Books Recommended by Ta-Nehisi Coates
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Neon Vernacular
Yusef Komunyakaa
Source: "Probably my favorite living poet. No on else taught me more about how important it was to think about how words make people feel. It's not enough for people to know something is true. They have to feel it's true." - Ta-Nehisi Coates
1 recommenderSweet Soul Music
Rhythm and Blues and the Southern Dream of Freedom
Peter Guralnick
Source: "History of soul music, told in profiles. I read this is as young man really trying to understand what journalism and history meant. Spent a lot of time meditating on Sam and Dave after this one." - Ta-Nehisi Coates
1 recommenderThe Age of Innocence
Edith Wharton
Source: "Again, I like this book for its willingness to embrace the tragic. No happy endings. The book is a defense of elitism, something I guess I oppose. But I found it credible, here." - Ta-Nehisi Coates
1 recommenderBattle Cry of Freedom
James M. McPherson
Source: "The definitive history of the Civil War. One of the greatest works of history I've ever read and arguably the best one volume history in existence." - Ta-Nehisi Coates
2 recommendersThe Thirty Years War
C. V. Wedgwood
Source: "God, I love this book. It's the history of an utterly depressing war with no real nobility, that ultimately descends into cannibalism. Right up my alley." - Ta-Nehisi Coates
1 recommenderThe Waterworks
E.L. Doctorow
Source: "What a strange and beautiful book. The story of a postbellum American newspaper editor investigating the undead." - Ta-Nehisi Coates
1 recommenderThe Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Source: "I'm a sucker for efficiency. This book gets so much out of what is, ultimately, a rather slim story. I adore it." - Ta-Nehisi Coates
The Country Between Us
Carolyn Forche
Source: "Another book of poetry that taught me what the form was. [The author] has a beautiful sense of rhythm." - Ta-Nehisi Coates
1 recommenderPostwar
A History of Europe Since 1945
Tony Judt
Source: "[The author understood history] does not exist to comfort us." - Ta-Nehisi Coates
1 recommenderThe Fire Next Time
James Baldwin
Source: "Basically the finest essay I've ever read." - Ta-Nehisi Coates
2 recommenders
FAQ
Did Ta-Nehisi Coates recommend all these books?
While this list primarily comprises books enthusiastically recommended by Ta-Nehisi Coates, it also includes a variety of titles that Ta-Nehisi Coates has mentioned or suggested in various contexts. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive reading list that reflects Ta-Nehisi Coates's literary influences, interests, and recommendations, though not every book on the list may be an explicit endorsement.
How do you know Ta-Nehisi Coates mentioned these books?
Our team meticulously verifies each book mention attributed to Ta-Nehisi Coates. This involves extensive research, including reviewing interviews, articles, podcasts, social media posts, and other public statements where Ta-Nehisi Coates has discussed their reading preferences. The sources validating these mentions are linked next to each book for transparency and to provide our users with the context in which Ta-Nehisi Coates referred to the book.
Did Ta-Nehisi Coates actually create this list?
No, Ta-Nehisi Coates did not personally compile this list. Our editorial team curates these reading lists by consolidating all verified mentions and recommendations from Ta-Nehisi Coates. We ensure the authenticity of the list by providing sources for each recommendation. These lists are intended to reflect Ta-Nehisi Coates's reading tastes and influences as accurately as possible.
Are these books endorsed or sponsored by Ta-Nehisi Coates?
The books listed are not part of any endorsement or sponsorship agreement with Ta-Nehisi Coates. They are selected based on genuine mentions and recommendations made by Ta-Nehisi Coates in various public platforms. Our goal is to provide readers with an authentic insight into the reading preferences of influential individuals.
How often is the list updated?
We update these lists regularly to include new recommendations or mentions by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Our team keeps a close eye on Ta-Nehisi Coates's latest interviews, writings, and public statements to ensure the list remains current and comprehensive.
Can I suggest a book to add to the list?
While we primarily focus on books directly mentioned by Ta-Nehisi Coates, we welcome suggestions from our readers. If you know of a book that Ta-Nehisi Coates has talked about but is not featured on our list, feel free to contact us with the source of the mention, and our editorial team will review it for potential inclusion.
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