Talking Back, Talking Black

by John McWhorter
Talking Back, Talking Black cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Technical
  • ID: 1789
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-15
inspiring 4.00

The book is a collection of essays, speeches, and poetry by Julian Aguon, offering an autobiographical glimpse of growing up as an indigenous person in colonized Guam. It highlights the impacts of climate change, military presence, and nuclear testing on the Pacific Islands, while celebrating the beauty of nature and humanity.

This book is a powerful collection of essays, speeches, and poetry by Julian Aguon, a Chamorro human rights lawyer, activist, and writer from Guam. It provides an intimate look at his experiences growing up as an indigenous person in a colonized land, addressing critical issues such as climate change, the devastating effects of increased US military presence, and the lingering impacts of nuclear testing. Despite these challenges, Aguon's work is infused with a sense of hope and positivity, celebrating the beauty of nature and the resilience of humanity. The book also includes personal memoirs and reflections on his favorite authors, making it a slim but deeply inspiring volume. It's a book that leaves a lasting impression and is worth reading multiple times.

Quick quotes

    The book offers an autobiographical glimpse of Aguon growing up as an indigenous person in a colonized land.

    Yet Aguon remains a positive person recognizing the the beauty of nature and in humanity.

    It’s a slim volume but a great inspiration.

blpress.org · Unknown · 2025-10-15
enlightening 4.50

Talking Back, Talking Black explores the cultural and linguistic significance of African American Vernacular English (AAVE), highlighting its rich history and the societal misconceptions surrounding it. The book challenges the stigma associated with AAVE and emphasizes its role in shaping American culture and identity.

Talking Back, Talking Black delves into the intricate world of African American Vernacular English, often misunderstood and stigmatized. The book provides a comprehensive look at the linguistic features of AAVE, its historical roots, and its cultural importance. It argues that AAVE is not a broken version of English but a distinct and vibrant dialect with its own rules and structures. The author emphasizes the need for greater appreciation and understanding of AAVE, highlighting its role in shaping American culture and identity. They also discuss the societal implications of AAVE, including its impact on education and social perceptions. The book is both informative and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on a often-misunderstood aspect of American language and culture.

Quick quotes

    The book challenges the stigma associated with AAVE and emphasizes its role in shaping American culture and identity.

    It argues that AAVE is not a broken version of English but a distinct and vibrant dialect with its own rules and structures.

    The author emphasizes the need for greater appreciation and understanding of AAVE, highlighting its role in shaping American culture and identity.

wordforsense.com · Unknown · 2019-01-11
insightful 4.50

The book is a moving and impassioned read that shines a light on the struggles of Guam, nuclear warfare, and global warming. It combines personal stories, speeches, and prose to provide a thorough description of historical atrocities and current conflicts, offering both serious themes and hope.

This collection of essays, personal stories, speeches, and prose by Julian Aguon is a deeply engaging and impassioned read. It focuses on the struggles of Guam, the impacts of nuclear warfare, and the pressing issue of global warming. The title essay discusses the United States' militarization and colonization of Guam, while other essays like 'Birthday Cake Means Birthdays,' 'The Gift Anne Gave Me,' and 'Reflections While Driving' provide an overview of current events and historical context. The author's thorough descriptions of the atrocities his country has endured and the ongoing conflicts make for a compelling read. Despite the serious themes, the book also offers plenty of hope. It is both an informational and philosophical work that will appeal to readers interested in environmental and political issues.

Quick quotes

    Aguon’s (_The Properties of Perpetual Light_) engaging book is a moving and impassioned read for anyone interested in world politics and environmental issues.

    This collection of essays, personal stories, speeches, and prose shines a light on the struggles of Guam, nuclear warfare, and global warming.

    This short read packs a great deal of heart and promise for readers.

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