A review by booksamongstfriends
Morningside: The 1979 Greensboro Massacre and the Struggle for an American City's Soul by Aran Robert Shetterly

5.0

Morningside by Aran Shetterly may not be lengthy, but it is packed with insight and depth, which could feel overwhelming to some readers. I’m not surprised to see reviewers from North Carolina mentioning that they had no prior knowledge of the events detailed here—this only underscores the very issues Shetterly explores. His focus on the indifference from the perpetrators and the Greensboro community, alongside the ongoing legacy of injustice through misinformation and stripped history, reveals how deeply these wounds are embedded. The fact that the families of the five victims are still fighting for acknowledgment only highlights the persistence of these injustices.

The audiobook added another layer to this experience, allowing Shetterly's passion for the topic to come through. His commitment to shining a light on the complexities of this tragedy and its far-reaching impact is evident in every word. This book urges readers to confront history, accept responsibility, and grow from it as a path forward—a profound message on how Greensboro could embrace its past to become a better place.

Shetty’s storytelling style is both meticulous and engaging. He goes beyond recounting the events of that tragic day, delving into the conditions that led to it and the lasting repercussions. Through his thorough research and nuanced perspective, he delivers a powerful and necessary examination of racial and political injustice that still resonates today. One of the aspects I found most compelling was the exploration of the Communist Workers Party (CWP), whose resilience and impact remain poignant reminders of the fight for justice.

This is a deeply educational and impactful read, one that Shetterly has crafted to hold readers’ attention and challenge them to reflect on history and its echoes in today’s world.
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