How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith

Discard the standard history texts. Smith gives us a peek at the true history of the United States and how its very vaunted success is built on the blood, sweat and tears of enslaved people. I remember Michelle Obama pointing out, in a speech at the Democratic National Convention, that slaves helped build the White House. It was a pivotal moment in my understanding of American history. Mostly history and travelogue, we receive lessons that are engaging and hard-hitting. Smith’s poetic descriptions can get heavy-handed at times but that’s a small price to pay for a gem of a book.