Biss' Notes from No Man's Land

[Allexus]

Biss' book Notes from No Man's Land was a good book as well as important. It addressed serious racial issues that are present from past and future. I think this books makes the reader aware of the underlying racial discriminations today; such as an example from Biss, when she explains the way people are viewed as good or bad based on their race. While Biss addresses the racial issues, like the harsh reality of the lynchings and other aspects, she manages to keep the book light-hearted. Throughout her references and personal experiences regarding race, she also examines her self-identity and figures out her own contribution to society. Although racial issues have become much better since the lynchings, it is still present and the issues present today will only improve in the future if it's noticed and changed.

[Bryna]

I don't know that I agree with you on Biss keeping the book light-hearted; I thought of it more as a major downer, but that's just me I guess. I like your ending statement, though. These days it seems so easy to just ignore what's happening around us, that we forget that in order for wrongs to be fixed we have to pay attention. They won't just fix themselves. Her book is great in making us see that.