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The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace: A Brilliant Young Man Who Left Newark for the Ivy League | Jeff Hobbs
An instant New York Times bestseller, named a best book of the year by The New York Times Book Review, Amazon, and Entertainment Weekly, among others, this celebrated account of a young African-American man who escaped Newark, NJ, to attend Yale, but still faced the dangers of the streets when he returned is, nuanced and shattering (People) and mesmeric (The New York Times Book Review).When author Jeff Hobbs arrived at Yale University, he became fast friends with the man who would be his college roommate for four years, Robert Peace. Roberts life was rough from the beginning in the crime-ridden streets of Newark in the 1980s, with his father in jail and his mother earning less than $15,000 a year. But Robert was a brilliant student, and it was supposed to get easier when he was accepted to Yale, where he studied molecular biochemistry and biophysics. But it didnt get easier. Robert carried with him the difficult dual nature of his existence, trying to fit in at Yale, and at home on breaks. A compelling and honest portrait of Roberts relationshipswith his struggling mother, with his incarcerated father, with his teachers and friendsThe Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace encompasses the most enduring conflicts in America: race, class, drugs, community, imprisonment, education, family, friendship, and love. Its about the collision of two fiercely insular worldsthe ivy-covered campus of Yale University and the slums of Newark, New Jersey, and the difficulty of going from one to the other and then back again. Its about trying to live a decent life in America. But most all this fresh, compelling (The Washington Post) story is about the tragic life of one singular brilliant young man. His end, a violent one, is heartbreaking and powerful and a haunting American tragedy for our times (Entertainment Weekly).
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Addison_Reads
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#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.

Suet624 I keep meaning to find this book. 2y
TrishB It‘s a very sad read. 2y
Eggs Great choice💔 2y
43 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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staci.reads
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Pickpick

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!

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AbbaZabba02
Pickpick

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.

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rigo.padilla

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

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rigo.padilla
Pickpick

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

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Cinfhen
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#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

TrishB I‘ve read both 😁 5y
Cinfhen Thoughts????? @TrishB 5y
TrishB Short and Tragic Life was sad and 💔 but a good read. I bailed on Three Women - be interested to see what you think as it‘s definitely a love/hate vibe. 5y
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Cinfhen I‘ve seen the mixed reviews on Women @TrishB I‘m hoping to read it soon and same with Robert Peace ( #SoManyBooksSoLittleTime ) 5y
arlenefinnigan Sounds a tough read... 5y
RealBooks4ever Two widely different books! Loved Robert Peace but won't be reading Women! 💜 5y
Cinfhen I think Three Women is very polarizing @RealBooks4ever makes me want to read right away!!!! 5y
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RealBooks4ever
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Pickpick

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.

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TrishB
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Pickpick

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!

saguarosally When this is the life you know, bad decisions are made sometimes. 5y
TrishB @saguarosally agreed 😔 though a lot of those around him also felt that way. I guess we‘ll never know exactly why. 5y
Kayla.Adriena I read this one several years ago! Definitely needs to be reread! 5y
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saguarosally @TrishB It‘s just who we are, I think. 5y
TrishB @saguarosally I guess so! I can‘t stop thinking how I would feel as his mum 💔 5y
riversong153 I grew up in Newark, NJ and still work there. It definitely has its problems, but it always stings a little when someone refers to it as “the slums of Newark” like they did in the summary of this. I share your frustration with folks making bad decisions. I have a cousin who grew up there too and is bright but makes bad decisions. ☹️ People have to live their own lives I guess. How did he end up dying? You can mark it as a spoiler. 5y
TrishB @riversong153 he was making and dealing drugs, as a way of making quick money for legal business and he got shot, presumably for encroaching on others business areas. I agree with all you‘ve said 😔 5y
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TrishB
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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.

Cinfhen Back at work!!!! I have this book on my shelf too!! 5y
AmyG I enjoyed this. Quite sad, though. 5y
TrishB @Cinfhen @AmyG it is very sad! 5y
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Chrissyreadit I think this would break my heart to read. 5y
TrishB @Chrissyreadit it is! I veer between wanting to hug him and slap him!! 5y
abookishbutterfly I just bought this book! 5y
Areader2 We read this for book club,there was a lot to discuss,you don‘t realize how much an environment can effect a persons life 😐 5y
GingerAntics I enjoy a good NF work, but I don‘t think I could do this one. Sadly, his story is all too common for a lot of people. The whole “pull yourself up by your boot straps” thing has gotten old and mostly impossible. With recent events, I can‘t believe people still use that phrase or tell people to just work harder. 🙄 I wish there were more happy endings to stories like this, but I think they‘re getting fewer and farther between. 5y
TrishB @Butterflyamore @Areader2 @GingerAntics I‘m like my own book club - constantly muttering about it! 5y
GingerAntics I don‘t blame you. It‘s hard to enjoy any book when you can see the ending coming. When you know it‘s real people, it‘s even harder. 5y
CouronneDhiver This one actually felt a little detached for me... I needed more feels, I guess? 🤷🏽‍♀️ 5y
TrishB @CouronneDhiver I thought it was excellent 🤷‍♀️ 5y
CouronneDhiver Ha! Takes all different Littens to make the world go ‘round... 😘😘 5y
TrishB @CouronneDhiver definitely 😘 5y
137 likes7 stack adds14 comments
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gradcat
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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!

