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3.73 of 5 stars
By the time of her death thirty years ago, at the tragically young age of thirty-four, Lorraine Hansberry had created two electrifying masterpieces... read full description

reviews

Apr 03, 2009
Pamela rated it: 5 of 5 stars
The book I just finished reading is called A Raisin In The Sun,
by Lorraine Hansberry. This a fiction book,and the theme of it is to not be selfish.
The book is a play about a man named Walter,who's mom Lena is getting a check in the mail that is worth ten thousand dollars.The money is comming from Lena's husband who passed away.Walter has a wife named Ruth(who he later finds out shes pregant),his son Travis and sister Beneatha.Walter wants some of the money to invest in a liqo More...
Nov 10, 2010
Tyeisha added it
An African-American family living on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950's. This money comes from the deceased Mr. Younger’s life insurance policy. Each of the adult members of the family has an idea as to what he or she would like to do with this money. The matriarch of the family, Mama, wants to buy a house to fulfill a dream she shared with her husband. Mama’s son, Walter Lee, would rather use the money to invest in a liquor store with his friends. He believes that the investment will solve More...
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Feb 05, 2009
April rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I had no idea what “A Raisin in the Sun” could possibly be about before reading the play. I simply chose it over “Twelve Angry Men” since I had read that play so many times before. I didn’t want to read it yet again. Due to the cover of the book having an African American woman in 60s clothing on the cover, I assumed that was what it was about.

My immediate response to the plot and characters is to wonder what sort of things I am missing. I am curious as to what sort of things hap More...
Mar 14, 2009
Amy rated it: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first time I have picked up this book and read it since high school. A peer of mine teaches this in his American Literature class, but I have chosen to teach The Crucible the past few years. Before I began reading it again, I tried to recall any memories I had of it from my previous reading. I recalled it was about an African American family during an era when racial prejudice was an accepted part of daily life. However, any details other than that which I could pull from the back co

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Nov 21, 2008
Fergman rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This book wasn't the best book I've read but it was pretty good. It tells a story of a struggling black family with economic problems and family problems. I don't remember the whole story, however, i do remember big mama's strive to never fail and move out of that nasty apartment and find a wonderful house that she can call home for her family.
Jan 29, 2010
Shanjida rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here
Jan 20, 2010
Kim rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I've always wanted to read this book but I had never really gotten around to it so I finally gave it a try. I also wanted to read this book because I had recently read other plays that I really enjoyed. The writing element that I liked most about this book is the diction and the way the character's spoke because the readers get a good insight on that time period. There were many different events that shock the reader which made me want to continuously read and the author presents an African-Amer More...
Jun 01, 2008
jackie sze rated it: 3 of 5 stars
The Younger family got 10,000 dollar due to the death of Mr Younger. The family members all have different ideas on how to spend the money but they couldn't agree on one idea. The head of the family, Mama, wants to buy a house. Mama’s son, Walter Lee, would rather use the money to invest in a liquor store with his friends. He believes that the investment will solve the family’s financial problems forever. Walter’s wife, Ruth, agrees with Mama and hopes that she and Walter can provide more spa More...
Mar 09, 2011
Trudy rated it: 5 of 5 stars
"...when you measure a man, take into consideration the hills and valleys he's had to come through to get to where he is today. When you measure a man, measure him right." part of my favorite speeches from Mama to Beneatha about Walter. This part always makes me cry!!
Jan 07, 2009
Justin rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a wonderful piece of art. A wonderfully compelling story, rich characters, and timeless themes make this one of the best plays of the 20th century. This should be on a mandatory read list for all American high schools.
Apr 06, 2011
Hausan is currently reading it
i think this book is very good because it's a play and a book that was made in 1959 the play was also a radically new representation of black life.This book is mainly a dream being deferred and was never came true in a person life
Jul 19, 2010
Annabel rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This book was amazing! It didn't sugarcoat any of the problems that black people faced, and it made me relate to and sympathize with the characters in a way that I didn't think was possible.
Jun 28, 2010
Ms. rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I finally read this for the first time last summer. While it is somewhat predictable, I enjoyed all the Chicago references and I was amazed at Hansberry's insight into the impact of colonialism.
Feb 11, 2010
Eric Vincent rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This play was amazing! I had read it before in sevnth grade and then was recommended by a friend to read it again. My friend told me that if you read it twice, you see things that you hadnt the first time. In reading it again i realized many things. I realized the symbolisim in the book of the grandmother's plant and how she waters it every day. I also realized the relevance to the time period that the play took place in. I recommend this book to the whole advisory. I was lucky to see it o More...
Jun 18, 2007
KIM rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I read this book in highschool and loved it. I never had much exposure to black people in school. (This was pre-bussing, and I lived in an mostly all white neighborhood and we were all spoiled brats.) Books like this brought the American black experience into white classrooms and opened our eyes to the black struggles we saw on the news. I thank teachers like Ms. Haines and Ms. McCracken who made us read stuff like this because it brought it home to us and helped me understand a little better More...
Feb 08, 2012
Anika rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Very well written. The author manages to address timeless topics of faith, trans-generational ties, and family in a short play. Great quick read.
Dec 13, 2011
Andy rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I think it was a wonderful book full of mystery of different ways. she really made the struggle in this book known.
Jan 15, 2010
Pablo added it
the book is about a family that has many ups and downs and still stay together in the end
Apr 27, 2011
Jose rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This book is very interesting because this book is talking about raisin.
Apr 26, 2010
Rebecca rated it: 4 of 5 stars
It was a really good book. i enjoyed reading it. the movie is really funny
May 21, 2009
Vladi:) is currently reading it
i bearly started reading this book today but i have high expectations of it
Jan 25, 2009
Alexis rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Always an inspiration. A classic for all generations.
Feb 11, 2009
Wendy rated it: 4 of 5 stars
SO glad I read this, LOVED IT, thanks Kirsten
Mar 14, 2008
Patty rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Another great book! Finally some books I can give a 4 too! This was a really great text, particularly because of all of the issues it addresses, from gender to race to poverty. It covers a lot of ground, yet is written in an easy-to-understand format. A GREAT pick for high school students - I can see why so many teachers use it. I especially enjoyed the tension between those who were trying to reach their dreams, and others who were afraid to leave what was comfortable. I read the play ver More...
Jun 16, 2008
Amanda rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This book was basically a play about a black family who lives in a tenament building, and their struggles to provide the best for their family and themselves. The grandma gets a check for ten thousand dollars after the grandpa died. And we read as we see each indivdual character make their own decisions as to how to use the money. Although it has a lot of great insights, and the play title itself is insightful, I thought at some parts it was boring, so I gave it a three. I would still recommend More...
Jun 03, 2008
Heather rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This was an awesome book. It shows how people are when it comes to different races. I love how the characters are just so real and up front with how they feel. They show how they are proud of their race and dont let others try to bring them down. This book just shows compassionate and caring to others. There is one thing I hated, how the older guy in the family spent the rest of the money on trying to start a liquor store. It was the most dumbest thing someone can do is give alot of money to som More...
Apr 24, 2011
Gina added it
read in high school
Feb 25, 2010
Clare rated it: 5 of 5 stars
rly rly good
May 01, 2011
Lennet rated it: 1 of 5 stars
BLAH!!!
Mar 28, 2008
Jasmine added it
It has been awhile since I read a book in one sitting. Two of my students didn't show up for their appointments today and the language arts enrichment teacher had a copy of this play on her desk. It was wonderful...the characters were gripping and the general themes and concerns were incredibly poignent. If you haven't read this classic I highly recommend it!