First published 2021
Ta-Nehisi Coates' memoir follows his adolescence in 1980s Baltimore. Navigating a troubled family life and the dangers of his neighborhood, the young Coates grapples with his identity and the social forces that shape his community. As he strives for academic success, he must also confront the harsh realities of police brutality, drug addiction, and the tragic loss of friends. Through it all, Coates discovers the power of reading and writing to make sense of the world around him. At its core, this is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the fierce love of a mother for her son.
Genres: african-american, coming-of-age, autobiography, non-fiction, biography-memoir, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family
176 pages · Paperback · Ember
Content warnings: addiction, drug-use