by Farah Jasmine Griffin

Anyone who loves the works of the acclaimed writer Toni Morrison will savor this account by Farah Jasmine Griffin of how she found her father and herself through rereading Morrison’s books. Griffin’s beloved father died when she was only nine, leaving closets full of remarkable books. This legacy led her to become a professor teaching Black literature at Columbia University. In this book, she explores themes such as grace, justice, rage, self-determination, beauty, and mercy to help readers grapple with the ongoing project that is American democracy. Joining her experiences in Black communities with her immersion in the glorious works of Black artists, Read Until You Understand is a powerful testament to the enduring wisdom of Black culture and history.

See the Jones Library Antiracism Book List for recommended titles for all ages.