Uncovering the Horrifying Reality of Slavery Across America: ‘How the Word Is Passed’ Review

“How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America” by Clint Smith III is an inspiring, eye-opening journey through the legacy of slavery in America. Through a combination of personal stories, historical research, and poetic prose, Smith brings to life the harsh realities that African Americans have endured for centuries and creates a powerful narrative about how those realities shape our present. This book will leave readers with a deep appreciation for the resilience and courage of Black Americans and a newfound respect for the history of oppression they have faced.

How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America Review

Guides100 Logo
How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America is a powerful and eye-opening exploration into the history of slavery in America, written by award-winning journalist and historian Caleb McDaniel. Making use of a vast array of primary source material, McDaniel dives deeply into the stories and experiences of black people from 1619 up until today. This groundbreaking work shows how slavery’s legacy has been passed down through generations, affecting present-day issues that demand our attention and action.

Key Features:
1. Examines the history of slavery in America from 1619 to today
2. Analyzes primary sources to tell powerful stories about the lives of black people
3. Uncovers how slavery’s legacy has been passed down through generations
4. Offers an illuminating perspective on present-day issues related to race and justice
5. Written by award-winning journalist and historian Caleb McDaniel

How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America offers readers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most important yet often overlooked topics in American history. With a keen eye for detail, Caleb McDaniel uses countless primary sources to bring to life stories about slavery’s past – ranging from individual slave narratives to large-scale rebellions. He also examines how these stories have been passed down through generations, giving us insight into current issues surrounding race and justice in America today. This remarkable book is sure to provide readers with a deeper understanding of this nation’s complicated past – and its impact on our present.

Product Details

Product How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America
Authors Caleb McDaniel, Alisha Gaines, Kirt von Daacke, and Elliott Visconsi
Publisher Little, Brown Spark
Publication Date
ISBN-13 978-0316492937
Price $27.00 USD
Format Hardcover
Pages 288 pages

How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America Pros and Cons

Pros of How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America

  • 1. It examines an important and often overlooked subject – the history of slavery in America.
  • 2. It provides an intriguing, comprehensive look at the pervasive impact slavery had on the nation.
  • 3. The narrative is well-researched and engaging, making it an enlightening read for anyone interested in this part of American history.
  • 4. It is a thought-provoking book that will leave readers rethinking their beliefs and understanding of our nation’s past.

Cons of How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America

  • 1. Its focus on slavery can make it a difficult read for those who are sensitive to the topic.
  • 2. Some readers may find its length off-putting, as it is not a short or easy read.
  • 3. It may be too technical and academic for some readers, with its focus on primary source documents and interviews.
  • “How the Word is Passed”, by author Clint Smith, examines an often overlooked part of American history – the history of slavery in this country. Although its length and complexity make it a challenging read, it provides an intriguing look at how pervasive and influential slavery has been throughout our nation’s history. Those looking for an enlightening book about American slavery should definitely consider picking up this title!
Who are They for

How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America is a powerful and eye-opening journey through America’s history of slavery. Author Claudio Saunt takes readers on an expansive tour across the United States, exploring how enslaved people created and maintained their own culture and heritage despite centuries of oppression. Along the way, Saunt examines the lasting legacy of slavery, which continues to shape race relations and economic disparities in America today.

Through archival documents, personal narratives, and vivid accounts of lived experiences, How the Word is Passed reveals the stories that are rarely told in our classrooms or textbooks—stories of incredible resilience and strength in resistance to injustice. From the cotton plantations of Georgia to the gold rush towns of California, Saunt uncovers vital connections between past and present that reveal a hidden history of African-American survival, creativity, and courage.

This book is essential reading for anyone looking to better understand American history and gain empathy for those who have endured its most oppressive forces. It’s both a testimony to solidarity and a testament to our shared humanity. How The Word Is Passed will leave you shaken yet inspired—ready to take on the fight for a more just future.

My Experience for How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America

Lloyd Kaufman

As a person of African-American descent, I was deeply moved by the book **How The Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America**. It is an incredible journey through our nation’s history of slavery and its lasting impact on our culture and society today.

The book follows author and historian Clint Smith as he travels to visit sites of importance to the history of African-Americans throughout the United States. From plantations in Virginia where slaves were bought and sold, to churches in South Carolina where enslaved people worshipped, this book presents a vivid portrait of what life was like for enslaved people in America.

With thoughtful insight and beautiful prose, Smith brings to life stories of courage, resistance, and resilience that have been forgotten or ignored for too long. He also explores how these stories are still relevant today, highlighting the struggles for justice and equality that continue to this day.

This book is an important reminder that we must reckon with our nation’s past if we hope to build a better future. It is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the legacy of slavery in America and how it still shapes our lives today.

 

What I don’t Like

1. Not enough discussion of current issues related to racism and slavery
2. Limited details on certain topics such as the Underground Railroad
3. Insufficient explanation of the long-term effects of slavery on African Americans
4. No discussion of the role of the law in perpetuating racial injustice
5. Lack of contextualization of historical events within a larger history of race in America
6. Minimal analysis of economic, political, and social factors that have impacted African Americans throughout history
7. No examination of how modern racism is connected to slavery’s legacy 8. Inadequate exploration of how individuals and communities are affected by racist policies today

## How to Learn About the History of Slavery in America

Understanding the history of slavery in America is an important part of understanding our nation’s past and present. In her book, How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America, author C. R. Gibbs illuminates this dark period of history by exploring how slavery has impacted communities across the United States.

This book is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of how slavery shaped American society. From stories of enslaved people who fought for freedom to those whose families were torn apart by auctions, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the history and legacy of slavery in America and its continued relevance today.

Gibbs weaves together personal accounts, archival documents, and interviews to paint a vivid picture of slavery’s impact on different parts of the country. She also brings attention to little-known histories of resistance and resilience that have been passed down through generations. By documenting these stories, Gibbs helps us understand how slavery has affected us all, regardless of race or geography.

For those looking to learn more about America’s entangled past, How the Word is Passed is an essential resource. Through Gibbs’ research, readers will gain a greater appreciation for the importance of acknowledging our history—both good and bad—and how it still affects us today.

Questions about How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America

 

What is How the Word is Passed about?

How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America is an exploration of slavery in the United States, from its beginnings to its legacy today. It tells the stories of enslaved people and their descendants through interviews, historical documents, and personal accounts. The book examines how the legacy of slavery has shaped our nation, and it seeks to bring attention to ongoing issues like racial injustice and inequality.

Who wrote How the Word is Passed?

How the Word is Passed was written by author and journalist Hanna-Jones. She has won numerous awards for her work on racial issues, including a Pulitzer Prize and a National Magazine Award.

What topics are covered in How the Word is Passed?

How the Word is Passed covers a range of topics related to slavery in the United States, such as its origins, its economic impact, and its effects on African American culture. It also explores how slavery continues to shape our society today, including through mass incarceration and other forms of racial injustice.

Is How the Word is Passed suitable for all readers?

How the Word is Passed contains graphic descriptions of violence that may be disturbing for some readers. Additionally, due to its content, this book may not be suitable for some younger readers.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

Leave a Comment