I Am Nobody's Slave: How Uncovering My Family's History Set Me Free is a profound read, authored by a relentless yet persuasive voice that starts with a small boy's question as to why his parents would impose such devastating corporal punishments for the misdeeds of children? This small question, which isn't small in meaning leads to deeper research and conclusions of a larger narrative arc, which is the affect of genetic memories and experience passed from slave ancestors to their non-slave descendants where every bit of the whip and rope is remembered. And even now is re-enacted for a variety of justifications that for the author just don't work or make sense.

Lee Hawkins also writes beyond the black experience to the white one, of master/overseerer performance that extends past the plantation generations to this very day, with boots on necks without a moment of consideration on what's right and what's evil.

Everyone should sit themselves down and read this book. It is not an easy read. But it is a very necessary perspective, statement, and exercise in understanding all sides. Lee Hawkins comprehensively seeks feedback, information and objective interactions with his family members on all sides of his family tree - to the white grandfathers and black non-consenting grandmothers - who now have descendants working hard to make sense of the legacies with which they've been left (for better or worse). He is even-handed in his presentation, but also unswervingly firm in his desire for fairness and a balancing out for all that has gone before. He believes that the best way to go about that is to keep on talking, writing and sharing what those experiences were and have been, and still are. Instead of burying the uncomfortable truths, it's time to be honest about them, and find a way to recognize we'll never change if we don't admit what has been done.

Profound, and necessary. All the stars. Keep on talking, Lee Hawkins. Write On!

*A sincere thank you to Lee Hawkins, HarperAudio Adult | HarperAudio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*

I wasn't familiar with Lee Hawkins before picking up this book. I did not know him (at least by name -- I do think I've seen him in interviews but didn't know who he was) in his capacity as a journalist. So, my decision to read this book had nothing to do with him.

I just thought it sounded like a good book, and it was.

It's a deeply intense look at generational trauma and the effects it has personally, familially, and societally.

On the surface, this book is an autobiography -- a look into Hawkins' life and family. But in reality, it goes far beyond that. It's a stark look at black history, slavery, and the lasting effects it has had on the modern-day black community. It's the very definition of how knowing where you come from impacts the person you are today.

It's not altogether a "happy" book, but it does showcase Hawkins' journey of healing himself and his attempts to heal his family, as well. So, in that way, it does have a "happy ending," I suppose. I don't know. It's hard to explain a book like this. You can't say you "love it" because it's not the kind of book one loves. I mean, who loves hearing about someone else's trauma?

But it is an important book and one that you SHOULD read, if that makes sense. And it's written in such a way that it IS enjoyable... even though the content itself isn't meant to be enjoyed? I don't know. That probably doesn't make sense.

I saw another review that called the book "timely," saying, "Now more than ever, it is our duty to learn and share the lives, stories, suffering, and triumphs of our ancestors. I Am Nobody’s Slave is a testament to that responsibility and a crucial reminder of the work still left to do."

That is exactly what I'm trying to say, but that person said it much more eloquently than I could.

Not exactly what I thought it was going to be about, but it was still an informative look at Black families and how slavery still traumatizes that portion of our country.

This book should be read in an African American intergenerational book club. This book could bring some much needed healing to our community. I'm glad the author was able to forgive his parents, and I really loved that he used genealogy to help with this healing. I have a very similar story. I am appreciative to the author for sharing his story.