Assata by Assata Shakur

Synopsis: Personal narrative of a black female activist

Writing Style: Passionate

Pacing: FAST.

Personal Highlights: Assata, first and foremost, tells one heck of a story. Raised between Wilmington, North Carolina and Queens, New York she grows up in what I define as a middle class family. Her grandparents own land and introduce her to a rich life; that being rich in principles and experiences. Her mother, also rooted in the same principles and experiences, tries to steer her daughter to a path where she can realize ‘the American dream.’

Except this was a time when young people like Assata were not seeing it, feeling it and having none of it. Incensed about the visual disparities between the black and white race in America (during the 60’s/70’s) is the nexus of this harsh passionate story made palatable by Assata’s hungry desire to fight. Most memorable, aside from her family and people like Miss Shirley, Lil Bit and many other interesting background stories surrounding this event, was Aunt Evelyn. God Bless/ed Aunt Evelyn!!! This is a book to read, particularly for young people interested in studying law, history or social sciences. There are many arguments in this memoir worth reviewing, learning from and respecting.