Book Review: Taught

Taught by Eric F Goldstein is a contemporary literary fiction that follows a teacher and a former student on a week-long journey. However, this journey is not something either one planned.

Jerry Brown's life is a mess. He's likely to lose his job as a teacher. He and his wife are having issues. And Malik, a former student, is beat by police during a protest. He decides to go camping and write graduation letters to his students. But before he gets out of town, Malik shows up. So, they leave together.

This is not a fast-paced story, but one where the back stories leak out slowly and deliberately. We see Jerry doubting himself as a teacher and husband. We see Malik doubt himself as a student and friend. Both doubt whether they can live up to the title of 'man'. And, as the reader, we feel the pain.

Race plays a huge role in the story, allowing us to glimpse lives we might not otherwise experience - and allowing us to ask the hard questions. Is racism real? Is it everywhere? Do people experience a stop in a backwoods gas station differently depending on their skin? And, more importantly, what can - or should - we do about it?

I definitely suggest this one for your TBR.

Purchase a copy of Taught:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3NilBFl

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