” vs over years of random magazine articles takes some mental stamina.
The hope in time under Obama’s administration vs the despondency now is particularly striking. Highly recommend.
The hope in time under Obama’s administration vs the despondency now is particularly striking. Highly recommend.