TheRicanReader

Review of  James  by Percival Everett Have you ever read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn? I haven’t. Growing up in the deep South, it never really caught my interest. But James by Percival Everett is a different story altogether. This reimagining, told from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved character, is unforgettable. It’s no surprise it was named a New York Times Best Book of the Year so far for 2024 and hailed as a masterpiece by The Boston Globe, The Atlantic, Esquire, and W Magazine, among others. And with Steven Spielberg set to direct the film adaptation, it’s clear that James is making a significant impact in the literary world.  The story kicks off with Jim learning that he's about to be sold, separated from his wife and young daughter. Driven by desperation, he decides to run. Huck still appears in the narrative, but this time Jim’s journey takes center stage. As a reader, you feel like you’re right there with him, dodging slave catchers, foraging for food...

Jesmyn Ward, a MacArthur Fellow and two-time National Book Award winner, proves once again why she is one of contemporary literature's most powerful voices with her latest novel, Let Us Descend. In this harrowing yet beautifully written masterpiece, Ward delves deep into the horrors of slavery, offering a fresh perspective that resonates on a visceral level. Many books have tackled the dark theme of slavery, but Ward sets her reimagining apart by focusing on the inner life of Annis, a young enslaved girl sold by her white slave-owning father. As Annis travels from the plantation fields of the Carolinas, through the New Orleans slave markets, and finally to a Louisiana sugar plantation, Ward immerses us in Annis's suffering. Through memories of her mother, lost love, and tales of her African warrior grandmother, Annis finds strength to endure her unimaginable journey. Ward’s vivid portrayal of Annis's pain and resilience is both haunting and unforgettable. The audiobook, nar...

Book Review:  Nuclear War: A Scenario  by Annie Jacobsen Annie Jacobsen is known for her meticulous research and compelling storytelling, and  Nuclear War: A Scenario  is no exception. Jacobsen, a renowned investigative journalist and bestselling author, has a track record of diving deep into the most harrowing corners of modern history, including the inner workings of secret government programs and military operations. Her ability to uncover hidden truths and present them in an engaging narrative is evident in this chilling exploration of nuclear armament. Nuclear War: A Scenario  takes readers to the heart of one of the darkest and most terrifying realities imaginable: the potential for nuclear war. Jacobsen's dogged research, which includes dozens of exclusive interviews with military and civilian experts, former cabinet members, military leaders, and those involved in nuclear response plans, lays bare the frightening reality of the ticking time bomb scenario...