Roots

The Saga of an American Family

By: Alex Haley

Narrated by: Prentice Onayemi

Roots is a groundbreaking story of history and family that spanned continents and touched generations. One of the most important books and television series ever to appear, Roots galvanized the nation and created an extraordinary political, racial, social, and cultural dialogue that hadn’t been seen since the publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The book sold over one million copies in the first year, and the miniseries was watched by an astonishing 130 million people. It also won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Roots opened up the minds of Americans of all colors and faiths to one of the darkest and most painful parts of America’s past, and we continue to feel its reverberations today.

©1974 Alex Haley. Copyright renewed 2004 by Myran Haley, Cynthia Haley, Lydia Haley and William Haley (P)2023 Audible, Inc.

Favorite

Everyone human being across this planet should hear this book. By far my all time favorite.

I was too young in 1976-77 to watch the mini-series

but I was aware that it was likely the most important show broadcast in the decade. I was 9 or 10 when this aired and I wouldn’t have appreciated the significance. I chose to read and view the mini-series as part of an assignment in my Public History course on popular public history and I’ll write a paper. This is the best book I’ve read/listened to this year. The story will linger in the back of my mind for a very long time. It is genius.

Worthwhile.

A saga for the ages. A must read, without which no education can be complete.

Amazing story, excellently read!

I watched the movie as a kid. Always wanted to read/listen to the book. What an amazing story with beautiful writing. The narration was superb. Sad, poignant and vivid. Moved me to tears.

Excellent story

Everyone should read the book. It is an excellent look into the lives affected by slavery in the US. It is emotional, heart-breaking, and heart-warming. A story of generational trauma. Excellent narrator.