Customer Reviews

To Be Young, Gifted and Black: An Informal Autobiography (Signet)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I remember reading this book thinking that I could relate to the author perfectly well. Though I am not a playright, I do understand a lot of what she is saying. There should and will never be a borderline or a glass ceiling or anything else to hold me down. You are who you are regardless of what is . . . There is no turning back only that which is to be gained and won.

When I think of Lorraine Hansberry I think of a woman who achieved the impossible in an impossible time. She completed her plays with such intensity and flair . . . As if she lived and researched each every act.

Nevertheless, I feel that Hansberry was stating that to be "Young, gifted, and black," is clearly to be aware of who and what you are . . . and to take this knowledge of who and what you are and to run with it. Taking a chance when given a chance, or rather taking a chance and creating an opportunity with merely a bit of the gift that you had.

I will always remember what Thurgood Marshall, he basically stated that "He did the best with what he had." Is that being merely good or is that being the best. I believe that the concept of this book is not to be mistaken. I believe Hansberry is saying, "Hey sister, hold your head up high. It does not matter what this world thinks of you. It only merely matters about what you can do for yourself and your fellowman. Do you know your gifts? Hey write it down. You are worth perfecting."

Lorraine Hansberry did wonders in her lifetime she did so much for her community and her fellowman. My question to myself and others is . . . What about your gifts? Hey write them down. They are worth perfecting.

Getting inside the head of such a great thinker is a wonderful opportunity. The only negative comment I could make about this book is that a few of the passages included from Hansberry's lesser-known plays were not as powerful as the passages from speeches, journals, and A Raisin in the Sun. It is tragic that the world lost a truly gifted and spirited writer at such a young age. If you enjoyed A Raisin in the Sun, you'll also find this a rewarding read.

I found this book really solefull. I am not black or gifted but I feel that I relate to Lorraine Hansberry in many ways. I recomend this unique format to anyone who wants deep reading that flys by!

I found this book in the library and fell in love with it instantly. The passages from Hansberry's plays and journal enteries were quite powerful- witty, yet moving. She truly had a gift for describing the human condition- AS IT IS, rather than how it "should be." However, I must admit to finding myself at a bit of a cultural disadvantage at times, as the author assumes that most readers will be familiar with African American lingo from the '50s. While some readers like myself may have difficulty understanding certain expressions, etc, the sharp overall messages and delightful writing style make this book both a learning experience and a pleasure to read. I hope others will gain as much from this book as I have.

I thought this was an absolutely beautiful book. Hansberry had such a gift for writing about the human spirit. I hope that the students who say they got nothing from reading this book come back to it as adults and give it another try. I found it to be inspiring. It will definitely join my list of favorites!

This is a good compendium of the author's letters, essays and short prose that comments of reaction to her as a writer, her plays and the socio-political climate during the final years of her life.

A powerful look into the life of a courageous and brilliant young woman. Thought provoking.

There are a lot of lazy ignorant people in our society who believe that black people should be all accomodating and not be too complex, in other words, human. How sad for them. Hansberry was ofcourse a genius. Bless her short life and her work.

I couldnt really understand it, as much as other people could. Had trouble with the words. It is not something that teenagers could relate well to unless you are African American.

hi my name is alicia i am a high school senior and had to read this book i had to tell a summary and i could not how could i tell a summary of letters plays and her thoughts i needed help and if there is anyone out there reading it for school i would not recommend you read it at all its good but not that good to get a F for