Mind tagging me when you report back? Ill be curious what you think.
You know, it's funny. I downloaded it as an audiobook, intent on taking a break on this nonsense when I get to the end, a mere 12 hours away. Then I realized the Vance book is a thin little 7-hour volume and that if I start it on my way to work tomorrow, I'll be done with the fucker by Saturday morning just in my commute. So you may have your answer soon.
I'd definitely like to hear your take, it's on my list as well, but the shortness put me off.
I have, and it's very good, Coates is a terrific writer. I did not feel as if guilt was impressed upon me, nor some explicit blame of "white people", but a individual and communal perspective, and his critiques are systemic. The James Baldwin comparison is very apt. I'm sure you may have already, but The Case for Reparations is a really fantastic article he wrote for The Atlantic.
It's been on my list for a while. I know I should read Coates but I suspect that as a white man I'll feel pretty bad about myself after. Edward Said's Orientalism was rough enough; he does a damn fine job of making you feel guilty for liking Kipling.