Survival Math

Notes on an All-American Family

De: Mitchell Jackson

Narrado por: Mitchell Jackson

ONE OF TIME’S 100 BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR
ONE OF NPR’S BEST BOOKS OF 2019
ONE OF BUZZFEED’S BEST BOOKS OF 2019

An electrifying, dazzlingly written reckoning and an essential addition to the national conversation about race and class, Survival Math takes its name from the calculations award-winning author Mitchell S. Jackson made to survive the Portland, Oregon of his youth.

This dynamic book explores gangs and guns, near-death experiences, sex work, masculinity, composite fathers, the concept of “hustle,” and the destructive power of addiction—all framed within the story of Jackson, his family, and his community. Lauded for its breathtaking pace, its tender portrayals, its stark candor, and its luminous style, Survival Math reveals on every page the searching intellect and originality of its author. The primary narrative, focused on understanding the antecedents of Jackson’s family’s experience, is complemented by poems composed from historical American documents as well as survivor files, which feature photographs and riveting short narratives of several of Jackson’s male relatives. The sum of Survival Math’s parts is a highly original whole, one that reflects on the exigencies—over generations—that have shaped the lives of so many disenfranchised Americans. As essential as it is beautiful, as real as it is artful, Mitchell S. Jackson’s nonfiction debut is a singular achievement, not to be missed.

Not meant for me.

Over my head with this one. Beautifully written, but not meant for me as audience. English is not my first language, but I do only read and listen to books in English and do not consider myself having difficulty reading most books, but the language in this one was so academic that I had to look up so so many words. I gave up and just listened and got the overall meaning. Had that not been the case I would have given this one 4 stars.

Also horrible narrator. Hard to follow and not fall asleep to.

A unique approach to memoir

the author/narrator did a great job telling the stories. The stories are heartbreaking and inspirational

Best Book I’ve Read in 2019

Mitchell Jackson is a great writer who has put his life stories into print. As a Portland, OR native, I could visualize each scene as he creatively tells his story in this book. I read this book but it was even more powerful listening to Mitchell read it. Loved it!

Stories of mistreated women

If one wants to feel repulsed of how men treated women, go ahead and read it. It is sad how women were treated in so many interactions listed in these stories. Then I wonder the purpose of the book, redemption?

highly recommend

I heard an interview with Mitchell on NPR and decided to get his book. A great listen and interesting story. I dont finish a lot of books (even on Audible). This one I did. His reading was a tad slow for my liking, but adjusted to 1.25x was perfect for me and I liked that he narrates it himself.

Fast 10 Slow 20

Incredible Read. Exemplifies so many our real life experiences growing up. Illustration of the challenges navigating Fatherhood differently than the way in which we may have been raised by our Dad’s.

Interesting

So the story is about Portland and if don’t know the area you might get skeptical about some of his stories. I know the area and I really enjoyed the detailed way that it was written this is one of those books to keep and reread. Great book

A window into another part of my hometown

Mitchell Jackson had a wonderful way with words. His mashup of academian vernacular and words from the streets is artful and endlessly enjoyable.

I grew up in the same place and there were parts of my life I saw in Jackson’s. There were also parts of Jackson’s story that was so different from my own it was like we lived in two separate towns. Which, in a way, we did thanks to an accumulation of institutionalized racism.

A beautiful telling of a complete story. Jackson shares the all the parts, pretty and shameful, gentle and violent, sincerely. The thing I appreciate most about the telling of this story is the appreciation of process. We are all somewhere on our journey and will never be finished.

Author a terrible narrator!

I think this might have been a good book if the author left the narration to someone else.

Souls of Black Folk in Modern Day

This is one of the most important books of our time. He spoke to my soul and I can’t wait to learn more from his teachings.