What readers think of The Message, plus links to write your own review.

The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates was my first real encounter with his work, having first heard about it through the controversy surrounding this very book. It left a lasting impression. His writing is both incisive and deeply articulate, offering an examination of the complex moral boundaries between right and wrong. This work is a page-turner, yet its depth demands both attention and respect, intertwining empathy and hope throughout its narrative. Coates not only speaks to the hope of reparations for the descendants of slavery but extends this hope to all victims of injustice, making his message universally resonant.

I personally listened to the audiobook, narrated by Coates himself, and it added another layer of depth to the experience. Hearing his voice, filled with emotion and empathy, made his words even more powerful, allowing me to feel the weight of his reflections which may be gleaned while reading in between the words of his book if you pay attention.

One of the most moving aspects of this collection is his essay on Palestine. It stands out as a profoundly touching piece, where Coates recounts his personal journey, both physical and emotional, that allowed him to listen to the voices of those who have suffered under oppression. His ability to draw connections between different struggles for justice reveals the expansive nature of his empathy.

Coates’ mastery of language is unparalleled. His choice of words draws you into his experiences, enabling readers to live through his moments, his thoughts, and his emotions. His writing is not only beautiful but also carries a profound love for humanity that shines through each page.

For those seeking an honest, empathetic perspective on the fight for justice, Coates’ work is essential reading. It is a testament to the power of words and the transformative potential of literature in fostering understanding and compassion.

With The Message, Ta-Nehisi Coates returns to essays. Initially meant to explore the art of writing, the book broadens out into an exploration of stories - those we learn and those we tell ourselves.

In The first essay, he goes to Africa for the first time and finds himself consistently drawn not just into the myths told to sanction slavery but also the myths that Black Americans told themselves about their Afrocentric utopia.

Next, Coates addresses methods of teaching, the need to teach students to be active, not passive. As I’ve always said, we need to teach students how to think, not just memorize. But, of course, Coates points out that’s exactly what White Supremacists don’t want, especially the Orange One who wrote Executive Order 13950. Because god forbid, white folks feel “discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress on account of his or her race”. And while that Order was rescinded, way too many states have used it as a model.

And finally, Coates travels to Palestine, where he compares the Palestinian situation to the second class status of Blacks in America. He writes of the myth Americans are fed vs. the reality he sees. In light of the current war, I found this the most timely and thought provoking.

This is what I love about Coates. He makes me think, he makes me question things I thought I understood. Unlike the South Carolina politicians, I want to be made to feel uncomfortable. I want to be thinking about what I’ve read days later. Coates has accomplished that.

My thanks to Netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.