67 pages • 2 hours read
Clint SmithHow the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In How the Word Is Passed, Clint Smith examines the legacy of slavery by visiting historical sites across the American South, New York City, and Dakar, Senegal. Through personal reflections, interviews, and scholarly research, Smith explores how these sites confront or evade the history of slavery and its enduring impact on American society. By blending descriptive experiences and dialogical elements, he underscores the importance of reckoning with slavery as a foundational element of the United States. Sensitive topics related to the trauma and brutality of slavery are discussed throughout the book.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Clint Smith's How the Word Is Passed is widely praised for its eloquent exploration of America's historical memory of slavery, blending personal narratives with in-depth historical research. Critics commend its powerful storytelling and insightful analysis. Some note a lack of new revelations for well-read history enthusiasts. Overall, it's a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read How the Word Is Passed?
A reader who appreciates historical analysis through narrative storytelling, similar to The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson, will enjoy How the Word Is Passed. This book appeals to those interested in understanding America's legacy of slavery through a blend of personal exploration and oral histories.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
History: U.S.
Race / Racism
Social Justice
Identity: Race
Emotions/Behavior: Memory
Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice