Why read How Far to the Promised Land?

Book cover of How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Family's Story of Hope and Survival in the American South

Book description

From the New York Times contributing opinion writer and award-winning author of Reading While Black, a riveting intergenerational account of his family’s search for home and hope

“A riveting book that invites you into the personal journey of one of the finest writers alive today.”—Beth Moore, New York Times bestselling…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked How Far to the Promised Land as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Marissa Burt

Author

I was initially intrigued by Esau's memoir because I appreciate his NY Times opinion pieces. That same thought-provoking exploration of faith, race, and human connection is evident in this book, and I was delighted to also find a compelling story-telling voice and world-building prose.

McCaulley’s writing style is engaging and full of immersive details that made me feel as though I was witnessing events unfold in real-time. With compassion and honesty, he revisits key moments as he traces his family’s history and shared identity.

As I read, I found myself reflecting on the similarities and differences across our divergent experiences…

From Marissa's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Dorothy Littell Greco

Author

In a culture that continues to try to eradicate the impact of systemic racism, McCauley helps us understand it more fully.

He is a gracious and honest writer. This book is beautifully written, honest, tender, and redemptive. It's a powerful, personal testimony about racism's long tentacles and what it looks like to fight back, forgive, and persevere. I found the book deeply moving and timely.

From Dorothy's 3 favorite reads in 2023.