Nephew: A Memoir in Four-Part Harmony is a memoir by MK Asante, published by HarperCollins/Amistad Press in May 2024.[1] It is an epistolary memoir written to Asante's nephew, Nasir, who was shot nine times and survived.[2]
 | |
| Author | MK Asante |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Literature, pop culture, hip hop culture |
| Genre | Memoir, African-American Studies |
| Publisher | HarperCollins/Amistad Press |
Publication date | May 21, 2024 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) e-Book (Kindle) audio (Audiobook) |
| Pages | 208 pp |
| ISBN | 9780063275287 |
Library Journal selected Nephew as one of their "Books to Know in 2024."[3]
The audiobook, read by Asante, Dion Graham, Adenrele Ojo, and Neph, received the 2024 Earphones Award from AudioFile (magazine).[4]
Critical reception
editThe Los Angeles Times, reviewing Nephew on May 17, 2024, wrote:
Nephew bears the intriguing subtitle “A Memoir in 4-Part Harmony,” which points to the book’s strongest element: the layering of multiple first-person voices to create a compelling rhythm and flow ... These direct first-person accounts not only create the narrative’s complex harmony but also add a raw authenticity ... As with a great piece of music, the emotions and rhythms of that final chapter lingered in my mind long after I’d put down the book.”[5]
Kirkus Reviews, reviewing Nephew in their April, 2024 issue, wrote:
"The author compellingly frames his family story within an account of historical struggles for Black liberty, and he convincingly argues that a people’s frustrations, aspirations, and evolving ideals—all its efforts to be free—can be tracked in their creative output. Passionate, moving, spirited reflections on art's therapeutic potency.”[2]
Booklist, reviewing Nephew for their April, 2024 edition, wrote:
"Readers will experience the highs and lows of a family's struggles, witness moments of joy and despair, and see miracles unfold. This beautifully crafted and inspiring narrative captures the essence of family life and showcases the power of love and perseverance in the face of adversity. YA's will find Asante's narrative deeply moving and illuminating."[6]
Library Journal gave Nephew a starred review in their May issue, noting in their review:
"This poignant memoir about overcoming devastating odds is a treasure and likely to become a classic. Essential reading for deepening understanding of society, the world, familial relationships, and the meaning of art and life."[7]
AudioFile (magazine), reviewing the Nephew audiobook, wrote:
"M.K. Asante's performance captures the essence of what makes the audiobook medium vital: a living experience that grabs listeners from start to finish... Listeners experience a collective performance that captures the power of art to touch the soul. The impact is exhilarating."[8]
References
edit- ^ "The On-Sale Calendar: May 2024". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ a b "NEPHEW". kirkusreviews.com. Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ "The Readers' Almanac - Books To Know in 2024". libraryjournal.com. Library Journal. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ "NEPHEW by MK Asante Read by MK Asante Dion Graham Adenrele Ojo Neph | Audiobook Review | AudioFile Magazine". audiofile.com. AudioFile. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ "How rap and writing help heal a family's old wounds". Los Angeles Times. 17 May 2024. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ "Nephew: A Memoir in 4-Part Harmony". booklistonline.com/.com. Booklist. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
- ^ "NEPHEW". libraryjournal.com. Library Journal. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ "NEPHEW by MK Asante Read by MK Asante Dion Graham Adenrele Ojo Neph | Audiobook Review". AudioFile. Retrieved 2024-07-29.