A review by ramseybean
We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy by Ta-Nehisi Coates

5.0

Excellent & challenging read. Coates give insights to 8 essays he wrote during Obama's 8 years in office. He gives insight into how & why Trump was elected. As a direct result of 8 years of a black presidency. For those who are unaware of the history of our country that causes such a disparity between blacks and whites in our country, this will open your eyes and enlighten you. When reading and wrestling with these challenging ideas, it is easy to feel hopeless about the future of our country. It is important for all people, especially white people, to understand the role we have played in this disparity and work for change and teach our children to work for change. The final essay of the book was written after Trump's election. It was eye opening to read the statistics of who votes for Trump. In the initial weeks and months after the election, pundits would argue that disillusioned working class whites were responsible for electing Trump. Coates has the statistics to prove that is not the entire story. Well researched, insightful and incredibly well written. I highly recommend.