101 pages • 3 hours read
Ronald TakakiA Different Mirror
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1993A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
A Different Mirror by Ronald Takaki is a revisionist history of America that argues the country was built on the land and labor of Native Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, Irish Americans, Asian Americans, Jewish Americans, and other ethnic groups, challenging the traditional "Master Narrative" that credits primarily white Americans for the nation's development and highlighting the interethnic alliances forged to resist oppression. The book addresses themes such as racism, class conflict, and exploitation of minorities.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ronald Takaki's A Different Mirror is celebrated for its comprehensive, multicultural perspective on American history, revealing the narratives of diverse ethnic groups. Critics commend its inclusivity and depth but note its dense text could be challenging for casual readers. Overall, it's praised as an enlightening, albeit demanding, historical exploration.
Who Should Read A Different Mirror?
A reader who would enjoy A Different Mirror by Ronald Takaki is someone interested in multicultural history and the diverse narratives that shape America. Comparable to Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States, this book appeals to those who seek inclusive perspectives and comprehensive historical accounts.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1120LBook Details
Japanese Literature
Asian Literature
Race / Racism
Identity: Race
Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice