From the Bookshelf of 2016 Hub Reading Challenge…
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What Members Thought
Let's blame the white guy for all the black guys' problems. This book was not only boring, but the writer has a huge chip on his shoulder. And, anyone who had no deep feelings of horror after 9/11, is not worth anything. What a jerk!
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This is very short and profound and thought provoking, and I found it really fascinating to really see the world through the African American man's perspective. It's heartbreaking and challenging, and I think everyone should probably read it, or at least all white people. Coates doesn't really have any answers, but at least this writing will help us all to start asking the questions.
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Feb 10, 2016
Ariel Birdoff
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
2016-hub-challenge,
2016-pop-sugar-challenge
Up until this moment, I believed myself to be "white". Coates has given me a lot to think about. I am questioning my identity, my prejudices, and basically my entire life. This book forces you to take an honest look at yourself. It isn't easy and it isn't comfortable, but it is necessary.
"This is required reading." - Toni Morrison ...more
"This is required reading." - Toni Morrison ...more
This is a book that everyone needs to read.
As a white person, I think I finally understand something. This book was excellent.
I think every American should read this powerful, articulate book. It was not (emotionally) easy to read. The most necessary things rarely are, and this nation's legacy of racism is so ugly, but Coates offers an incredibly measured, inviting tone. Probably because the entire piece is addressed to his teenage son, and we, the public, are simply lucky enough to have been invited into this erudite, passionate piece. Strongly recommended for everyone who lives in a human body.
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Really well written - clearly developed arguments that leave you saying "yes! exactly!"
You see how institutional racism lulls us all.
And then I put the book down and go back out into the world where everything is telling me I can Live The Dream, and Coates' words slip away. He had a good point - what was it?
Clearly, I'm going to have to read it again. ...more
You see how institutional racism lulls us all.
And then I put the book down and go back out into the world where everything is telling me I can Live The Dream, and Coates' words slip away. He had a good point - what was it?
Clearly, I'm going to have to read it again. ...more
Jul 21, 2015
Robin
rated it
it was amazing
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review of another edition
Shelves:
nonfiction,
read-in-2015
An important and eloquently written book. Coates confronts racism and privilege on many levels, presented as a letter to his son.
A very powerful book that makes you think in new ways about racism. It is very easy to fall into the trap of being a quiet bystander.
An important piece to read and conversation to have. I didn't enjoy it, but I don't think it's meant to be enjoyed.
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Dec 01, 2015
Kara
marked it as to-read
Feb 01, 2016
Kit
added it
Feb 15, 2016
Tiffany
marked it as to-read
May 07, 2016
Bud Bill
marked it as to-read
