A Colony in a Nation

by Chris Hayes
A Colony in a Nation cover
Good Books rating 4.3
Politics and Current Affairs
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  • ID: 9238
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2026-01-03
  • ISBN: 9780393254235
  • Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
  • Published: 2017-03-21
  • Reviews: 4

In A Colony in a Nation, Chris Hayes presents a groundbreaking analysis of the American criminal justice system and its deep-seated issues. Drawing from historical, social, and political perspectives, as well as personal experiences, Hayes argues that the country is divided into two distinct entities: the Colony and the Nation. In the Nation, the law is upheld and respected, while in the Colony, fear and order often override civil rights. Hayes examines the ties between this systemic divide and racial inequality, the pervasive threat of guns, and the consequences of decisions made out of fear. /n/n Hayes's work is not just a critique but also a call to understand and address these divisions. With empathy and insight, he seeks to unravel the complex dynamics that have led to the current state of policing and democracy in America. This book is an essential read for anyone looking to grasp the underlying issues in American society and the path forward.

Reviews
Deer God NYC · 2022-06-06
challenging 4.00

The book struggles with the extent of white fear and its impact on the divide within the US. It is a bitter pill to swallow but presents a dynamic that is crucial to understand.

This reviewer acknowledges the challenging nature of the book's content, particularly the exploration of white fear and its impact on the divide within the US. They find the book to be a dynamic and crucial read, even if it is a bitter pill to swallow. The reviewer appreciates Hayes' struggle with these complex issues and the insight it provides into the problems of criminal justice and institutional racism. The book is seen as essential for understanding the broader context of these issues.

Quick quotes

    It is a dynamic that HAYES struggles with throughout the book.

    The extent to which WHITE FEAR is a bitter pill to swallow.

    This is a dynamic that is crucial to understand.

Bowling Green Daily News · 2017-10-01
engaging 4.50

The literary style is fluid and engaging, making it an excellent read. Hayes is a natural storyteller who knows how to make a point without belaboring the issue.

This reviewer praises the book's literary style, describing it as fluid and engaging. They find Hayes to be a natural storyteller who effectively makes his points without unnecessary elaboration. The book is seen as an excellent read, providing valuable insights into the problems of criminal justice and institutional racism. The reviewer appreciates the clarity and engagement of Hayes' writing, making the complex issues more accessible and understandable.

Quick quotes

    The literary style is fluid and engaging; Hayes is a natural storyteller who knows how to make a point without belaboring the issue.

    Hayes is a natural storyteller who knows how to make a point without belaboring the issue.

    The literary style is fluid and engaging.

Christian Science Monitor · 2017-03-21
essential 4.50

The book is a forceful and eloquent exploration of the divide within the US. It offers a clear framework for understanding the issues of criminal justice and institutional racism.

This reviewer found the book to be a compelling read, highlighting Hayes' ability to present complex issues in an accessible manner. They appreciate the clear framework provided for understanding the divide between the 'Colony' and the 'Nation' within the US. The book is seen as essential reading for understanding the problems of criminal justice, mass incarceration, and institutional racism. The reviewer also notes that Hayes is a forceful and eloquent writer, making the book deserving of close attention by a broad readership.

Quick quotes

    Hayes is a forceful and eloquent writer, and this book deserves close attention by a broad readership.

    He offers a clear and useful framework for understanding the divide within the US.

    This book deserves close attention by a broad readership.

Goodreads · 2017-03-21
insightful 4.20

The book is praised for its excellent reading experience and its compelling argument about the fractured state of the US. The analogy of a colony within a nation is highlighted as particularly effective.

This book is often described as a compelling read that sheds light on the deep divisions within the United States. The reviewer appreciates the author's use of the colony analogy to illustrate how certain areas are treated as less valuable. They find the arguments well-supported and the reading experience engaging, making it a thought-provoking exploration of structural issues in America.

Quick quotes

    A Colony in a Nation made for excellent reading.

    Chris Hayes contends that the US 'is fractured in two: the Colony and the Nation.'

    The analogy of a colony within a nation is particularly effective.

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