American education tends to gloss over so much history, especially when it comes to people of color (and clearly we only seem to be getting worse). This book dismantles the oversimplified, whitewashed narratives we’re often taught and presents and unfiltered look at Black resistance. 

We are often taught, indirectly, that when it comes to violent vs nonviolent resistance there is a right way and a wrong way and only certain people will ever be entitled to violent resistance. However, the author shows how violence is necessary for self-defense and survival, backing it up with incredible research and sharp analysis. The pacing was strong, and every chapter had something that made me stop and really sit with what I’d just learned.

The audiobook, read by the author by the way, was phenomenal. You can hear the emotion in her voice, making the experience even more powerful. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone wanting a deeper, more honest understanding of history.