arvind123 's review for:

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
5.0

"I would not have you descend into your own dream. I would have you be a conscious citizen of this terrible and beautiful world."

I don't think I've ever come across a contemporary author as eloquent and visceral as Coates before. He has a poetic writing style and tells a powerful story of racism's lasting impact on America. Between the World and Me is a letter from Coates to his son, Samori. It's heart-wrenching, unforgettable, and intensely personal.

Coates was inspired to write Between the World and Me after reading James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time. He aimed to write a short book of hard truths that would haunt readers. I think it's fair to say he succeeded. I doubt I'll be reading a better book than this anytime soon.