A Raisin in the Sun vs Roots: Which Should You Read?

Both live on shelves: African American families, Afro-Americans, African Americans, History

Cover of A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun Lorraine Hansberry · 1958 ★★★★☆ 3.9 146 pages · ≈ 2 h 42 m · Moderate Find on Amazon

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Cover of Roots

Roots Alex Haley · 1861 ★★★★☆ 4.4 476 pages · ≈ 8 h 49 m · Demanding Find on Amazon

The verdict

Readers rate Roots higher: 4.4 vs 3.9 from 166305 votes.
A Raisin in the Sun is the quicker read — about 2 hours vs 8 for Roots.
A Raisin in the Sun is the easier read (Moderate), Roots more demanding (Demanding).

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