Books matching: race and racism
100 result(s)
Racecraft is a collection of essays that challenge the concept of race as a biological reality, arguing that it is a social construct akin to witchcraft. The authors, Karen and Barbara Fields, explore the impact of race and racism on American society, delving into historical narratives and social issues. The book presents a thesis that race is not a coherent empirical fact but a concept created through social belief and imagination, leading to a double standard based on ancestry. The writing style is described as intelligent, engaging, and thought-provoking, albeit sometimes dense and academic.
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Save:'The World Doesn't Require You' by Rion Amilcar Scott is a collection of short stories and one novella set in the fictional town of Cross River, Maryland. The stories delve deeply into themes of race, racism, social satire, folklore, and dark academia. The writing style of the book combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and dark social commentary, creating a complex and challenging read that requires readers to slow down and savor each story.
The stories in the book interlock, undermine, and augment each other in fascinating ways, creating a wild ride that is funny, sad, playful, and transgressive. The author, Rion Amilcar Scott, uses innovative storytelling techniques, such as incorporating emails as text, to make the narratives feel immediate and real. presents a Maryland version of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's Macondo, drawing readers into a world where characters and settings come alive with masterful prose.
God is from Cross River, everyone knows that. He was tall, lanky; wore dirty brown clothes and walked with a limp he tried to disguise as a bop. His chin held a messy salt-and-pepper beard that extend... - #3
Save:In the book 'Black Like Me' by John Howard Griffin, the author undergoes a transformation to experience life as a black man in the deep South during the late 1950s. Griffin's daring experiment of darkening his skin and disguising himself as a black man sheds light on the harsh realities of racism and segregation prevalent in the American society at that time. Through his first-hand experiences, Griffin delves into the depths of race relations, bigotry, and prejudice, providing readers with a poignant and eye-opening account of the discrimination faced by African Americans.
Griffin's writing style in 'Black Like Me' is described as powerful, honest, and emotionally charged. The book offers a profound message about the race dilemma in America, inviting readers to step into the shoes of a black man and witness the injustices and struggles faced on a daily basis. Through Griffin's narrative, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and societal reflection, highlighting the universal themes of persecution, fear, and the destructive nature of racism across different communities and eras.
This speculation was sparked again by a report that lay on my desk in the old barn that served as my office. The report mentioned the rise in suicide tendency among Southern Negroes. This did not mean... - #4
Save:The Mighty Orinoco by Jules Verne follows the journey of two separate groups of travelers exploring the Orinoco River in Venezuela, intertwining their objectives as they face dangerous rapids, unfriendly savages, and treasonous porters. The main character, Jeanne, disguised as a boy named Jean, is on a quest to find her father, who is believed to have disappeared along the river. The novel touches on themes of adventure, mystery, and the exploration of gender roles, with a mix of accurate scientific descriptions and social commentary.
Verne's writing style in The Mighty Orinoco combines adventure with scientific discovery, creating a story built on a solid scientific base. The plot unfolds with a balance of varied and intriguing characters, weaving together multiple storylines that culminate in a journey filled with beauty, mystery, and danger. The author incorporates social topics and offers insight into gender roles, all while showcasing his French bias and political commentary, making this novel a unique and engaging read.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Extraordinary Voyages ) - #5
Save:'Between the World and Me' by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a poignant and eye-opening exploration of what it means to be Black in America. Through a series of letters addressed to his teenage son, Coates delves into the experiences, fears, and frustrations of navigating a society plagued by systemic racism and inequality. The book exposes the harsh realities faced by Black individuals, while also offering insights into the legacy of slavery and the ongoing struggles for justice and equality.
Coates's writing style is described as powerful, raw, and emotional, with a stream of consciousness outpouring that provides a deep and thought-provoking look into the Black experience in the United States. The author's ability to blend personal anecdotes with societal critiques creates a compelling narrative that challenges readers to confront their own privilege, biases, and misconceptions about race and identity.
