Proust or Plato

My Grandfather's Son is a candid memoir by Clarence Thomas, detailing his life from his early childhood in the Deep South to his appointment as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. The book explores his upbringing by his grandparents, his educational journey, and his career in law and government, including his tumultuous Supreme Court confirmation hearings.

In 'On Juneteenth', Annette Gordon-Reed delves into the complex history of Texas and the event of Juneteenth, which marks the day when Major General Gordon Granger announced the end of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865. The book is a blend of historical essays and memoir, examining the treatment of African Americans in Texas from the Spanish conquest to the present. Gordon-Reed challenges the myth of heroic white Texans and highlights the integral role of slavery in the formation of the Republic of Texas. She also shares her personal experiences growing up in a segregated Texas and her role in integrating public schools. The book explores the ongoing struggle for racial equality and the significance of Juneteenth as a national holiday, symbolizing the long journey towards racial justice in America.