A review by libraryofdreaming
The Beautiful Struggle, by Ta-Nehisi Coates
4.0
Earlier this year I read and loved Ta-Nehisi Coates’ novel The Water Dancer so when Net Galley and Delacorte Press offered me the opportunity to read his memoir newly adapted for young adults I jumped at the chance.
The Beautiful Struggle is a gripping read. Coates’ writing style is hypnotic. He paints an engrossing picture of his childhood in Baltimore during the 80s and 90s. His family story is fascinating - both heartwarming and heartrending. I was moved by his depiction of falling in love with writing. You can really see the influence music had on his style.
The way Coates explores his coming-of-age is masterful. I haven’t read the original memoir, but to me this version was strong enough to stand on its own feet. The language at times was hard to follow, but it created a music of its own. The Beautiful Struggle demanded my full attention and I was rewarded for dedicating my time to untangling its pages.
The Beautiful Struggle is a gripping read. Coates’ writing style is hypnotic. He paints an engrossing picture of his childhood in Baltimore during the 80s and 90s. His family story is fascinating - both heartwarming and heartrending. I was moved by his depiction of falling in love with writing. You can really see the influence music had on his style.
The way Coates explores his coming-of-age is masterful. I haven’t read the original memoir, but to me this version was strong enough to stand on its own feet. The language at times was hard to follow, but it created a music of its own. The Beautiful Struggle demanded my full attention and I was rewarded for dedicating my time to untangling its pages.