The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration

I can't imagine why a previous reviewer regards this book as poorly written. I beg to differ; it's a masterful work of non-fiction which has been recognized as such by important critics and award committees. If the objection is, I've heard all this before, consider that Isabel Wilkerson isn't necessarily addressing scholars. This book brings a critical component of American history to those of us who have heard little, if anything, about the Great Migration, neglected as it has been in public education. The book is eminently readable, thanks to the novelistic way her three principal characters are brought to life. Their individual stories illustrate the complex motivations, means and outcomes of Great Migration participants. Fascinating, compelling, thought-provoking, and expertly narrated--I can't recommend it highly enough.

This book, which richly deserves National Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction, is a beautifully written history. The author, Isabel Wilkerson, does not take the statistically-intense route in explaining one of the most important (yet often forgotten) history events in 20th century US history. Rather, she follows three families in their migration from Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana/Georgia, to northern homes in NY, Chicago and Los Angeles. Along the way, the reader gets a full biography of 6 "ordinary" people, their extended families, their life in the south, the transition to the north, living in the north, and the ends of their lives. Wilkerson does a good job interspersing in this fascinating set of tales the statistical and other evidence about the migration in general. While showing the common and distinct elements experience by these individuals and families. The books nicely toggles back & forth between the 3 families, without getting irritating or confusing. The narration is also excellent.

We took this audio book along with us on our vacation that entailed being in the car for 36 hours. My husband had a particular interest in the subject matter since his parents met after making the African-American migration from Alabama to Ohio in the early 1940's. We were drawn into the stories of the main characters as soon as they appeared on the page. We marveled at the amount and quality of the difficult research that must have gone into the making of the book. Our vacation took us to the rocky mountains and the glorious fall foliage but we couldn't wait to get back in the car so we could listen to more. Our hope is that Ms.Wilkerson doesn't stop here with her documentation of other little know american histories. Also note; Robin Miles was most enjoyable to listen to and had a particular knack for identifying each character with her interpretation of their spoken word. Will listen to again!

One of the best audiobooks I've ever listened to.

In the Garden of Beasts. History lessons in the form of a novel really interest me. The reader gets to enjoy a book and an education.

No.

No.

This book was a great lesson in American history. Although it was mostly a sad part of US history it gave the reader some insight into the Black experience.

Informative and incredibly moving--I had to hold back tears on multiple occasions! One of the best nonfiction works I've ever read.

I was anxious to read (listen to) this book. The concept is wonderful and the prose is literary. The problem is the repetitiousness. Over and over. There was one paragraph where she paraphrased someone's reaction to a situation and then quoted the person. The repetition adds nothing and detracts considerably. If I was reading this, I would skim through those sections, but by listening, you can't do this. The best way to listen to this book is to do so with long periods in between. That way, the repetition would be nice reminders rather than something that makes you begin talking back to the narration.

Good book that was especially interesting in the first half detailing the reasons for Blacks making the migration North and West. I was at times extremely embarrassed and angry at the behavior of Whites towards a people that are just trying to find a better life. It helped me understand the reasons why Black neighorhoods in the North evolved like the did----because African Americans were forced into these costly, crowded and often crime ridden areas. Great historical read and something than my pre-teens will be listenting to soon.

The great migration was not a part of history covered in any of my history classes. This is a book all Americans, whatever ethnicity or background, should read. It is a piece of our history we should all know. This book was extraordinarily well written and extremely well narrated. For how long it is, it never felt long - I listened to it in record time, and felt compelled to listen all the time. Highly highly recommend.

the results of immigration may be beneficial
immigrant's children may live better lives than their parents
but the immigrant's life is fundamentally sad and difficult

to be born in a land intent on your ignorance and degradation and death
to move to a new land where you are again at the bottom of the order
all of this makes for an indelibly unhappy and weary tale

what makes the people of the great migration (1915 - 1975) notable ?
the immigrants were never more than a 24 - 48 hour train ride from the old country
most of their relationship were not good/bad or yes/no but more love/hate

could you count on other blacks to help you in your struggle ?
the white people you met along the way were helpful or hurtful ?
did you want to sever ties with the old south or bring it with you ?

once you got to where you were going would you be allowed to assimilate ?
blacks are law abiding or criminal / church going or drug users ?
the " little bit of both " answers to these questions are explored in the book

the tone of the story is at times naive and unnecessarily academic
the text is oddly repetitive with entire sentences appearing 2 or 3 times
statistics are quoted at length to shift the blame of urban blight to someone else

the characters presented seem at times to be unreachably noble or sincere
the truth is that they weren't always the brightest or kindest people
what they did have was a relentless bravery and determination

the slavery system of the south was a lie built on a lie
it could only be maintained with a constant threat of violence and humiliation
once the system ended we blamed those that endured it for it's inevitable consequences

the great migration changed the south and the industrial north forever
the african-american tide now seems to be flowing in the opposite direction
all of that makes it an even more timely story to tell

I felt like this dragged on and on. And repetitive! Oh my. I did learn things and for that reasons I'm glad I listened and finished it. But I didn't love the writing and found the repetitiveness insulting.