Nicholas McCane
To prepare for reading James, I read both The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and now The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. This book was first published in 1884. The book follows Huck as he runs away from his abusive father. He travels with Jim (James) who is a runaway slave. They both encounter a series of incidents as they travel along the Mississippi River. This story is heavy on racism and slavery. They both wanted freedom, which looks completely different for the both of them.
I have avoided this book my entire life, and wouldn’t have read it if I hadn’t wanted to read James so badly. The constant use of the n-word was a bit much, though I expected it. Overall, the story was just okay. I couldn’t wait for it to end. Yes, it captured the time, and yes, it did what it was supposed to do. But it just felt like another American classic that catered to white children. Can’t wait to see what Percival Everett has added to this.
To prepare for reading James, I read both The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and now The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. This book was first published in 1884. The book follows Huck as he runs away from his abusive father. He travels with Jim (James) who is a runaway slave. They both encounter a series of incidents as they travel along the Mississippi River. This story is heavy on racism and slavery. They both wanted freedom, which looks completely different for the both of them.
I have avoided this book my entire life, and wouldn’t have read it if I hadn’t wanted to read James so badly. The constant use of the n-word was a bit much, though I expected it. Overall, the story was just okay. I couldn’t wait for it to end. Yes, it captured the time, and yes, it did what it was supposed to do. But it just felt like another American classic that catered to white children. Can’t wait to see what Percival Everett has added to this.
Overall, it was a decent read, but I was so glad when it was finally over. A memoir or autobiography shouldn’t make you like someone less, but it did here. I always liked Will as a TV and movie star, but he appeared extremely arrogant in this one. He repeatedly reminded us of how famous he is. He kept saying, “I’m the biggest movie star in the world”. And I cringed every time he said it.
I also didn’t like the way he treated women (especially his wives), his family, or his fans. And I think he wanted the reader to sympathize with him. The book was enjoyable, but I think it was too early for him to write a book. Seems like he needs a little more self-reflection. I think he was really being honest, but this was too soon. I used to think Jada was the problem, but no, she’s the victim. By the end, I was exhausted. Sorry, Will, but I couldn’t get jiggy with this.
Overall, it was a decent read, but I was so glad when it was finally over. A memoir or autobiography shouldn’t make you like someone less, but it did here. I always liked Will as a TV and movie star, but he appeared extremely arrogant in this one. He repeatedly reminded us of how famous he is. He kept saying, “I’m the biggest movie star in the world”. And I cringed every time he said it.
I also didn’t like the way he treated women (especially his wives), his family, or his fans. And I think he wanted the reader to sympathize with him. The book was enjoyable, but I think it was too early for him to write a book. Seems like he needs a little more self-reflection. I think he was really being honest, but this was too soon. I used to think Jada was the problem, but no, she’s the victim. By the end, I was exhausted. Sorry, Will, but I couldn’t get jiggy with this.
At least once a month, a try to read a memoir. It’s my favorite genre. This is by far the best one I’ve read in 2025. Her story is raw and heartbreaking. I couple read this one with my chapter mate and page partner (my wife). We listened to the audiobook while we read along with physical copies.
This book will grab you from the first paragraph. It’s raw, honest, heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, and inspirational. We follow Viola Davis’ life from her impoverished childhood to her rise as an award-winning actress. The writing was amazing, and she narrated the audiobook, giving it the cherry on top. This book was incredible. I’ve always been a fan, but I now have an insane amount of respect for her. Check your triggers for this one, please.
Quote: “I owned every single piece of my story. And the moment I claimed it, I was free.”
At least once a month, a try to read a memoir. It’s my favorite genre. This is by far the best one I’ve read in 2025. Her story is raw and heartbreaking. I couple read this one with my chapter mate and page partner (my wife). We listened to the audiobook while we read along with physical copies.
This book will grab you from the first paragraph. It’s raw, honest, heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, and inspirational. We follow Viola Davis’ life from her impoverished childhood to her rise as an award-winning actress. The writing was amazing, and she narrated the audiobook, giving it the cherry on top. This book was incredible. I’ve always been a fan, but I now have an insane amount of respect for her. Check your triggers for this one, please.
Quote: “I owned every single piece of my story. And the moment I claimed it, I was free.”
