The voice of enslaved free man, Solomon Northrup, is bold and clear. Waking up every morning in bondage is hell on earth.

This classic is one of the best books I've ever read. Solomon's detailed and beautifully-written autobiography really transported me into his harrowing experience. That he survived to tell his story is a miraculous gift to humanity. His firsthand account reveals important nuances of "American" collective psychology, and the forces that perpetuated slavery for so long (that continue to perpetuate discrimination and prejudice today). Moving, inspiring, page-turning, and educational -- I wish this book had been among my required reading for American history. I highly recommend this book to every human being. 5/5

This was an amazing story that I can't believe isn't taught regularly in schools (or at least mentioned). Solomon does not sugarcoat anything in regards to the horrors of slavery from the beatings to families being ripped apart at the auctions. While he doesn't shy away from these things, he is also fairly clinical about it, so even squeamish readers could muscle through it. This is definitely an important book to read from a historic but also human standpoint. Especially in light of recently things said by Cliven Bundy, Donald Sterling, etc. and why that's not okay.

Fantastic book! This book is very raw and real. It is a firsthand account of a free man that was kidnapped and sold into slavery. He was liberated after 12 years, but had to endure being treated less than a human being. I was very emotional reading this book because the injustice even until the end was infuriating. This book should be required reading for everyone in the United States because it is a part of our history, like it or not. Anyone who says that slavery was not that bad, needs to read this book and get a wake up call.

Wow. What a great book. This is our town's annual group read, and I have to say I was quite moved by this tale of man's inhumanity to man. Solomon offers some deep insight into what slavery does, not just to the slave, but to the society that revolves around it as well. I'd love to read a follow-up to his life after he was rescued.