Welcome to Litsy!

#BeginsWith @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

I keep pushing this one down on my TBR because I am not sure I'm emotionally ready for it, but I have a feeling it's going to be a book I won't forget once I finally read it.

How strongly does environment shape a person's future? How can a man with an extraordinary intelligence and Yale education end up shot dead as a result of dealing drugs? How can someone struggling their whole life to find their path forward touch the lives of so many others in powerful, positive ways? The author tells Robert's story through the eyes of those who knew him best. Highly recommend!

Book 8 of the year, finished Feb 5, audio

This may be the first non fiction that I've ever really enjoyed. Looks like I need to dig into narrative tales more.

My church has been talking about race issues in our society today, so I'm making a conscious effort to seek out perspectives different from my white, rural, middle class experiences. This book definitely fit the bill on all aspects.

"If you want to, and you don‘t, then that‘s on you." #RobertPeace #LifeChoices

A beautiful book that told a complicated story of a young man who was taken from this Earth way too early. Robert Peace was an embodiment of the layered and multi-faceted complexities that surface of growing up in the inner-city: family, poverty, education, potential, loss, and failed government policies. A must read! #RestInPowerRobPeace

#RedRoseSeptember Nice way to introduce us to Lancashire County @arlenefinnigan 😉🎶🙌🏻 #ADayInTheLife Tagged book introduces us to Robert Peace, a brilliant young man who had everything stacked against him but still succeeded to secure acceptance into an Ivy League University. Investigative reporter Lisa Taddeo looks at the #SecretLove life of three women over the course of 8 years in Three Women. Both are #TBR 🤪
#SeptemberSins @jenniferw88

Well this was a downer. Jeff Hobbs‘ THE SHORT AND TRAGIC LIFE OF ROBERT PEACE (Simon Schuster Audio) relives the time Peace was a roommate of his at Yale, plus lots of research on Peace‘s life after college.

Very well written. What a waste of a life.

I was massively engaged with this book and definitely one of those times when you really want to discuss some of the issues etc with someone.
Not going to judge the lifestyle, but, boy, for a bright guy he made a lot of bad decisions 😔
Still left me feeling sad and 💔 for his Mum!

Lunchtime read. All the reasons I don‘t read NF very often - it‘s too real!! I‘m engrossed in this book but the inevitable ending is making me feel sad already.

This is one of a very few books where I felt like I absolutely must contact the author (alas, I didn‘t!). I couldn‘t stop thinking about this book for a long time. Great for you nonfiction lovers!

My stomach hurts thinking about the tragic part of this story. I‘m only on page 61 and I‘m already in love with Rob Peace and his mother.

#bookclub #nowreading

#fiercefeb #tobeyounggiftedandblack

This is just one of those books that sticks with you. Robert Peace grew up in the slums of Newark, New Jersey. Life was a struggle, but his mother made sure education was priority for her son. He ended up at Yale, where he graduated with honors. The author of the book is a white man who was assigned as Peace‘s roommate in college. He examines how we can‘t always escape our surroundings.

On my to-read list.

Unlike any other non-fiction book I've ever read. It's uncommon for a biography to be written for someone who hasn't accomplished some form of fame but Robert Peace's life definitely warrants it. This was an incredibly engaging story of an endlessly interesting man. While imperfect (both the man and the book) this is a book that deserves to be read and remembered.

This is a fascinating and complex life story, so it was worth the read to me. At points, though, the writing could be repetitive and overly detailed, which made it feel a bit slow.

Anyone else go back and forth between audiobooks and ebooks? I can't decide whether to read or listen.

The good stuff.

I know I'm late to the game, but this is my first Overdrive journey. Maybe it will make my work day go faster.

#MayBookFlowers A possible "H" choice for #LitsyAtoZ. #peace

Anyone else ever know how something is gonna end (I mean, it IS right there in the title) but still find themselves hoping it can be different? This book left me sad and so angry - a brilliant mind and good person snuffed out, all because of the racial inequality and lack of privilege he was born into. We've got to do better, America.

Part two of #labsoundtrack - moving right along!

