The Beautiful Struggle: A Father, Two Sons, and an Unlikely Road to Manhood by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Overall, the group had a favorable reaction.

Some appreciated what they learned about an unfamiliar culture, some appreciated that they were inspired to learn more, and some were reminded of their past interactions with the culture.

Compliments:

• poetic writing
• interesting story
• informative
• many of the girls appreciated the mother and the way the story framed her

Criticisms:

• a little disjointed
• would have liked a little more background or context for someone less familiar with the culture and/or history

Additional comments:

• although the book spends a lot of time discussing the author's older brother, Bill, he was not in the acknowledgments at the end and wondered about that omission.  We also noticed the other acknowledgments and how those to the mother & father were worded.
• most commented that, although this might not have been a book that they would have selected to read on their own, having read it, they would definitely recommend it to others to read.
• there were moments throughout - brief moments - where the story dragged a little, but on the whole, it moved forward quickly and with ease.

it turns out, it is difficult to write on behalf of other readers... next time I'll take notes :)