No punches pulled in this book. Whereas ‘Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl’ makes sure not to use real names and places for fear of repercussions, Frederick calls out the slavers by name and makes sure the audience knows their locations as well. He’s bold. He’s savvy. He has a plan to escape his bondage and knows that when he’s free that he has to help educate the world about slavery. I love his style! I think my favorite part of this book is Frederick tricking whites into educating him. He needs knowledge like others need food and to get it he will do just about anything. How he goes from the basic ABCs to reading philosophical novels is astounding. Such devotion! He knows that the basics of reading and writing will get him to freedom eventually and he does everything in his power to figure out ways to educate himself and others. It’s brilliant.

Frederick Douglass is a straightforward man who wastes no breath in showing the world the indignity we often give to our fellow man who is different then us. He also shows how in our hearts we make constant excuses for sin by simply turning a blind eye. Sin is a crime not just to the victim but to the criminal.

It was quite interesting. If you like historical novels, then I can’t recommend any book more than this.

Loved the book, very eye opening and insightful. A must read!

Everyone, everywhere should read this book. Then read it again. Then the next time they feel like spewing nonsense and hateful bile, think of this book. Then maybe read it again.

Mind blowing first hand experience of life during the Slave era. Hauntingly captivating to read the day to day life

This should be required reading in America.

Good details in the text. Works well with a vivid imagination.

A vivid description of the abhorrent treatment of Douglass as a slave, as well as his observations and his thoughts, from the time he was a young boy until his escape many years later. He recounts the disparate treatment he received from different masters and "overseers" through these, seemingly countless, years ("Seemingly countless" has literal meaning because, until he taught himself to read and write, he had no knowledge of the months of the year, or the days of the week). And while he was treated savagely and without mercy by some, and less so by others, it's only a matter of degree, not status. Interestingly, he was probably "lucky" to have been enslaved in Maryland, and not in Alabama, or the "deeper" South. Do yourself a favor and just read it.

A gripping story that was hard to put down! An absolutely must read!