Between the World and Me

by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Between the World and Me cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Biography and Memoir
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 61
  • Added: 2025-08-30
  • Updated: 2026-01-27
  • ISBN: 9780812983814
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2025-06-17
  • Formats: 44
  • Reviews: 4

Between the World and Me is a profound exploration of race in America, written as a letter from Ta-Nehisi Coates to his adolescent son. Coates shares his personal experiences and insights, weaving together a narrative that confronts the history of racial injustice and its ongoing impact on black bodies. The book is not just a personal story but a broader commentary on the American empire built on the idea of race, offering a framework for understanding the nation's fraught history and current crisis. Coates's work is a blend of personal narrative, reimagined history, and emotionally charged reportage. It illuminates the past, confronts the present, and offers a vision for a way forward. The book has been widely acclaimed, winning numerous awards and being named one of the best books of the 21st century by The New York Times.

Reviews
Null Routed · 2024-03-10
captivating 4.25

The writing is poetic and flows beautifully, making it a captivating read. It offers a unique perspective on the black experience in America.

Null Routed's review emphasizes the poetic quality of Coates's writing, noting how it flows beautifully throughout the book. The reviewer appreciates the unique perspective offered on the black experience in America, finding it both insightful and captivating. They highlight the book's ability to engage readers with its powerful narrative and deep reflections on race and identity.

Quick quotes

    Coates writing here is poetic without being overwrought.

    There is a flow to the writing that feels just right.

    It offers a unique perspective on the black experience in America.

louisedouglas.uk · 2021-06-12
powerful 4.00

The book is recognized for its powerful and honest portrayal of racial realities, though some readers may find it difficult to fully relate to the lived experience depicted.

This review reflects on the emotional weight and honesty of Coates’ narrative, appreciating its unflinching examination of race and identity in America. The reviewer admits a personal difficulty in relating directly to the experiences described but recognizes the importance of the book in broadening understanding. The writing is described as compelling and deeply moving, making it a significant contribution to contemporary discussions on race.

Quick quotes

    About halfway through reading this book, I wrote this note: “I cannot relate to this, through my own experience.”

    Coates’ honest portrayal of racial realities in America is powerful and important.

    The book challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about race.

The Paladin Pages · 2021-03-09
impactful 4.30

The book powerfully illustrates how systemic violence affects everyday lives, making it a deeply moving and impactful read.

The reviewer highlights how Coates's book sheds light on the pervasive fear of systemic violence in the lives of those living in marginalized communities. They appreciate the raw and honest portrayal of these experiences, which makes the book both educational and emotionally resonant. The reviewer finds the narrative compelling and believes it offers valuable insights into the lived realities of racial discrimination. The book is seen as an essential read for understanding the broader societal issues at play.

Quick quotes

    Coates touches on how the fear of systemic violence trickles into the everyday lives of folks living in the hood.

    The book is a powerful and moving exploration of systemic racism.

    It offers valuable insights into the lived realities of racial discrimination.

Black and Bookish · 2018-10-24
moving 4.75

This book is deeply moving and recommended for its profound insights into activism and understanding society. It is a book that stays with you long after reading.

Black and Bookish praises Between the World and Me for its depth and emotional impact. The reviewer notes that it is frequently recommended for its ability to foster better activism and understanding. They appreciate the book's moving narrative and its ability to make readers reflect on their own roles in society. The reviewer finds it to be a transformative read that leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    This book is one everyone recommends because of how deep and moving it is.

    It's on numerous lists of how to be a better activist or understand society.

    It's a book that stays with you long after reading.

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