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bohdankinal's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
A great, personal portrait of a city (and country) in turmoil; very profound. I was fairly unfamiliar with the events described in the play, so it was quite eye-opening. Some of the points that really struck me were:
- Gangs being the result of a nation lacking empathy and refusing to listen to an underprivileged and oppressed youth
- Police interference with individuals fighting for peace between gangs
- How Korean-Americans were specifically targeted; this interconnected web of anger and violence that all stems from systematic oppression and constant insufferable pressures on various peoples
bfenny's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing performance and compilation. A story told truthfully and from all sides. Theater at it's best.
raymond_murphy's review against another edition
3.0
A fascinating attempt to distill the 1992 LA riots/uprisings into a piece of theater. Smith is a genius. Lots of rich commentary here. However I probably would have rather see this be performed than read it.
oknora's review against another edition
5.0
been too long since i actually finished a book lol this was phenomenal. anthology film archives is screening the filmed version later this week and i am so excited <3
shelflife_ayda's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely amazing. I don’t think print is the best medium for this but even then it was so incredible, the actual writing and the order we hear the stories in is phenomenal and the themes are poignant and powerful.
ebunk's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
kkpritchard's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing book giving a wide variety of perspectives surrounding and following the 1992 LA riots following the Rodney King verdict. It taught me many things I had no idea about, such as that there was a gang truce shortly before the riots began, and that Korean-American merchants suffered brutal violence during the riots. I have no answers, only sadness that the underlying race problems that led to the riot are still present and ongoing in America today. Smith's book, however, encourages everyone to consider everyone's viewpoint and empathize. In the words of Twilight Bey, we "can't forever dwell in darkness...of just identifying with people like me and understanding me and mine." Profound.
gracedwithbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This was such an interesting look at racial conflicts in 1992. I love the format that Anna Deavere Smith decided to use, with the different segments/snippets of people surround the event getting "interviewed." It reminded me a lot of the Laramie Project. I do think this is a play that should be taught to more students because it has so much to say about prejudice and hatred. The world is a messed up place, but by reading and understanding different perspectives, we are closer to peace.
izzytheniffler's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0