All I can say is that this is an incredibly moving work that touched me deeply as a human being. I can only thank the author for sharing his thoughts and experiences in such a profound way. I’m not sure if the message is one of hope or despair… I feel more despair currently; however, there are seeds for hope within these pages. a better human being for reading this

Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “The Message” is an exploration of, indictment of, and challenge to the powers that be; specifically in how they have distorted the literal message history has tried to teach us. Coates starts off by establishing that to communicate a history or idea is to virtue-signal, and virtue-signaling is to set a target on your back for those in power to aim at. “The Message” is loud and clear on this premise. Coates challenges us to be brave enough to wear that target because the fight is just. The proof of the righteousness of that cause is laid out in his essays from one to the next. From Jim Crow South to the pervasive anti-intellectualism in current times to “democracies” far away that specialize in suppression. It is particularly disturbing when the oppressed turn into oppressors. Coates uses these connections to show that the language of evil is effective at blinding us to “The Message” of truth. That any reality built on the subjugation, oppression, and manipulation of any part of humanity is a crime against all of it and a non-starter in any intellectual or moral debate. Conversely, Coates explores how the written word, when used for good, can frame a truer picture of reality, invoke critical thinking, and set us free. Free minds are better at spotting intellectual dishonesty, moral inconsistencies, and the mental gymnastics employed by those who seek to control. The perverted word and history starts to resemble a grotesque simulation of reality as to make you want to lose all hope. The universality of the effort to control history becomes apparent and underscores the banality of evil that Hannah Arendt expounded on. Ta-Nehisi Coates is the James Baldwin of our time. Unapologetic in his truth-telling and uncompromising in his appeal to humanity. His essays extol the promise of humanity and the perpetual atrocities that suppress that bright future. There is a resonant power in his gift for painting experience with language, shaping argument with metaphors and facts, while also lacing in hope where you least expect it. “The Message” may be his magnum opus. Warning, this may radicalize you. But that would be the point.

It is a whirlwind of a read. I couldn’t put it down; but it is a significant plea to readers to look at the other side of this ongoing, endless conflict between two countries that have always hated each other, that have taught its children to hate each other. And begs for readers to take action for peace. The Oslo accords should have signified peace, but failed sadly. So much.

I love a book that can open your eyes and give you insight into yourself without even knowing it.

A necessary read for anyone one willing to speak their truth

The author is powerful in reading the story and the struggle of its people. He sees through propaganda as well as the silencing of the Palestinian people and whoever agrees with their narrative. It is a must read for all of.

This gives your peek into the lives of those who are rarely heard or even ever listened to

Incredible up close and personal viewpoint of Israel and Palestine.

A short but essential work.

My sentiment: The Message is a fantastic book by one of my favorite authors. I loved the way he cleverly parallels the Palestinian plight with that of the African American struggle in America (Jim Crow South, police brutality, systemic institutional racism). While I have been to Israel and the Palestine areas, Coates provides a profound insight into the separatist culture that exists that many indeed do not have an appreciation of.