Finished this incredibly tragic audiobook last evening. It was heartbreaking to say the least. One I would highly recommend reading though. The importance of stories like these is extremely needed, especially during times like these. I'll leave you all with a quote I found very fitting "Lyric's death reminded us that having a Yale degree in our resumes could open many doors, but it couldn't protect us from life, which didn't care about resumes."

These are my #February books. The book about Rob Peace was hard for me. I teach in Newark, I consider it my home, and I love every kid that has ever walked into my classroom here. Some of them go to or have graduated from St. B's, some of my friends knew and looked up to Rob. The book talks a lot about the worries I have for a lot of my kids and I always wonder - are we doing enough?

Thanks to all for the audible/audiobook advice! I took @Riveted_Reader_Melissa advice and started with my local library. Luckily they have this one that has been on my list for a while! Perks so far: I enjoy being able to eat lunch and read without worrying about staining pages 😂😂😂

Biographies aren't my favorite genre, but this was so lovingly and carefully researched that I enjoyed it. And I hit my reading goal for the year! 😁

The author was able to provide a very detailed account of the life of Rob Peace through the accounts of all the people that he was in touch with. But it also has shown how withdrawn Rob was from many of his closest friends and family. It's also a great example of how environmental influences impact or even overpower all the talent in the world.

Running around and doing errands most of the day listening to this audio book. Now it's time to lounge and read. #petsoflitsy

I am sad about the choices he felt he had to make, despite the talents he possessed. I understand wanting to go home, wanting to care for loved ones, wanting to make your piece of the world a bit better with your talents. But I don't understand putting it all in danger. The world lost so much when he left it, too soon. Much too soon.

Non-fiction November!!!

One of my favorite books ever. It's one of those books you know were written with love. I sobbed at the end even though I knew what was going to happen. A must read and not only for those who want to understand what being black in America means.

I got this excellent book when it first came out and it instantly became one of my all-time favorites. I can't recommend this book enough and this ebook deal just can't be beat. Grab it while you can!

Excellent. And, yes, tragic. A reminder of the unfortunate cycle of poverty and how it can perhaps determine your life ... even when you have a lottery ticket to escape it. It also speaks volumes on family and friends and our often unwavering loyalty to them.

Interesting and important read. 3.5 🌟

The weight of this man's life cut short will be with me for some time. The pursuit of the almighty dollar can be fierce. It leaves me breathless when I try to analyze it. I'm sure I won't be the first, or the last to do so. But as this real-life story continues to seep into the nooks and crannies of my humanity to not acknowledge that it has changed me would be unfair to this bright light, extinguished too soon.

When a very poignant part of the book you're reading ends up on different pages. #firstworldbookproblems #booklover #bookishgirl #bookishgirlproblems #booksmakemehappy #mustread

Made me think of the importance of Maslow's Hierarchy.

Letting no grass grow! #justkeepreading #whatdowedoweread 🤓📚📖

From the fierce streets of Newark, to Yale & back to Newark, "Rob stood on the cusp of achieving everything that word called to mind." I was angry over Rob's constant bad decisions & my first inclination was to judge. But as the story unfolds I realized if I haven't lived it, how could I judge. I was reduced to tears at the conclusion & heartbroken over the unconscionable but yet realistic turn of events that defer a dream 4? #jamreads #mustread

This man matters and his story matters. This book will stay with me for sure. It's easy for us to pass judgements or make assumptions when we see a headline reading, "Killed in apparent drug-related shooting, Yale alumnus remembered for leadership." This book will make me challenge these headlines and stories, because this man is so much more and deserves more. He inspired so many people and I hope this book has changed more people than just me.

Heading to my EdD residency with some reading (and thinking) material.

I just started this audiobook as I've been wanting to read it for a while. I'm only in chapter two, but I'm so drawn in and invested in Robert's life. It breaks my heart to know a little about the outcome, but this is already turning out to be an important recommendation to have for the future.

Book Outlet haul for me and the kids!

Beautifully written! So sad and tragic...

I read this book a while ago but it has stayed with me all this time. Truly tremendous. I can't recommend it enough.

Might be the most amazing book I've read in my life despite the tragedy. Im going to Brazil this week in memory of Rob.