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ursulamonarch's review
5.0
This might be the book I most wish I had read in high school (or earlier). Better late than never!
mochagirl's review
5.0
Still I Rise is a graphical novel (aka "comic strip" style) structured around the history of America and the complex, interwoven African American contributions and sacrifices to its success and greatness. Two unnamed characters remain prominent serving as narrators providing supplemental commentaries setting the stage of the eras' social and political climates enhancing the history lessons within the pages. Opening in pre-Colonial times, it traces the events and issues surrounding indentured servitude, greed, and racism that eventually lead to legalized and institutionalized slavery of Africans. It celebrates and recognizes countless unsung and infamous heroes and leaders (of all races) as it progresses through four hundred years. The courage of African Americans is not lost when the book covers America's battles with the English, Spanish, and French, and eventually itself, nor does it spare the ugliness of racism, and the struggle endured during Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement. At its core, it is a book that chronicles survival, faith, hope, and perseverance against insurmountable odds.
The collection is one that should be required reading for students (the graphics would appeal to even the youngest and/o r attention-challenged readers). I also highly recommend it for more "seasoned" readers as well because of its unique depiction of history. Even the forward by Charles Johnson remains in context and addresses the challenges black illustrators faced in the early 20th century. As a history lover, I loved learning "new" bits of info (the actual names of ingenious people and the rational behind some historical and political decisions) and revisiting all that I knew. I plan to purchase copies for my nephew and niece as it is a tool to initiate those much needed conversations.
Reviewed by Phyllis
January 20, 2009
The collection is one that should be required reading for students (the graphics would appeal to even the youngest and/o r attention-challenged readers). I also highly recommend it for more "seasoned" readers as well because of its unique depiction of history. Even the forward by Charles Johnson remains in context and addresses the challenges black illustrators faced in the early 20th century. As a history lover, I loved learning "new" bits of info (the actual names of ingenious people and the rational behind some historical and political decisions) and revisiting all that I knew. I plan to purchase copies for my nephew and niece as it is a tool to initiate those much needed conversations.
Reviewed by Phyllis
January 20, 2009
bookishrealm's review
3.0
3.5 stars. Full review on blog: http://bookishrealmreviews.blogspot.com/2015/05/still-i-rise-by-roland-laird-taneisha.html
sanabanana's review
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
Funny how history repeats itself... Still this is no time for a pity party. Our history is a collective spirit, memory and imagination. We can look back at it for wisdom, but also to learn from our mistakes and missed opportunities.
To say that I've learnt a lot reading this would be a massive understatement. The story of struggle starts at the veeeery beginning, something I've never read about. However, I did find it difficult at times as the lettering would change fonts that were hard to read. Also, while the storytelling was compelling and reflective, it was at times rushed, particularly towards the end, and the style wasn't as effective in conveying the story as Maus or Persepolis did. But I suppose that since there is so much to tell in the struggles and journeys of African Americans in history as opposed to the more personal accounts in Maus or Persepolis.
This graphic novel details the long history of African Americans. At the turn of the century, many believe that the struggle is over. There is no racism. The world has changed. This is wrong, because it is here and exists right now all around the world. The recent resurgence in the Black Lives Matter movement is proof. But even now, talk of it has diminshed, at least from where I'm standing. But I believe that we are nowhere near done talking. I still want to know more. I don't know nearly enough that I should know. And that goes for so many other people out there. The struggles that the African Americans have endured has been over HUNDREDS of years. And still they rise.
richard's review
This comics-history of African Americans is remarkable for its depth and scope. Unfortunately no one involved seems to know anything at all about comics or cartooning.
eyed's review
4.0
I really enjoyed the format of this book. It was a very quick read and at the same time extremely informative. It built on my very basic and limited knowledge of African American history.
I did feel like the post slavery portion was a little rushed. There was an overwhelming amount of information crammed into not enough pages. Had this been 40 or so pages longer I think it would have been substantially better. Other than that this was an excellent read.
I did feel like the post slavery portion was a little rushed. There was an overwhelming amount of information crammed into not enough pages. Had this been 40 or so pages longer I think it would have been substantially better. Other than that this was an excellent read.
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