Between the World and Me

Written in the form of a letter to his 15 year old son, this book is about the author's experience and understanding of growing up and living as a black man in America. As such, reading it had the quality of listening in on a conversation I wouldn't otherwise have a chance to hear as a middle aged white lady.

Coates writes beautifully and thoughtfully about the grim subject of violence against black people throughout American history and comes to the conclusion that this is actually the tradition of America, built in from the start and taken as a birthright by those who “think they are white” and those who are aspiring to “the Dream” of upward mobility, a nice home in the suburbs and an unlimited stream of material belongings. He doesn't offer any solutions, other than clear-eyed, undeluded struggle, yet this book comes across as a very kind, loving communication from father to son.

The blurb on the front of my copy says, “‘This is required reading.' – Toni Morrison.” I agree. Let all with eyes to see, read.