lilahs_literacy_corner's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
naomi41's review against another edition
4.0
Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun happens to be one of my favorite books of all time. So reading an autobiography of her short life was bound to be interesting. James Baldwin, author of Go Tell It On The Mountain and other novels gives a really interesting preface, talking about his friendship with her and all of the memories, whether good or bad that they shared. The rest of the book chronicles her life growing up, including the landmark Hansberry vs. Lee Supreme court case and incorporating short scenes from the different plays that she has written. He once said that "it is not at all farfetched to suspect that what she saw contributed to the strain which killed her, for the effort to which Lorraine was dedicated is more than enough to kill a man." African American literature is another genre in itself when it comes to the depth and strength of text in America and she strongly left an imprint for others up till this day.
adarre's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
mezzythedragon's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing. There’s nothing else to say except Lorraine Hansberry is a genius. Her commentary on race sadly remains relevant, and one quote that particularly stood out is: “I think it’s very simple that the whole idea of debating whether or not Negroes should defend themselves is an insult.”
cainwaogu's review against another edition
5.0
Superb. This humanizes her genius in a way that should be the standard. Hansberry was an Artist that strove not for the exceptional but to be truly human. I appreciated the use of repetition throughout the work. It gave context to her dialogue because it showed that she didn't write these profound words in a single sitting but they were fashioned from painstaking revision and study of human experience; ie. draws parallels between black and irish struggle and the discussion of Black American stance on African liberation. Wonderful.
shaniquekee's review against another edition
5.0
And that is why I say to you that, though it be a thrilling and marvelous thing to be merely young and gifted in such times it is doubly so, doubly dynamic - to be young, gifted and black.
This book is a posthumous compilation of the writings of Lorraine Hansberry: letters, excepts from plays, transcripts of speeches,etc. It provides such insights into her thoughts and feelings and ideas, as well as into the broader American culture of her time. She was so brilliant, but died oh so young.
Write if you will: but write about the world as it is and as you think it ought to be and must be - if there is to be a world.
This book is a posthumous compilation of the writings of Lorraine Hansberry: letters, excepts from plays, transcripts of speeches,etc. It provides such insights into her thoughts and feelings and ideas, as well as into the broader American culture of her time. She was so brilliant, but died oh so young.
Write if you will: but write about the world as it is and as you think it ought to be and must be - if there is to be a world.
norimee's review against another edition
4.0
Though beautifully composed, I found the move between journal entries, play scenes, public speeches and letters hard to get into in the beginning.
But besides James Baldwins beautiful introduction, Hansberry's beautiful, prosaic, poetic and moving words are worth the effort.
Powerful and true.
"The poets have been right in all these centuries, darling; even in its astounding imperfection this earth of ours is magnificent. But oh this human race!"
But besides James Baldwins beautiful introduction, Hansberry's beautiful, prosaic, poetic and moving words are worth the effort.
Powerful and true.
"The poets have been right in all these centuries, darling; even in its astounding imperfection this earth of ours is magnificent. But oh this human race!"
irishannie's review against another edition
4.0
Go to YouTube and listen to Lorraine. Her voice was not what I expected. I expected it to have a higher pitch, a sunny smile, like her picture. However, her beautiful voice and realistic ideas are as relevant today as the day she died.
locdbooktician's review against another edition
5.0
10 stars if I could give it. Please tune into my in depth discussion of this book. Lorraine Hansberry is a gem.
https://youtu.be/6BgqEynZ2mw
https://youtu.be/6BgqEynZ2mw