This book is written by Coates to his son, to explain where he has come from and how being black will affect his life in the world. His main point is that black people know that others can have sovereign over their bodies. The United States economy was built on the backs of black people who were enslaved with all the horrors of that institution. Even now, black people know that in a confrontation, they will be assigned the blame and if that confrontation is with the police, it can lead to imprisonment or death.

Coates starts with his childhood and how he was shocked by a young friend who casually pulled a gun as a group of kids was standing outside a store. He grew up loving to read but was not a fan of school as such. He chose to go to Howard University and there he found the acceptance and network that he had been looking for. It was where he had his first loves and as a young man, his son was born, changing him forever. Another life-changing event was a young man in his circle was followed across three counties by the police and eventually shot to death, reinforcing Coates' knowledge that the world was not safe for black people.

This book was a National Book Award winner and a Pulitzer Prize finalist. Readers who are white will be shocked to read the everyday world of a black man, even one as accomplished as Coates. They hopefully will start to see why there is mistrust between the races and how society and wealth were built by those who often received none of its benefits. Those who are parents will be sobered by a look into the scary world of those who know they cannot protect their children from the prejudice of society. This book is recommended for nonfiction readers and those hoping to understand the gap between races.

Ta-Nehisi Coates tells his son and us, his audience, a powerful story of survival as he questions the messages of America and his place in it as a black man raising a black son.

I can't even write a review of this because I'm so in awe of the beautifully wrought sentences and his lightfooted facility with the very heaviest of difficult truths.

Just read it. You won't be sorry you did.

I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you, Mr. Coates, for letting me listen in on your letter to your son. My reality is very different from your son's reality, but I do try to understand the world I live in. By sharing your lyrical insights, you helped me see, you moved me, you angered me, you made me feel at times big and at times small, you made me feel exasperated, you puzzled me, you spoke to me, you lost me, you made me nod and smile for example when you wrote of your love of books, learning and writing, you wowed me with your crazy clever mind and prose, you made me think and feel, you made me examine myself, you made me examine my friends, neighbours and colleagues, you made me despair and you made me marginally hopeful. Thanks. Your book completely deserves all the recognition it is getting.

Am not reading or reviewing this particular book. I was just granted this wish today September 14, 2017 after I "wished" for it two years ago. I no longer am interested in this book, have already checked it out from the library a year ago and didn't enjoy it.

thank you