Ordinary Notes

Reviewed by Shonda Moore for This BrowneGirl Reads book club. Christina Sharpe's “Ordinary Notes” is a profound exploration of memory, identity, and the deeply rooted structures of white supremacy that permeate our society. Through a series of notes, Sharpe intricately weaves personal reflections with broader cultural and historical analyses, creating a tapestry that is as thought-provoking as it is deeply moving. In Note 63, Sharpe asserts that "the white supremacist is extended the grammar of the human," a powerful statement that encapsulates the way language and societal norms have been manipulated to uphold systems of oppression. This note, alongside Note 64, where Sharpe discusses how protecting the white male has become a societal duty, challenges the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about how power and identity are constructed and maintained. One of the most touching moments in the book comes in Note 90, where Sharpe recalls her mother's fondness for the phrase, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." This memory resonates deeply with me as it echoes a cherished ritual I share with my son—singing this very song to start our day. Moments like these make “Ordinary Notes” not just a work of critical theory but a deeply personal narrative that connects on an intimate level. Sharpe’s deep connection to literature is evident in Note 211, where she reflects on the old, well-worn copies of “Beloved” and “The Map to the Door of No Return,” marked with her notes and post-its. These glimpses into her personal study are inspirational, reminding us of the enduring power of literature to shape our understanding of the world and ourselves. “Ordinary Notes” is more than just a book; it's an experience—a journey through memory, identity, and the legacies that shape us. Christina Sharpe’s writing is incisive and compassionate, inviting readers to not only engage with difficult truths but also to find solace in shared experiences and collective memory. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the intersections of race, memory, and identity, and it leaves an indelible mark on the heart and mind. Shonda Moore This Browne Girl Reads

Christina Sharpe's “Ordinary Notes” is a profound exploration of memory, identity, and the deeply rooted structures of white supremacy that permeate our society. Through a series of notes, Sharpe intricately weaves personal reflections with broader cultural and historical analyses, creating a tapestry that is as thought-provoking as it is deeply moving. In Note 63, Sharpe asserts that "the white supremacist is extended the grammar of the human," a powerful statement that encapsulates the way language and societal norms have been manipulated to uphold systems of oppression. This note, alongside Note 64, where Sharpe discusses how protecting the white male has become a societal duty, challenges the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about how power and identity are constructed and maintained. One of the most touching moments in the book comes in Note 90, where Sharpe recalls her mother's fondness for the phrase, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." This memory resonates deeply with me as it echoes a cherished ritual I share with my son—singing this very song to start our day. Moments like these make “Ordinary Notes” not just a work of critical theory but a deeply personal narrative that connects on an intimate level. Sharpe’s deep connection to literature is evident in Note 211, where she reflects on the old, well-worn copies of “Beloved” and “The Map to the Door of No Return,” marked with her notes and post-its. These glimpses into her personal study are inspirational, reminding us of the enduring power of literature to shape our understanding of the world and ourselves. “Ordinary Notes” is more than just a book; it's an experience—a journey through memory, identity, and the legacies that shape us. Christina Sharpe’s writing is incisive and compassionate, inviting readers to not only engage with difficult truths but also to find solace in shared experiences and collective memory. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the intersections of race, memory, and identity, and it leaves an indelible mark on the heart and mind. Shonda Moore This Browne Girl Reads