63 pages • 2 hours read
Between the World and Me
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Book Brief
152
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 2010s
2015
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a poignant letter to his teenage son, Samori, addressing the trauma and systemic challenges faced by Black individuals in America. Coates chronicles personal experiences and broader historical contexts, emphasizing the physical and psychological impacts of racial violence and the ongoing struggle for identity and safety amidst systemic injustice.
Informative
Emotional
Challenging
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
384,197 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates has garnered substantial praise for its poignant and powerful exploration of race in America, framed as a letter to his son. Critics acclaim its emotional depth, lyrical prose, and unflinching honesty. However, some find its outlook overly bleak and its structure somewhat repetitive. Overall, it is widely regarded as a vital, thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Between the World and Me?
Readers who would appreciate Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates are often engaged in exploring themes of race, identity, and social justice. They may have enjoyed works like The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin or How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, as these books also address the complexities of racial issues in America.
384,197 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Samori Coates
Samori Coates
The son of Ta-Nehisi Coates, named after the West African revolutionary Samori Touré, representing both the vulnerability and pride of growing up as a black male, as understood through his father's teachings on racial realities.
Malcolm X
Malcolm X
A prominent figure and inspiration for Coates, revered for his honest discourse on racial issues and for motivating Coates to pursue a deeper understanding of black history and empowerment.
Prince Carmen Jones
Prince Carmen Jones
A fellow Howard University student whose tragic death illustrates to Coates the pervasive and indiscriminate nature of racial violence, regardless of social status or success.
152
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 2010s
2015
Adult
18+ years
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