South to America
Book description
WINNER OF THE 2022 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR NONFICTION
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“An elegant meditation on the complexities of the American South—and thus of America—by an esteemed daughter of the South and one of the great intellectuals of our time. An inspiration.” —Isabel Wilkerson
An essential, surprising journey…
Why read it?
2 authors picked South to America as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Growing up in the South and having a penchant for writing about racial justice, genealogy, travel, truth-telling, and more, this book is among the top ones on my favorite list. The South is more complicated than many think. Along with the racists and bigots, there are plenty of really smart people who are progressive and thoughtful. Good writers sprout like the wild primroses in Alabama. I liked how Perry stirs together history with her travels and her own dear ancestors.
Perry starts her explorations with Harper’s Ferry, which brought back my vivid memories of its spectacular scenery. It still holds…
From Marcia's list on genealogy and racial justice for truth.
Be ready for a tourist ride to the ghostly pasts of Appalachia, Louisville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, Memphis, Mobile, New Orleans, and Havana.
Perry brings us the present vitality of each location and then shows how the spirit of place has deep sources in America’s complex and contentious history of race. Another National Book Award Winner, South to America showcases Perry’s gifts as both historian and poet crafting a prose that hums and sings on each page.
From Gregg's list on recovering lost histories.
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