The Book of Baraka

by Ras Baraka, Jelani Cobb

In this innovative and ground-breaking Audible Original, hear how Ras Baraka—the mayor of Newark, New Jersey—grew from spoken-word artist to school principal to successful politician. Mixing prose and poetry, musical interludes and powerful soliloquies, Ras explores his life in-depth, including stories about his father, poet Amiri Baraka, and his personal encounters with jazz singer Nina Simone and hip-hop superstar Lauryn Hill—who famously featured him on her debut album. This is the story of how one man found his voice—and how each of us can find our own calling.

Baraka’s story begins at home in Newark. He was raised in a house of art and politics, passion and provocation. His father was one of the most influential and controversial poets of the 1970s and filled his home with ardent activists, lively debates, and conversations unlike any on his block—a powerful combination that influences him to this day.

Baraka’s story is a deeply personal history that reflects a generation and a movement, vividly capturing a tumultuous period of political and social struggle and ultimately, boundless hope and renewal. The tale is co-authored by acclaimed writer Jelani Cobb, a staff writer at The New Yorker and a professor at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. Experience this exclusive, first-of-its kind telling of Baraka's journey from poet to principal to peacemaker, through his own powerful, inspiring words.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook

Audiobook

Published February 24, 2022

Reviews

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook offers a glimpse into Newark history as well as the present. It seems like the 60s were so long ago, but truth is a lot of young people have lived through such strong movements and have become current leaders.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ras Baraka is an intriguing figure in that he honors the legacy of father and the needs of his community, yet tries to reconcile the complexities of his father’s at times controversial perspectives with the pragmatism of an elected official. There are similarities between the men, both were poets, both were educators, both possess considerable oratorical abilities, and both addressed social and racial issues. Ras inherited a literary legacy which is apt to make some prejudge him, and indeed even his name itself recalls a character from Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man who had been inspired by Marcus Garvey. Sadly, Amiri Baraka died before Ras achieved a victory in the Newark mayoral race, so we will never know the extent to which the father would have accepted his son’s pragmatism.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ras Baraka is the 40th mayor of Newark and he has quite a story. I have heard him speak a few times and found him quite inspirational. His story is quite exceptional and I enjoyed learning more about his roots and how he is continuing his family legacy.

This audiobook was really well done. The choices in publishing his story were unique I really enjoyed the media clips, music, and poetry.

All in all it was a great way to spend an hour learning something new.

[Aisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Audible original offers a compelling and often raw look into the life and evolution of a significant figure in American literature and activism.

What stands out is the intimate portrayal of his formative years. The book takes a unique and creative approach in discussing how his parents and the environment of his upbringing directly inspired his future efforts to impact and improve his community through his writing and political engagement.

This personal context adds a rich layer to the narrative, making Baraka's journey all the more resonant. While the book can be challenging in its honesty and intensity, it ultimately offers valuable insight into the development of a powerful voice for social change.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally, I found this fascinating. I learned more about Baraka and his father. Truth to tell, I picked this because of his father. I stayed because of the compelling story the author told. Worth listening to.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. It was a very well done audiobook. Interesting for the ears with a variety of interview clips, music, poetry, and narration.

[Elaine Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found out about things I didn't know.

[Ben M · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[Simon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad, but not great.

[SHA · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an audiobook. Interesting life story, albeit short, of the life of Ras Baraka. Would recommend.