Reviews

3.5 Stars. Despite including some of my favorite elements of storytelling, such as poetic phrasing and non-linear histories, this memoir was difficult for me to truly connect with. Coates offers an illuminating portrait of what it was like to grow up as a Black boy in 80s Baltimore and in a family so conscious of the struggle but not immune to its traps, but his writing sometimes meanders, making it hard to follow the progression of the narrative. That being said, I still think some important insights can be gleaned from this memoir, and I feel more prepared to read Between the World and Me having read this earlier book.

vera_michele's review against another edition

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4.0

4/5 Stars

I got a little confused in the beginning from so many people being introduced at once, but other than that I really liked it.

thefriendlyabyss's review against another edition

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4.0

A beautiful memoir by Coates about his formative years in Baltimore. If you enjoy Ta-Nehisi’s writing, this one is a must read. It’s a window into a way of life that many people have never known. It’s a story about learning the rules of life, how a place has a unique effect on you, and the will to overcome. Everyone should check it out.

hannibal's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

toomi_p's review against another edition

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emotional reflective fast-paced

4.75

knapptime's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

4.0

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