Review: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

 Have you ever picked up a book and not be prepared for where it would take you?

Being an individual that feels we can always learn from other's perspectives, I wanted to find a book that calmly shared life experience that is different than my own. (In reality I believe EVERYONE experiences life differently, but I digress.)

ONWARD!

In Between the World and Me, the reader is transported into the vision of Coates. He is responding to questions that his adolescent son has asked, and the responses take you through a journey. A journey that everyone can benefit from by seeing his perspective if only for a moment. Personally I am Southern Italian and Native American with other ethnicities sprinkled. I have experienced prejudice and bullying. I was that teen driving the car in the "wrong" area of town (mind you I lived not far from where I was and a block from where I worked.) I have been called discriminatory names. BUT what I have experienced pales in what Mr. Coates shares.

I appreciate the biographical nature of the book, being that it is what the author has experienced and witnessed. It's matter of fact, yet not cynical. The crafting of the book as a letter has the intimacy of a personal journey which allows what is shared to have a humanization. This view extends beyond Coates and shines on the victims and survivors of racism. With Coates, you are forced to reflect on the singularity, the potential and preciousness of every life impacted by the Middle Passage, Bloody Sunday or killer cops.

Through this weaving of words, Coates issues a call out to those that have benefited by the systemic issues in America to make a change. We are to do better. Our darker skinned brothers and sisters will survive, they are survivors, it however is up to all of us to improve.

I could not agree more with the quote on the cover by Toni Morrison - "This is required reading."

P.S. This book to me harkens to the first time I watched "Boyz in the Hood." It opens your eyes and, if you allow it, it will open your mind.

Still here...

Just hoping on real quick.

I am still here. I've had internet issues and life.
- No the Tennessee tornadoes did not get us. We are west of Nashville.
- No, we haven't had the flu or COVID-19 but unfortunately, my best friend lost her mom to flu.
- Yes, my adjunct professor life got crazy for a hot minute.
- Yes, my library director life is ongoing in the crazy, but we are good and working.
- Mom and family life is adjusting. Teen boys don't like not seeing friends/girlfriends and we hear about it.
- Yes, I will continue my book reviews as soon as possible. I have several that were due in March and I need to get them typed up and posted.

Right now, today, we are doing good. All 5 of us at home are healthy. Hubby and I are both essential employees so we can still pay the bills.

Outright, we are praising God for the blessings we have.

Psalm 91
 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain

Reviews: Two Steps Forward by Suzanne Woods Fisher & The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin

Two Steps Forward by Suzanne Woods Fisher

FTC Disclosure: Revell Reads gave me complimentary copies of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.

When I received the book I had not realized that it was the final book in a series. (The Deacon’s Family) That did not keep the enjoyment away. Suzanne is a good author and is able to weave her tales in a way to draw you in. Well written.

Jimmy has just returned home to Lancaster County and Sylvie is a young widow with a son. These two are brought together by necessity and you can’t help but rout for them.

The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin

FTC Disclosure: Revell Reads gave me complimentary copies of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.

This book is also third in the series. (Sunrise at Normandy) It is a historical romance that is based in the WWII era following Rangers that are in the U.S. Army. Being the third in the series this book is focused on one of the brothers as the other stories have already been told.

Clay and Leah become friends and after a brutal attack on Leah, Clay does the honorable thing and marries her. He is still in the Army though and they are separated. Can they keep what they have by writing letters?

The historical accuracy is well researched. The writing has highs and lows that gives a wonderful balance while keeping you waiting until the end. And you will want to read all the way to the end.