This is an easy dose in audio - Gladwell makes for a great narrator and he does a fine job leading one down the path he's laid out. I appreciate the mThis is an easy dose in audio - Gladwell makes for a great narrator and he does a fine job leading one down the path he's laid out. I appreciate the myth of the self-made man being taken down a notch but I can't decide if I appreciate the manner in which this is hinting at privilege without actually calling it out. It's all there; Gladwell details how the luck of his great grandmother being bought in Jamaica rather than the US where slave mistresses were valued and their offspring treated like true progeny, and then all the advantages of citizenship, land-ownership, and powerful employment (lawyers, doctors, politicians) given to these lighter-skinned sons & daughters of slaves provided him manifold advantages over other descendants of the island despite all the claims he could make to his disadvantages. But he doesn't push any further. And all the examples of extreme success given in this tale are men - there is a reason for that.
I listened to this after subscribing to Gladwell's "Revisionist History" podcast. He has interesting interests and, as stated before, a great voice for storytelling. ...more
Incredibly well written and well-thought out, while still engaging and fascinating. I couldn't pick a favorite essay because every one is excellent anIncredibly well written and well-thought out, while still engaging and fascinating. I couldn't pick a favorite essay because every one is excellent and every topic completely essential.
Roxane Gay presents a series of critical essays ranging on topics both personal and global. She discusses the appeal and consequences of 50 Shades of Gray with as much seriousness and aplomb as she addresses women's health issues though perhaps with different tones. Many of the topics are ones she makes me think "yeah, why aren't we talking about this ALL THE TIME!?" because they are so critical and troubling and she also addresses head-on why these aren't the national conversations that they should be. She shines a light on topics desperately needing the attention. Even when I don't agree with her or think she is perhaps too harsh on a person, piece of entertainment or intention, I still thought her commentary needs to be heard and considered. And I will admit that in at least one occasion I burned with shame for the opinion I had previously held without seeing the seemingly glaring problems with them. There was definitely a Plato's cave moment for me that I cannot (nor would I want to) undo. ...more
I do not know why but my 15month old makes me read this to her over and over and over. we start again the minute we hit "Night" at the end. I think itI do not know why but my 15month old makes me read this to her over and over and over. we start again the minute we hit "Night" at the end. I think it is because the pictures are kids and the words are very basic and she can comprehend what is happening.
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