AUDIO BOOK: NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF FREDRICK DOUGLASS by Fredrick Douglass

 

The trick to listening to audio books is to be doing something, I sew. I know many people who listen to audio books while they are driving others listen while they are exercising. The reason you have to be doing something is to stay awake- a good audio book is like a bed time story, it will put you to sleep.

NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF FREDRICK DOUGLASS by Fredrick Douglass in audio book format is available FREE on YouTube the Audio Books channel.  

This audiobook is a 3 part series of a man, a former slave, who lived from about 1818 to 1895. The length of each section is as follows: Part 1- 59:54, Part 2- 52:46, and Part 3- 2:10:44. The division makes sense because part one is primarily introductions and such, part two is the foundation and part three is the meat of the book- the life of a slave. 

As a child I read a biography of Fredrick Douglass, I am sure I had a crush on this very handsome man. Reading back then, as I read now, I understood the sins of slavery. Back then I read as a child now I understand as an adult and I submit to everyone reading this book is something we all should do. 

There is no doubt that Mr. Douglas was treated harshly yet, as he explains, others were treated worst. Mr. Douglas pointed out that not all White people were cruel but that did not make slavery tolerable. 

This narrative succinctly describes, details, the life of a man who should not be owned. He describes the events of his bondage: the lack of food, the harsh work, the penalties- beatings- for disobedience, and even the inability to do anything about a woman being raped by the “Master” or the Master’s friends.  

But, in discussing the cruelties of slavery he injects the mindset of a man determined to be free. He talked about learning to read and write and even teaching others. I was moved as he and other fellow slaves made plans to escape, clearly these were not “ignorant niggers” but intelligent men and women. 

Books like NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF FREDRICK DOUGLASS are not on many reading list in todays schools. I believe it is because Mr. Douglas a Black man succeeded despite the real racism he experienced. This book encourages people to: work hard, study hard, not let people who hate you stop you and  have faith in God not man.   

Every Black male should read or listen to this book. The moral of this story: If God is on your side no man can keep you down.  

   Written by Marsha L Floyd.