Keisha N. Blain

Four hundred souls: Editors Kendi and Blain have collected in this compendious work an expansive variety of essays covering topics in African American history and arranged chronologically, beginning in 1619, when the first Africans were forcibly transported as captive chattel across the Atlantic, and continuing up to the present day. Engaging themes include ideas, moments, people, places, ethics, law, culture and, of course, racism.

Essays are rarely something I gravitate to, so I might not have picked this title up if not for the stellar review I saw lauding, specifically, the audiobook edition, which is read by a full cast of dozens. Though the subject matter is often heavy, painful and shameful, it is at the same time hugely educational and inspirational, and the audio, with its extensive assemblage of voices, was truly an experience.… (altro)