Blurb; Adapted from the adult memoir by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Water Dancer and Between the World and Me, this father-son story explores how boys become men, and quite specifically, how Ta-Nehisi Coates became Ta-Nehisi Coates.
As a child, Ta-Nehisi Coates was seen by his father, Paul, as too sensitive and lacking focus. Paul Coates was a Vietnam vet who’d been part of the Black Panthers and was dedicated to reading and publishing the history of African civilization. When it came to his sons, he was committed to raising proud Black men equipped to deal with a racist society, during a turbulent period in the collapsing city of Baltimore where they lived.
Coates details with candor the challenges of dealing with his tough-love father, the influence of his mother, and the dynamics of his extended family, including his brother “Big Bill,” who was on a very different path than Ta-Nehisi. Coates also tells of his family struggles at school and with girls, making this a timely story to which many readers will relate.
My Review; This is an adapted version for young adult readers. It’s a story about his upbringing as a black male. The education system. The law. His parents. His family. Friends. Employment. Fights. Basically all in one. It’s an eye opener of a read. Especially how much His dad focused on him to do well with tough love.
In parts it’s a tough read. But the author has been honest throughout here and I think many can relate to what he has had to experience himself. A beautiful memoir but he hasn’t had it easy. I’d love to read the full version. Highly recommend. A quick read, not long. A well deserved four stars.
Between The Pages Book Club 