Why read A Raisin in the Sun?

Book cover of A Raisin in the Sun

Book description

"Come to A Raisin in the Sun as you would to any classic. It speaks to us today as it did almost half a century ago." Bonnie Greer In south side Chicago, Walter Lee, a Black chauffeur, dreams of a better life, and hopes to use his father's life insurance…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked A Raisin in the Sun as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Ravynn K. Stringfield

Author

I love this book because Beneatha Younger’s insatiable curiosity about the world beyond the South Side of Chicago propels her to make important decisions about her life. It drives her right into the arms of a man (Asagai) willing to be alongside her as she explores. Beneatha’s audaciousness inspires me.

From Ravynn's list on Black American artist who studies abroad.

Karen A. Cerulo

Author

After reading this book, I came away with a hard truth. Dreaming alone is not enough.

In this book, we see, in the most poignant, painful terms, what happens to dreams when situations do not allow them to grow and when people are not helped to plan in ways that can make dreams come true. Dreams must be “codified” to workable plans or, like raisins in the sun, they simply dry up.

From Karen's list on understanding how social inequality impacts hopes and dreams, not simply opportunities.