TrishB I‘m definitely looking forward to this now! 5y
gradcat 😊😊😊 5y
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bermudaonion
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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.

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crhealey
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Reviewsbylola
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#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.

Cathythoughts 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 6y
Cinfhen Great choice! Just bought this in my latest BookOutlet haul 6y
squirrelbrain Ooh I‘ve had this on my Amazon wish list forever! 6y
batsy I hadn't heard of this one, so thank you! Sounds like it would be heartbreaking, too. 6y
goodbyefrancie This is definitely a story that stays with you! 6y
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Lanney220
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On my to-read list.

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Thorex
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Pickpick

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.

KT1432 Been wanting to read this for forever!! 6y
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tinaisreading
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Mehso-so

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.

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

BooksForEmpathy I listened to this one! So good. Heartbreaking. 7y
2BR02B I've been meaning to try doing both simultaneously. Apparently it improves your retention quite a bit. 7y
CouronneDhiver All the time! 7y
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LauraBeth That whispersync on Amazon is the best thing ever! 7y
nomadreader I loved this audiobook so, so much. 7y
AmyG I read this one...and yes, heartbreaking. I don't go back and forth. I am always reading 3 books at one time..ebook, book, audiobook. What I start on...I finish on. 7y
saguarosally @BooksForEmpathy Still working on it! 7y
saguarosally @2BR02B I'd be happy to remember my name. ;) 7y
saguarosally @LauraBeth I have them on different platforms! :( 7y
saguarosally @AmyG I have issues with book OCD. I sometimes pick up 10 at a time. 7y
EvieBee I have been doing this for past couple of months and it‘s helped me squeeze in more reading time. Especially since I‘ve been in a slump. More inclined to listen. 6y
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chaidragon
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The good stuff.

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

Reviewsbylola Such a good book. 7y
Librariana Good audiobook choice! 7y
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MicheleinPhilly
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#MayBookFlowers A possible "H" choice for #LitsyAtoZ. #peace

RanaElizabeth I did enjoy this. I mean, it was a bit formulaic at times (and my god, why is there an actual formula and genre for young black man killed by gunfire) but well worth the read. 7y
RanaElizabeth Did you do your "G" yet? There is also this book which had some problems but was still interesting. 7y
MicheleinPhilly @RanaElizabeth I do have that one on my TBR list but I've heard that there are some issues with it. What specifically they are escapes me at the moment but I do recall quite a bit of backlash. 7y
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RanaElizabeth @MicheleinPhilly There are some major issues yes, but, and this opinion only really grew on me later, I think it's a fascinating book for its sociological failures, like a warning lesson. 7y
nomadreader One of my all-time favorites. 7y
BethFishReads I can't remember why I decided to pass on this. But I think I gave my copy away. I hope I made the right decision 7y
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stacybmartin
Pickpick

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.

Reviewsbylola I felt the same way. Truly a tragedy. 7y
kspenmoll Totally agree; tragic. 7y
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stacybmartin
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Part two of #labsoundtrack - moving right along!

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Lupita.Reads
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Pickpick

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."

Reviewsbylola Robert Peace broke my heart. Such a loss. 7y
TeeCee This was a tough book to read. Such a brilliant young man. It raises some tough questions about our society. 7y
Catchmeintheairica I cried for Robert after reading this one. A true tragedy😭 (edited) 7y
spinesvines One of my favorites. So sad @Lupita.Reads 💔 7y
TheBookHippie I cried and cried...ugh 7y
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heikemarie
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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?

