The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates

The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates frames his writing and teaching careers around his observations in an almost conversational manner that feels more intimate than I expected. The Message centers three experiences that highlight Coates coming to terms with his evolving beliefs while using his writing to shine a light on the world in which we live. While Coates's evolution on Palestine has garnered the most attention in the media, all three sections of the book pull together the message he's conveying. I felt like I was experiencing Senegal with him including his moments of self-questioning. His trip to South Carolina to sit in on a meeting where the local citizens were standing up against a ban of one of his books reminded me both that there are good and bad people everywhere and just how important books are. The Message pulled me in to each of Coates's experiences and also his struggle with the evolution of his beliefs when he finds them challenged by the reality he experiences and inspired me to be open to exploring the foundation of my own beliefs more often.


 Currently Reading:


How Not to Age: The Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older by Michael Gregor, Md.

Collected Works of Kahlil Gibran



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