Freedom Is a Constant Struggle

This book was torture to get through. Subject matter aside, there is a simple issue when you put together a collection of speeches that all center around the same thing. You get an enormous amount of repetition. There were times when she said something so similar to what I'd already heard that I had to check to make sure I didn't accidentally skip to the previous section. While her speaking voice is pleasant to listen to, her cadence is not and it felt stilted.

There are things I certainly don't agree with, but for the most part I would find myself nodding my head. But I can't say I think everyone should read this book. This is not in “layman's terms”. Davis doesn't really add much personal experience to her speeches (except for things like, “my friend” or “I went” here or there) so the book reads much more like a textbook than anything else. Which is fine for many, but for me, this book is why it took me so long to read non-fiction books.

If you had the time and inclination I would suggest reading one speech and then setting the book down for a bit before going on to the next. Take in each speech on its own merit. Absorb what she says in that moment, giving yourself a day or so between each so you can fully appreciate Davis's words.