Last Sunday the host of a popular news show asked me what it meant to lose my body. The host was broadcasting from Washington, D.C., and I was seated in a remote studio on the far west side of Manhatt... - #6
Save:'Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America' by Ibram X. Kendi is a monumental and well-researched study on the history of racism in America. The book traces the evolution of racist ideas in America from the Puritans to the present day, focusing on key historical figures such as Cotton Mather, Thomas Jefferson, William Lloyd Garrison, W.E.B. DuBois, and Angela Davis. Kendi discusses the different ideologies of racism, from assimilationists to segregationists, and anti-racists, highlighting the complexities and intersections of race and racism throughout American history. The book is informative, eye-opening, and heart-breaking, providing a comprehensive understanding of the impact of racism on American society.
THEY WEATHERED BRUTAL WINTERS, suffered diseases, and learned to cope with the resisting Native Americans. But nothing brought more destruction to Puritan settlements than the Great Hurricane of 1635.... Geneticist Adam Rutherford's book 'How to Argue With a Racist' delves into the debunking of racist stereotypes around race, emphasizing the fallacy of common misconceptions through well-documented evidence and scientific discussions. Rutherford makes genetics accessible, highlighting the complexity of the subject while shedding light on the flaws of race-based myths and the importance of further research in the field. Through a clear and concise writing style, the book challenges readers to reconsider their beliefs and provides a valuable perspective on the topic of race and genetics.
Of all the racial signifiers humans use, skin is the most striking—so let us begin with color. Humans are a highly visual species, and pigmentation is the first and primary indicator that we fall upon...- #8
Save:Claudia Rankine's Citizen: An American Lyric is a powerful exploration of race and racism in contemporary America. Through a mix of essays, poetry, and artwork, Rankine delves into the experiences of black Americans, shedding light on the microaggressions and systemic injustices they face on a daily basis. The book offers a raw and unflinching look at the impact of racism on individuals, challenging readers to confront their own privilege and biases.
Rankine's writing style in Citizen is described as intense, haunting, and gripping. She expertly weaves together personal anecdotes, high-profile events, and social commentary to create a narrative that is both lyrical and impactful. The book's use of second-person narration, along with its varied formats and textures, adds to the immersive and thought-provoking nature of the work.
When you are alone and too tired even to turn on any of your devices, you let yourself linger in a past stacked among your pillows. Usually you are nestled under blankets and the house is empty. Somet... - #9
Save:The Street by Ann Petry is a powerful and heartbreaking tale set in Harlem during the 1940s. The story follows Lutie Johnson, a young black woman striving to create a better life for herself and her son amidst the prejudice, violence, and poverty of her neighborhood. The book delves into the struggles Lutie faces as she battles against the oppressive forces of her environment, highlighting the harsh realities of racism, economic oppression, and the challenges of being a single mother in a hostile world.
Petry's writing style immerses the reader in the gritty and unapologetic world of Harlem, painting a vivid picture of the characters' struggles and the bleakness of their circumstances. The novel skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives, showcasing the interconnected lives of the residents of the street and the impact of their environment on their choices and destinies.
THERE was a cold November wind blowing through 116th Street. It rattled the tops of garbage cans, sucked window shades out through the top of opened windows and set them flapping back against the wind... - #10
Save:The Hard Count by Ginger Scott is a heartwarming story about Nico, a brilliant and hardworking boy from a rough neighborhood, who attends a prestigious high school on a scholarship basis. The plot revolves around Nico's journey as he navigates wealth disparity, racism, and the pressure to succeed in both academics and football. The writing style of the book beautifully weaves in themes of young love, family relationships, prejudices, and adversity, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged until the end.
Reagan, the coach's daughter, plays a significant role in the story as she recruits Nico to join the football team, leading to a blossoming romance between the two characters. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship, showcasing their struggles, growth, and the support they find in each other amidst challenges and societal expectations.
I can tell within a glance if someone hates me. Sometimes it only takes one word. Other times, it’s those subtle nonverbal cues—a shift of the eyes or arms folded over a chest in an attempt to hide al...
