A Must Read

[Jhulbert]

The movie is out, and it is said to be a blockbuster - I'll get to the theater soon - but the movie could not possibly do justice to the book no matter how great it is. Lucky for readers, the original book is available FOR FREE if you download it from Google Books. I am reading that edition now and it is astounding to say the least. The book deserves to be in the short list for Best American Literature and to think it was written by a man with no literary background makes it that much more impressive. Don't miss this one. Read it. And no excuse that you have to buy the book, it is available to all.

[Monica]

I love the book and the movie is awesome. I had to use a dictionary in the beginning of the book, solomon's vocabulary is beyond my comprehension. It is a part of american history, a part people want to forget because it was ugly but his story and others like his need to be told. It taught me alot. His story is fascinating and his will to survive is inspiring. I dont think it is going to be a blockbuster maybe if the had put it in 3D and an actress floating around in space it would have made its money back in hours. But i hope it wins the awards it deserve

[Harley]

This should be on the every High School required reading list for all students. Either in American Lit or American History. While I found the writing style and terminology somewhat cumbersome at first,it was well worth the effort. Not sure I want to see the movie right away, I found the book left me an emotional mess at times.Might re-read it first and wait for the DVD so I can watch it in privacy at home.

[Johanna]

I had to read this book for a college class recently but the teacher didn't have to force me to do so.I found myself an emotional wreck at points. I went to see the movie in theaters and left there emotional as well. I definitely recommend this book to everybody! It gives a nw perspective on this very sad part of U.S. history.

[Harley]

Johanna wrote: "I had to read this book for a college class recently but the teacher didn't have to force me to do so.I found myself an emotional wreck at points. I went to see the movie in theaters and left there..."
I know exactly how you feel. I actually just finished re-reading it yesterday afternoon, and experienced many of the same emotions I had the first time. While in the Air Force I spent 3 years stationed at England AFB in Alexandria, had several good friends that lived in Marksville, and spent a lot of time in the pine forests that surround the area. The heat and humidity are relentless in the summer months and quickly drain one of all energy even with minimal physical exertion.

[Natalie]

I read this after I saw the movie - I loved both. I was happy for the details and insight offered by the book into things that the movie (because it was only 2 hours long) left me curious about. Excellent read, highly-recommend.

[Anfenwick]

I just finished the book and loved it. I think it has a ton of advantages over the movie. I would much rather know what Solomon Northup thought about his situation and the people around him. A first person narration does that better than pictures.

[M.]

I read the book and saw the movie, and this is a must read as part of the curriculum in middle school through college. The incredible horrific journey Solomon experienced is a tale that is a part of American history.

Other books I would recommended about slavery during the early years of the American govt. are "Slaves in the family" by Edward Ball, it is seen through the authors eyes while researching his family geneology and the lengths he went to learn the facts.

[Harley]

Harley wrote: "Marty wrote: "I read the book and saw the movie, and this is a must read as part of the curriculum in middle school through college. The incredible horrific journey Solomon experienced is a tale th..."I totally agree....

[Katharina]

I agree. Definitely a must read. Whether you live in America or not. This part of history should interest everyone. It's not like people in other states didn't have slaves either.
But I was surprised by the movie. Normally I find movie after books horrible because they never truly convey the whole story or they alter it so it fits movie format, but I think they stayed really true to Solomons story.

[Jim]

I missed the movie while in the theatres, movies don't stay out as long as they used to. Incredible book, I am glad I read it before I see the movie eventually.