Esil's Reviews > The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About Race
The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About Race
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The Fire This Time blew me away. It’s an odd experience to read a collection of essays that’s hard to put down – reading past my bedtime, early in the morning, and at my desk at lunch. Why? The incredibly timely subject is only part of it – the writing and the personal quality of the essays is what had me glued to this collection. Inspired by James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time, the editor has collected a series of personal essays and poems written by African Americans about race in the US today. The writers speak from personal experience, about the experience of parents and grandparents, about reactions to recent acts of police brutality and other ways in which racism remains pervasive, about the limited hope brought by Obama’s election, and about fear and hope for children and generations to come. So many of the essays were superbly written – many having a feel of spoken word poetry – expressing anger, frustration and fear, but somehow resonating with positive energy. These essays are ridiculously timely and should be read by anyone of any race in the US and elsewhere – but really, unfortunately, these essays have been timely for years... Not all essays were 5 stars, but most were. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
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Candi
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Thanks Candi. It's definitely one to add. It comes out next week.
Thanks Jen, and unfortunately relevant to Canada in some ways.
Thanks Barbara. That's very kind of you. I tried to keep it short, but there is definitely a lot to discuss and think about in these essays. It's definitely worth adding.
Thanks Robbie. Silly me. It didn't occur to me to look for other books by this author. Now you've piqued me interest. I hope you read this one soon. I would love to know what you think.
Thanks Diane! Sounds like a good plan although I challenge you to stop at one essay! I couldn't stop at one. Looking forward to your review.
Thanks Cheri. I'm looking forward to seeing what you and others think about this one.
Thanks Debbie. You should definitely read it. I think it's still available on NG for a few days :)