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The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration

Questions About The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration

by Isabel Wilkerson (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (7)

This is a magnificent human document that fulfills the promise given in its subtitle. The sweep of its subject matter and its engagement with individual lives give it true epic proportions. Isn't it is surely one of the great books written in our time?
Jane Greenberg I learned so much that I didn’t know before.
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How was this story?
Daly Schreck I have just started it and can't put it down. …moreI have just started it and can't put it down. (less)
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How should we understand the rise of gangs and drugs in the inner city black community in these northern cities? Ms Wilkerson does a great job refuting the early sociological narrative that the migrants brought that lifestyle with them. Her info about migrants test scores, faithfulness in marriage, and job-holding was impressive. So how do we explain it, in the second generation? Overcrowding? Northern prejudice?
Bill I don't know that I have a good answer to your question, but I would suggest that the incidence of gangs and drugs are not confined to inner city blac…moreI don't know that I have a good answer to your question, but I would suggest that the incidence of gangs and drugs are not confined to inner city black communities. There are ample examples of Irish, Italian, Latino, and Asian gangs arising in poor and immigrant communities in our history and in the present day. I'm no expert on gang psychology and dynamics, but it does seem to be related to poverty, poor housing, and social neglect. Young people, especially young men, who are deprived of proper role models and constructive outlets will band together for protection and community. I don't see any reason to suggest that it is more pronounced with black folks.
As for drug abuse and trafficking, this is a scourge that has afflicted people from all socioeconomic groups. Certainly it's more devastating in communities with high rates of poverty and dysfunctional families, and I know many predominantly white neighborhoods in Massachusetts where that is the case. (less)
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How long does it take to read this book? I am setting up a book club. Thank you in advance.
Kathleen the content is very dense, and the sections are large and a bit uneven, so, its hard to break up (this is what I found anyway for the book club i faci…morethe content is very dense, and the sections are large and a bit uneven, so, its hard to break up (this is what I found anyway for the book club i facilitated. it is the best book I've ever read, and also the hardest. We had monthly meet=ups and I think we did it in 3 or 4 meetings. If your attendees work full time, they may want to take it slow. As the facilitator, I recommend using 5x7 note cards to take notes for yourself as you go for points you want to reference for the book club.
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I want to read the book How can I dowload pdf?
Elizabeth Braid Go to your local library, they may have an online version of the book, that's how I got mine.
…moreGo to your local library, they may have an online version of the book, that's how I got mine.
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