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A review by labunnywtf
Strange Fruit, Volume II: More Uncelebrated Narratives from Black History by Joel Christian Gill
5.0
Read for Book Roast's Magical Readathon: NEWTs Exams. Subject: Muggle Studies, E Level. (A Biography)
Our humanity is shared through our stories, but the humanity of Black people is placed in a box labeled “Other” that we only open and admire in February. We need these stories to be a larger part of the American story so that people, all people, will realize that there isn’t just “Black History” and “White History,” but one American history, shaped by all of us.
When I read [b:Strange Fruit, Volume I: Uncelebrated Narratives from Black History|18528265|Strange Fruit, Volume I Uncelebrated Narratives from Black History|Joel Christian Gill|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1391341671s/18528265.jpg|26233901] back in 2015, I said that if it weren't for the glaring lack of inclusion of women of color, the book would easily have earned 5 stars.
Well, Mr. Gill, here are your full 5 stars. You listened, and you did well. So, so well.
Everything I loved about the first volume is here. The sharp, crisp stories, the clear illustrations that combine history with pitch perfect metaphor, such as the literal crows representing Jim Crow laws. These factors combine to create compelling, unforgettable, incredibly heart breaking stories of life for slaves, and free men and women before the civil rights movement.
The first story, of free man Jourdon Anderson, is my favorite. Mr. Anderson is contacted by his former "owner", politely (no really) requesting his return to his home, with promises of good treatment. The return letter is everything. You will want to jump up and shout for joy.
Title for most bad ass person featured, however, goes to Stagecoach Mary Fields. I hope to someday be half the badass she was.
Not every story is full of joy and kicking ass. These are stories born of pain, and loss. Families separated due to nastiness, people who had to come up with absolutely BRILLIANT ways to survive in an era where they were literally nothing more than property, worth less than even horses. The strength and bravery of the people featured in these books is enough to burst your heart.
Well done, Mr. Gill. Now, where's volume 3?
Our humanity is shared through our stories, but the humanity of Black people is placed in a box labeled “Other” that we only open and admire in February. We need these stories to be a larger part of the American story so that people, all people, will realize that there isn’t just “Black History” and “White History,” but one American history, shaped by all of us.
When I read [b:Strange Fruit, Volume I: Uncelebrated Narratives from Black History|18528265|Strange Fruit, Volume I Uncelebrated Narratives from Black History|Joel Christian Gill|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1391341671s/18528265.jpg|26233901] back in 2015, I said that if it weren't for the glaring lack of inclusion of women of color, the book would easily have earned 5 stars.
Well, Mr. Gill, here are your full 5 stars. You listened, and you did well. So, so well.
Everything I loved about the first volume is here. The sharp, crisp stories, the clear illustrations that combine history with pitch perfect metaphor, such as the literal crows representing Jim Crow laws. These factors combine to create compelling, unforgettable, incredibly heart breaking stories of life for slaves, and free men and women before the civil rights movement.
The first story, of free man Jourdon Anderson, is my favorite. Mr. Anderson is contacted by his former "owner", politely (no really) requesting his return to his home, with promises of good treatment. The return letter is everything. You will want to jump up and shout for joy.
Title for most bad ass person featured, however, goes to Stagecoach Mary Fields. I hope to someday be half the badass she was.
Not every story is full of joy and kicking ass. These are stories born of pain, and loss. Families separated due to nastiness, people who had to come up with absolutely BRILLIANT ways to survive in an era where they were literally nothing more than property, worth less than even horses. The strength and bravery of the people featured in these books is enough to burst your heart.
Well done, Mr. Gill. Now, where's volume 3?