3.5 out of 4 stars.

Coates is able to convey his strong passion through the pages of “Between the World and Me” but with a calm and rational-like tone. I believe this is the best way to deliver such a difficult topic to a variety of readers. In this case the issue is that of race, racism, and the reality of what is going on around us in the US.

I write this review as a white female from a middle class family. This book is written from a working class black father to his black son about what he believe society is going through today and has been going through since he was a young boy himself.

It seems from my statements above that there is no possible way that Coates could have written and published this letter with the intent of wanting me to read it. However, after finishing it up and reflecting on all the strong points that were mentioned, I believe that I am exactly who he is writing to. I am someone who is not black and needs to understand that I have been living in a society that doesn’t always promote the truth.

I need to realize that although we as a country recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day that  I am still growing up in a time with cases like, Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, and Freddie Gray. The hard pill to swallow is that for every step forward that is renowned publicized we as a country take 3 steps back that are attempted to be covered up.

Do I believe that Coates wishes he could not have the material to write this book? Do I think he wishes he could give up all the awards he has received for being such an activist of the black culture? Do I think he wishes his son didn’t have relive similar issues that he went through? Yes, I know for sure that if Coates had the ability he would want nothing more than to wipe all this soot from America that is corrupters and lies within our police force and beyond. It seems his main dream is to live a life that is freedom to walk through the streets of the US without fear. Fear that nothing is what it seems and it only takes one racism act to lose a life. He wishes it could be like when he visited Paris and there was a carefree-vibe in the air.

Coates mentions that it is really difficult for one person to make a difference. However, I disagree. I think him dedicating his entire life to spreading the word that although it is easier to say we have made strides it is better to realize each and every day that some people come out of the gate more privileged than others just by their skin color. Unfortunately this is still a fact despite what others are saying has changed.

We need to walk around with empathy and awareness that it takes a lot more than propaganda to feel calm with our surroundings. Truth is the only answer we can respond to because it is what is actually going on. Although it is difficult for one person to make a difference it could save a life if that one person realizes they were just a few feet away from being part of the divide of slavery as well. If Hispanic George Zimmerman was able to comprehend the reality of prejudice than maybe he would realize that although he is not black he and Trayvon are both people that are at risk of mistreatment by the society that America has created.

Please, spread this book’s message along with your friends. I don’t care if you don’t believe in what Coates or I are saying. It is our duty to educate ourselves in all aspects of opinions because we are not born with the answers. We learn from our neighbors, classmates, friends, family, and citizens.