Between the World and Me: Sidekick

by Clarity Hawkins

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER "Between the World and Me," by Ta-nehisi Coates is a modern pillar in American literature. In the form of a letter, Coates manages to address American race relations in the past, present, and future. While the letter contains a wealth of information and insight, so much can be easily lost through his constant wavering between discussion and story.
 
This sidekick to "Between the World and Me" has done the work of combing through the book for you and offers a crisp explanation of every major theme. Broken into chapters, the reader can easily follow themes along through each chapter by referencing the included quotations. A summary of each chapter is also provided as a refresher.
 
The full poems and essays referenced in the epigraph and in each chapter are provided with a concise analysis allowing the reader to understand Coates' choices and their reflection of the rest of the book. A read through Coates' best seller isn't nearly a mind opening as when read alongside the sidekick. You'll put down "Between the World and Me" feeling enlivened by your understanding of the complexities of racism in America and of the various ways Coates talks about it.
 
While reading this sidekick you'll have the chance to:
 
Delve deeper into the major themes of the novel
 
Analyze the full works of each poem and essay mentioned and their relation to the letter
 
Get to know the authors Coates admires
 
Grow your understanding of the allusions and references
 
Arm yourself with the tools to discuss this book with confidence
 
Disclaimer: This book serves as an accompaniment to the bestseller "Between the World and me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates. It is meant to broaden the reader's understanding of the book and to offer some insights which can easily be overlooked. You should order a copy of the actual book before reading this.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Anti Racist

28 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2015

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want to make very clear that this review is for the "Sidekick" to Between the World and Me, written by Clarity Hawkins, and not the Ta-Nehisi Coates book itself. The latter I enjoyed and gave 4 stars to, the former I found quite pointless and to be of very poor quality. I can only assume that most of the reviews that give Clarity Hawkins' book an average rating of over 4/5 at the time of writing were intended for Coates book, possibly because the cover of the Hawkins book has been designed to resemble Coates' in many ways. I am not sure, however what connection there is, if any between the two books.
Ms Hawkins seems to spend most of the book describing what would be quite obvious from reading Coates' book with any degree of attention. The inclusion of the full poems and essay that are referred to by Coates is a positive, but could easily have been found online (as illustrated by the brief and incomplete references given by Hawkins), and beyond that I found little benefit in reading this short book, which none the less managed to include a number of typos, grammatical errors and misconceptions.
Physically, the book seemed to have been produced very cheaply, and in such a way as to suggest an association with Coates' book, and the layout within the book was at times bizarre. It has been very poorly edited, if it has been at all, and does not go into any great detail about aspects of Coates' book that would have been quite interesting. I am also none the wiser as to what the "Bonus Inside" referred to on the cover actually is. I fear this book has more to do with making money than with having any analytical or artistic merit.

[Helen Machuga · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 Excellent prose, difficult to read, important to read. As I was reading, especially the last several pages, I could hear the questions and anguish in the voices of black female journalists after Trayvon Martin's death, living the difficulty of keeping their privileged, wealthy, educated, good sons safe from the forces of this country.

"It is truly horrible to understand yourself as the essential below of your country." Yes, it is.

As long as the answer to nonwhite deviance, whether criminal, mental, or just behavior, is unprovoked and unpunished death more often than not, it will continue to be incredibly horrible. Hopefully, we as a nation can come together and somehow make this better..

[Dalila Zelkanovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A contemporary framework for understanding what it means to be a person of color in America. Coates shares his candid experience of trying to find his place in a nonsensical world. A must read, especially during times like these. I found myself sticky-noting pages, attempting to linger onto every passage.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

[Kareen Ndema · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book written by us, for us. Every person of colour should read this.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read recommended by a friend. In the current climate of America I think it is a good conversation starter and read for the majority. I'm sad for the author though as I think he lacks spirituality in his life. He would be wise to learn from a respected person in his life, the mother of Prince Jone, Dr. Jones. Although her life has been fraught with sadness and injustice it appears that she has come to a place of forgiveness and peace without losing her desire to fight onward in a Martin Luther King, Jr. manner of love. A lot of truth in this book that many of us "Dreamers" become uncomfortable with facing. Overall a good book.

[Darcy Oakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times heartbreaking, soulful, inspirational, educational, incendiary and always thought-provoking. Incredibly well-written, engaging and readable. So much of the book I wanted to highlight, refer back to later, or otherwise tattoo on my brain. An incredible memoir and letter to his son. It should be required reading, for all of us, but especially us "Dreamers".

[Clare Hebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written as a letter to his son, this book is a compilation of personal story, historical recount, interviews and theorizing. The prose is beautiful, and the story is one that must be read. It gave a perspective I have not, could not, ever experience. Reading is the only way to even begin to understand.

[Bobbie Albrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all humans

[Majboyz63 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that ALL of America should read ... twice! If you are honest enough to open yourself up to what is said, you will not look at America’s past, present and future the same way.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read, poweful and poignant.

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful. Highly recommended

[Leroy Brookens · Rating 1 out of 5]

I rate this book 0.
I was able to listen to only the first 12 minutes. Michael Brown was a druggie thug - not a holy martyr.
This author is delusional and dangerous.

[Ranger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Difficult message, well worth reading. It wandered a bit and I think I may read it again to gain some clarity.

[Teiko Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

so wonderfully gratifying. Not finished but had to say something.

[D Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent prose and thoughtful material.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for this woman who believes herself to be white.
I listened again. still much for me to learn.

[Donovan Miske · Rating 5 out of 5]

everyone in the world should read this book

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We knew that we did not lay down the direction of the street, but despite that, we could - and must - fashion the way of our walk. p. 67

You have been cast into a race in which the wind is always at your face and the hounds are always at your heels. And to varying degrees this is true of all life. The difference is that you do not have the privilege of living in ignorance of this essential fact. p.107

The people who believe that they are white can never be your measuring stick. p.108

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

outstanding