Between the World and Me [J0438]

2015 HCDJ in Gift-Worthy condition. National Book Award Winner. In a profound work that pivots from the biggest questions about American history and ideals to the most intimate concerns of a father for his son, Ta-Nehisi Coates offers a powerful new framework for understanding our nation's history and current crisis. Americans have built an empire on the idea of 'race', a falsehood that damages us all but falls most heavily on the bodies of black women and men-bodies exploited through slavery and segregation, and, today, threatened, locked up, and murdered out of all proportion. What is it like to inhabit a black body and find a way to live within it? And how can we all honestly reckon with this fraught history and free ourselves from its burden? Between the World and Me is Ta-Nehisi Coates's attempt to answer these questions in a letter to his adolescent son. Coates shares with his son-and readers-the story of his awakening to the truth about his place in the world through a series of revelatory experiences, from Howard University to Civil War battlefields, from the South Side of Chicago to Paris, from his childhood home to the living rooms of mothers whose children's lives were taken as American plunder. Beautifully woven from personal narrative, reimagined history, and fresh, emotionally charged reportage, Between the World and Me clearly illuminates the past, bracingly confronts our present, and offers a transcendent vision for a way forward.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "Outstanding piece of literature written as an open letter to his son that is extremely powerful. I appreciate his candor and willingness to be bleak and express his emotions without sugarcoating, as the issues he examines deserve the raw reflection Coates provides. Highly recommend"; "In a moment of clarity, I realized that I have never had to carry these same bone-deep worries for my own white sons.This book is not only about race, it is about love and survival. Highly recommend for anyone looking to expand their empathy."; "A short, powerful and thought-provoking read. It's written as a letter to his son, sharing his experiences, fears, and perspective. A heavy read, but one that makes you stop and reflect. Reflect on race, identity, privilege, and the reality of growing up Black in America. Also how society and history can shape someone's experiences, fears, and even their sense of safety."