72 pages 2 hours read

Ta-Nehisi Coates

The Beautiful Struggle

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2008

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Beautiful Struggle by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a memoir detailing his childhood and teenage years in various Baltimore neighborhoods, focusing on his family's dynamics, particularly his father, a strict disciplinarian with radical political views, and his brother Big Bill, committed to street "Knowledge." As Coates navigates different schools, he transitions from a spacey kid to a more Conscious young adult, culminating in his acceptance to Howard University and leaving the reader with a sense of hope for his younger brother's future, free from the violence of the 80s. The book discusses the realities of inner-city violence and systemic challenges experienced by the Black community.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Beautiful Struggle by Ta-Nehisi Coates receives high praise for its lyrical prose and emotional depth, depicting the complexities of growing up Black in America. Critics commend Coates' vivid storytelling and reflective tone. However, some find the narrative structure challenging. Overall, it's celebrated for its poignant and compelling insights.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Beautiful Struggle?

Readers who appreciate The Beautiful Struggle by Ta-Nehisi Coates often enjoy poignant, introspective memoirs about personal and cultural identity. Fans of Between the World and Me by Coates or The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin will find its themes of fatherhood, race, and resilience especially compelling and relatable.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

1000L

Book Details

Themes

Identity: Race

Values/Ideas: Music

Relationships: Family

Topics

Race / Racism

Social Justice

Politics / Government

Genre

Biography