Yahdon Israel: "Faustian Bargains"

Between the World and Me is a personal and literary exploration of America's racial history. Written as a series of letters to his 15-year-old son, Samori, Ta-Nehisi Coates reflects on his own experiences growing up in Baltimore, his education at Howard University, and his career as a journalist. The book delves into the realities of being Black in America, including the historical and ongoing impacts of slavery, segregation, police brutality, and mass incarceration. Coates shares personal anecdotes and historical insights to prepare his son for the challenges he will face as a Black man in America, while also offering a broader critique of American society and its treatment of Black bodies. The book is a powerful and emotional exploration of identity, history, and the struggle for racial justice.

In *Nobody Knows My Name: More Notes of a Native Son*, James Baldwin presents a powerful collection of essays that delve into the complexities of racial identity, American society, and the role of the writer. The book includes reflections on his experiences in Europe and the United States, as well as critiques of prominent literary figures like Norman Mailer and Richard Wright. It is a continuation of his earlier work *Notes of a Native Son*, offering profound insights into the American experience.