(BWF) A Little Devil in America - Hanif Abdurraqib (4 1/2 stars)

[Cora]

A Little Devil in America: Notes in Praise of Black Performance - Hanif Abdurraqib

4 1/2 stars

This book is a collection of essays about what it is like being black in America through the lense of black performance arts (dance, music, performing, etc.). It was wonderfully done and moving. Some of the chapters are poetic and others are written in a more straightforward manner. Reading this book lets the reader see what it was like for Abdurraqib growing up in America and how black culture affected both the author and American culture. It also showed how racism and American culture affected black culture, often in negative ways - but how that culture endured and thrived despite the forces acting against it. Although you can't write a book like this without including the negative effects of systemic racism in America, what really shined through was the celebration of what makes black culture in America special., despite the forces trying to smother it. In that way it was an inspiring and hopeful book to read. It is an excellent choice for Black History Month, or any time of year.

BWF: Shadow and Flame, Extra Book Letter A, tagged authors of color.