I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, in a neighborhood called the Back of the Yards (the streets call my neighborhood Moe-Town). It’s right next to Englewood. I was born in 1980. I grew up during the crack epidemic in a neighborhood run by the notorious Almighty Black Peace Stone Rangers. Since drugs, gangs, and crooked police surrounded me, I spent my time dodging bullets and handcuffs.
I had no time to focus on politics, and why Chicago was this way. I just wanted desperately to survive and get out. Author Natalie Y. Moore is a Chicago native (and lifelong south sider) who has written several books about this. Payback (Southside Collection), The South Side, and The Almighty Black P. Stone Nation are a few.
In this book, she gives us the rundown of Chicago. It is told as a blend of memoir and investigative journalism. She talks about the Al Capone days, segregation of schools and neighborhoods, food deserts, poverty, racism, politics, projects, stereotypes, and the beloved Mayor Harold Washington. I read the physical copy as a listened to the audiobook.
I felt like she was talking to me, giving me knowledge that I had always wanted to know. I really enjoyed this read and can’t wait to read her other works.
I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, in a neighborhood called the Back of the Yards (the streets call my neighborhood Moe-Town). It’s right next to Englewood. I was born in 1980. I grew up during the crack epidemic in a neighborhood run by the notorious Almighty Black Peace Stone Rangers. Since drugs, gangs, and crooked police surrounded me, I spent my time dodging bullets and handcuffs.
I had no time to focus on politics, and why Chicago was this way. I just wanted desperately to survive and get out. Author Natalie Y. Moore is a Chicago native (and lifelong south sider) who has written several books about this. Payback (Southside Collection), The South Side, and The Almighty Black P. Stone Nation are a few.
In this book, she gives us the rundown of Chicago. It is told as a blend of memoir and investigative journalism. She talks about the Al Capone days, segregation of schools and neighborhoods, food deserts, poverty, racism, politics, projects, stereotypes, and the beloved Mayor Harold Washington. I read the physical copy as a listened to the audiobook.
I felt like she was talking to me, giving me knowledge that I had always wanted to know. I really enjoyed this read and can’t wait to read her other works.
I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, in a neighborhood called the Back of the Yards (the streets call it Moe-Town). It’s right next to Englewood. I was born in 1980. I grew up during the crack epidemic in a neighborhood run by the notorious Almighty Black Peace Stone Rangers. Since drugs, gangs, and crooked police surrounded me, I spent my time dodging bullets and handcuffs.
I had no time to focus on politics, and why Chicago was this way. I just wanted desperately to survive and get out. Author Natalie Y. Moore is a Chicago native (and lifelong south sider) who has written several books about this. Payback (Southside Collection), The South Side, and The Almighty Black P. Stone Nation are a few.
In this book, she gives us the rundown of Chicago. It is told as a blend of memoir and investigative journalism. She talks about the Al Capone days, segregation of schools and neighborhoods, food deserts, poverty, racism, politics, projects, stereotypes, and the beloved Mayor Harold Washington. I read the physical copy as a listened to the audiobook.
I felt like she was talking to me, giving me knowledge that I had always wanted to know. I really enjoyed this read and can’t wait to read her other works.
I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, in a neighborhood called the Back of the Yards (the streets call it Moe-Town). It’s right next to Englewood. I was born in 1980. I grew up during the crack epidemic in a neighborhood run by the notorious Almighty Black Peace Stone Rangers. Since drugs, gangs, and crooked police surrounded me, I spent my time dodging bullets and handcuffs.
I had no time to focus on politics, and why Chicago was this way. I just wanted desperately to survive and get out. Author Natalie Y. Moore is a Chicago native (and lifelong south sider) who has written several books about this. Payback (Southside Collection), The South Side, and The Almighty Black P. Stone Nation are a few.
In this book, she gives us the rundown of Chicago. It is told as a blend of memoir and investigative journalism. She talks about the Al Capone days, segregation of schools and neighborhoods, food deserts, poverty, racism, politics, projects, stereotypes, and the beloved Mayor Harold Washington. I read the physical copy as a listened to the audiobook.
I felt like she was talking to me, giving me knowledge that I had always wanted to know. I really enjoyed this read and can’t wait to read her other works.