The Men We Reaped, by National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward, is a memoir telling not only Ward’s story, but also the story of the young African American men she grew up with who died far too young. Ward examines her own life in context with the violence, substance abuse, poverty, and racial injustice around her in context with the effects of her surroundings on the lives of young Black men. The result is an honest and poignant look at life for Black Americans, both men and women, that examines how the places people call home can be both upholding and detrimental to their lives.