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Lupita.Reads
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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 😂😂😂

Loretta I loved this book!! 7y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa Let me know how it is, this one is on my to-read list. 7y
heikemarie Some of my friends and coworkers were friends of Rob's, and I teach in Newark, so this was a hard one for me. The book is great, the audio is great too. ☺ 7y
Lupita.Reads @inwhichHeikereadsharder my goodness my heart goes out to your friends and coworkers. From Hobbs telling of Rob I could tell you right away he is a light I would have loved to have in my life ❤💔❤️ 7y
Lupita.Reads @Riveted_Reader_Melissa ((I am not a book pusher, not a book pusher)) READ IT! ADD IT TO UR TBR LIST! 😂❤📚 7y
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cariashley
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Pickpick

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! 😁

megt Congrats on hitting your reading goal! 7y
KVanRead Wow. Congrats!🎉 7y
KarenUK Well done you! 🙌🙌💕 7y
See All 11 Comments
rubyslippersreads Congratulations! 📚🎉🌟📚🎉🌟 7y
DebinHawaii Congratulations on hitting your goal! 📚👍👍👍🎉 7y
Suzze Yay! Nice goal and you still have a month. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 7y
Megabooks 👍🏻👍🏻😃😃🍾🍾 7y
CoffeeBooksRepeat 🎉🎉 7y
ReadingSusan Heartbreaking book. 7y
DivineDiana 👏🏻👏🏻📚📚 7y
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Kathrin
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Pickpick

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.

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

Hooked_on_books Cute pup! 🐶💚 7y
Simona Beautiful dog😍🐶 7y
Kimzey What a beauty! ❣ 7y
31 likes3 comments
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ptkpepe98

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.

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Kathrin
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Non-fiction November!!!

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rocknsane
Pickpick

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.

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KrisConstantReader
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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!

Kathrin Thanks for the heads up. 7y
Hoopiefoot Thanks for the tip! 7y
Ashley31 Just downloaded it! 7y
KrisConstantReader @Kathrin @Hoopiefoot @Ashley31 it's such a great book, I think you guys will really love it! 7y
64 likes6 stack adds4 comments
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AGirlAndHerBooks
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Pickpick

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.

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ErikasMindfulShelf
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Pickpick

Interesting and important read. 3.5 🌟

Well-ReadNeck Adding to my TBR list now!! 8y
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Portable_Magic
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Pickpick

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.

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

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

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

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jamreads
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Pickpick

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

BellaBookNook I have been putting of reading this one for so long because it's so sad. 8y
jamreads @BellaBookNook It truly is sad & heartbreaking but it is such a good read. I literally cried when I went to see the author speak. Read it, you won't regret it but you will need Kleenex 😥 8y
BellaBookNook I cried with Just Mercy. I love how it made me think deeply. I'll let you know how many tissue boxes I used when I read it! 8y
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Read_Abundantly
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Pickpick

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.

Reviewsbylola This book really touched me too. I didn't even fully realize the impact it had on me when I finished but my mind keeps going back to him. 8y
Donna_sBookMinute When it comes to the media, I've learned to not be influenced by anything other than facts. I'm highly capable of extracting the truth from what is also not said. 8y
BookishFeminist 💔💔 such an important but sad book. @Donna_sBookMinute I do the same thing. It's so important to think critically about what we read & see rather than take it at face value when there are inherent privileges & biases in media of any form. 8y
36 likes6 stack adds3 comments
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Quirkybooknerd
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Heading to my EdD residency with some reading (and thinking) material.

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Read_Abundantly
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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.

BooksForEmpathy This one was shattering... Such an important read - afterwards I can't recommend enough this one: 8y
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ErikasMindfulShelf
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Book Outlet haul for me and the kids!

Reviewsbylola The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace is the type of book that really sticks with you. I still think of him months later. 😔 8y
RealLifeReading Dang it when I made my last order they didn't have that version of Anne! So pretty! (But I did get a few other Puffin classics) 8y
ErikasMindfulShelf @RealLifeReading I couldn't resist the Puffin in Bloom. I can pretend they are for my kids but they are really for me😜 8y
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RealLifeReading Haha exactly! My excuse for shopping on the Book outlet site is to pick up some kids books. Then it ends up being filled with books for me (including those Puffins)! 8y
ErikasMindfulShelf @RealLifeReading So true. I had to contain myself. Had many more books for me in that shopping cart. It's so hard not to buy books. I only have over 300 books on my bookshelf I haven't read yet. #bookproblems 8y
erzascarletbookgasm Those Puffin in Bloom hardbacks are gorgeous! 8y
Martta Ronia the robbers daughter was one of my favourites when I was little. Astrid Lindgren is one of the best children literature writers ever! Mio mi Mio, Eemil, Pippi Långstrump and My brother the lionheart. So good! (Not sure what these stories are called in Swedish or English that's why the mixture of both) 7y
ErikasMindfulShelf What language do you read? @Martta 7y
Martta @irre I read Finnish & English, my Swedish is so bad that I can recognise words and sort of understand but not really use the language. 7y
21 likes9 comments
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Oonarch
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Beautifully written! So sad and tragic...

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

ej0728 I couldn't agree more. What a reminder to value everyday of our lives. 8y
KrisConstantReader I just love that book so much--it's one of my all-time favorites. Such a tragedy. 8y
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Catchmeintheairica
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Pickpick

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.

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