Class assignment to read and review a book from a culture outside my own, as well as summarize it in 4-5 slides. I did my best to mirror the level of writing that I found in the book, since that would be my audience for a review. While this language would be unaccessible in different situations, I felt it was the most appropriate for the academic readers looking into this book. I also aimed to talk about the author’s approach more so than subject given that it is a culture outside my own. My intention was to be respectful and sensitive to the heavy topics covered.

Review:

Henry Louis Gates Jr. maps out the contentious and vast dialogue of black writers over the last few centuries who have attempted to define what it means to be black. His presentation of the varying arguments put forth is illuminating. As a professor, he has a clear grasp on how to contextualize the experiences and backgrounds of the writers he discusses. I found myself enthralled with the nuances he is able to explain and was left with a curiosity and drive to learn more. One book can only scratch the surface of such a complex issue and I appreciated how he chose to dive deeply into a selection of curated voices rather than simply summarize the last few hundred years of black history. I also admired that the people he focuses on embody a wide array of viewpoints and opinions. It was obviously an intentional choice that reinforces his thesis. The comparisons he is able to draw from historic social movements to modern day struggles against anti-black racism gave me hope about the progress we can make. His conclusions were brilliant and beautiful. I found myself deeply moved by the book and would highly recommend it.