logo

40 pages 1 hour read

Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2018

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Eli Saslow

Rising Out of Hatred

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

Lexile Level

1180L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Rising Out of Hatred by Eli Saslow is a biography detailing the transformation of Derek Black, the son of a former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard, from a prominent white nationalist to a critic of white supremacy after forming meaningful relationships with diverse peers at a liberal arts college.

Informative

Emotional

Challenging

Inspirational

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.5

12,333 ratings

91%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

1%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Eli Saslow's Rising Out of Hatred is widely praised for its compelling, introspective narrative about Derek Black’s transformation from a white nationalist to an advocate for tolerance. Critics appreciate Saslow’s nuanced storytelling and in-depth research. However, some noted a lack of deeper exploration into systemic issues. Overall, it is a powerful, thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Rising Out of Hatred?

A reader who values profound, transformative stories about racial identity, redemption, and societal impact would appreciate Rising Out of Hatred. Comparable to Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates or The Strange Career of Jim Crow by C. Vann Woodward, it appeals to those interested in racial justice and personal change narratives.

4.5

12,333 ratings

91%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

1%

Not a fan

Character List

Derek Black

Son of a former Ku Klux Klan leader, Derek was raised with white nationalist beliefs but later changes his views while attending college, where he forms diverse friendships.

Derek’s father, a former Ku Klux Klan leader who founded the white supremacist website Stormfront and is involved in the white nationalist movement.

Derek's mother, who shares white supremacist ideology but is less active in the movement than her husband, Don.

A prominent white supremacist and former Ku Klux Klan leader, he is Derek’s godfather and serves as a mentor figure in his early life.

A Peruvian immigrant and Derek's first friend at New College, who remains friends with Derek during his transformative college years.

An Orthodox Jewish student at New College who befriends Derek, encouraging him to reconsider his beliefs through inclusive, nonjudgmental interactions.

A Jewish student from Arkansas at New College whose initial romantic involvement with Derek challenges his preconceived biases.

Matthew’s roommate and a psychology major who eventually becomes Derek’s girlfriend and plays a significant role in his ideological transformation.

The 45th President of the United States, known for his controversial rhetoric, which resonated with white nationalists during his political ascent.

A leading figure in the "alt-right" movement, known for attempting to bring white nationalist ideas into mainstream politics.

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

Lexile Level

1180L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.