Read Until You Understand: The Profound Wisdom of Black Life and Literature

Not what I anticipated but better. Very well written. Fleshes out themes in African American lit with personal notes and cross references to many important titles. I had little background in the genre and so I learned. The title choice is made clear but it is also an instruction. I took it slowly, chapter by chapter, referring back as needed, until I "understood ".I would slot this book into high school AP or freshman college level (just me who is not an educator).

In Read Until You Understand, Farah Jasmine Griffin sets her Black literature discussion against her life, most notably her father. When Griffin's father died when she was nine years old, he left a large library of Black literature, both older works and more current items. He used the phrase "Read until you understand," which Griffin takes to heart.I expected an overview of the literature so that I, too, could read until I understood. That is not what I got. Instead, I received a family history with sprinklings from many works, some on the history of Black literature in the United States, some on the movements of the 60s and 70s, and some as it related to her life.I listened to an Audible version of this book, and while I listened, I wondered if there was a list of sources covered. I ended up bringing home the physical book from the library. There were a number of references and indices, but no reading list. Since I had only read two of the many books she discusses (only briefly), I was disappointed.As the narrator, Griffin was superb, and if this book had been what I had expected, I would have been able to give it another star. I feel the book's description was very much lacking.I read a lot and was shocked that the only titles with which I had familiarity were BELOVED and A RAISIN IN THE SUN. I have so many on my reading list, I had hoped to be better guided.

It’s always great to read such a fine work, especially when the reader knows the players who were mentioned throughout. I know “Jazzy” from way back and know what good stock she comes from. Well done and well worth the investment of time and funds. I look forward to her next work. Keep ‘em comin’ Lil Sis. Mr. Emerson would be so proud of you, as are the folks from 21st and Pierce. I thank you for allowing me a much-needed stroll down memory lane.

Reading this book is like being in the authors class in college at the beginning, but becomes very personal. It is an easy read that is well written and gives you a window into her life and the lives of those in her family. I'm a little older than the author and it brings back memories from my childhood as I also lost a father at a young age and can relate to her and her family's history. Though I am white and never had the specter of race while growing up.... so that is an eye opener.Highly recommended.

Really challenged my understanding of the realities of life. Life with grace, beauty, love, and hope. Truths revealed among the marginalized people of our world, universal truths, not only those known to our Black neighbors. Looking away, we lose so much.

A beautifully written book that examines and celebrates some of our nation’s most significant and beloved literature and music through the lens of cherished concepts such as mercy, justice and grace. Farrah Jasmine Griffin also shares the amazing gifts she was given by her father when he shared his love for the arts, politics and history with his daughter at a very young age.

As a recommendation from a friend I really appreciate this style of writing. The stories, people, places and events are still very fresh in my consciousness. I've lived every bit of what Farah writes and recall every experience that my own family lived in Newark and East Orange New Jersey. Excellent resource and reference for those that seek to know about the wisdom of our people.

Everyone should read this amazing book. I brought extra copies for my friends. It was a dance through history and life. Beautifully stated and kept me connected to this wonderfully written book.