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4.43 AVERAGE
4.43 AVERAGE
informative
fast-paced
reflective
medium-paced
Like many Black men writing about racism, Coates is weirdly blind to sexism, particularly (but not exclusively) when it comes to Trump. It's a great frustration, but I suppose at least it means he's sticking to writing what he knows.
I've already read most of these pieces but enjoyed revisiting them with a little extra context about what was happening in Coates' life at the time.
I've already read most of these pieces but enjoyed revisiting them with a little extra context about what was happening in Coates' life at the time.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
A very important book for a schooling in racism for this middle aged white woman. I urge anyone who is thinking of reading it to do so and do it soon, because it speaks to what we're experiencing here, now: An American Tragedy.
informative
reflective
fast-paced
What a great and depressing read. So many have lived and currently live this reality, so I feel it is my duty to educate myself so I can be a part of the solution and not the problem. There is a long way to go for America, a long way. I highly recommend this book.
Some gems I found from this book, which is a collection of some of his essays or writings over the 8 years Obama was in office.
-The fact that America white washes the civil war. How dare we ask if the price was worth it, cause it was worth it for a lot of people to get their freedom. We live "in a country that will never apologize for slavery, but will not stop apologizing for the Civil War."
-The idea that white people are so mad that affirmative action tried to balance out the races and that it took spots away from deserving whites, when history shows that the white race benefited from universal affirmative action for centuries.
-"Barack Obama delivered to black people the hoary message that if they work twice as hard as white people, anything is possible. But Trump’s counter is persuasive: Work half as hard as black people, and even more is possible." This is horrifying.
Some gems I found from this book, which is a collection of some of his essays or writings over the 8 years Obama was in office.
-The fact that America white washes the civil war. How dare we ask if the price was worth it, cause it was worth it for a lot of people to get their freedom. We live "in a country that will never apologize for slavery, but will not stop apologizing for the Civil War."
-The idea that white people are so mad that affirmative action tried to balance out the races and that it took spots away from deserving whites, when history shows that the white race benefited from universal affirmative action for centuries.
-"Barack Obama delivered to black people the hoary message that if they work twice as hard as white people, anything is possible. But Trump’s counter is persuasive: Work half as hard as black people, and even more is possible." This is horrifying.
I mean, what can I even say about this? It's Ta-Nehisi Coates. It's brilliant, incisive, necessary, and unforgettable. Read it.
Just a collection of essays but still powerful tied together
It's a solid collection of essays by Coates. Similar to other books, this should be required reading for non-Black readers, however, Black folks may read through this and feel like it's redundant information. For non-Black readers, it explores the instituionalized racism that plagues this country. Also, for folks who've read Coates articles, these are one you may have explored already. What is really fascinating, and what drew me in personally, were the contextual pieces that preface each article. It explores more of the historical setting for Coates himself as a writer.
informative
fast-paced
I really loave Coates and his writing style. He is one of my favorite thinkers. In more than one way, he reminds me of James Baldwin, who you can tell he was inspired and influenced by.
I read "The Case for Reparations" years go and loved it. I enjoyed rereading it. It's the essay that perhaps stands out the most and is the crown jewel of the work.
One thing I liked was his commentary before and after each published article, especially when he noted some failings or how they could be improved.
He is a great thinker, and this shows why. I prefer his other piece, "Between the World and Me," but this was still fantastic. Definitely a great read and one that I'd recommend.
I read "The Case for Reparations" years go and loved it. I enjoyed rereading it. It's the essay that perhaps stands out the most and is the crown jewel of the work.
One thing I liked was his commentary before and after each published article, especially when he noted some failings or how they could be improved.
He is a great thinker, and this shows why. I prefer his other piece, "Between the World and Me," but this was still fantastic. Definitely a great read and one that I'd recommend.