The Underground Railroad

2016 National Book Award Winner

Congrats to Colson Whitehead for writing a critically acclaimed novel and to Oprah's and Nubian Circle Book Clubs for selecting a winner to add to our libraries!

NCBC met October 22 at The Cheesecake Factory to dine and discuss this thought-provoking tome. After welcoming our guest, Denisha, Davita led a great discussion.

Ratings so far has this as one of NCBC's highest rated books of the year!

Check out our thoughts:

Phyllis - 4: Enjoyed the "alternative history" angle the author took with the novel while simultaneously keeping the reader rooted in the cruelty and inhumanity of the slave trade and its ancillary legacies. Strong subject matter will tug at the heart and graphic imagery will linger with the reader for a while. Would have liked more development/backstory with some characters and didn't care for the "open" ending; would have enjoyed more closure with the Cora character's story. This is her favorite Colson Whitehead novel to date.

Davita - 4: Enjoyed the book but did notice that it was somewhat slower in certain places. She felt that Cora could have been further developed and noted the book also had an unusual ending.

Richelle - 4: Enjoyed the historical aspects of the novel and slavery. The ending could have been further developed along with some of the characters.

Adrian - 4: Very well written, allegorical , exposed different times of oppression.

Denisha - 4: Well written, liked the progression as Cora traveled through the states.

Vitta - 4: Liked the writing style; and when reading had a love/hate relationship with Cora. She felt the novel's release was timely, considering the racial unrest in America at the moment of publication.

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