Twelve Years a Slave

Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup, 240 pages

Originally published in 1853, Twelve Years a Slave recounts free New Yorker Solomon Northup's experiences being kidnapped and sold into slavery. His experiences are described in rich detail, explaining the work expected, the punishments enacted, the daily schedules, the agricultural processes, the rare celebrations...all described plainly, clearly, and with little emotion, except when talking about his family back home. It's an incredible account, a horrifying story, and a wonderful historical document. I highly recommend reading this, or even better, listening to the audiobook, which is performed exquisitely by Louis Gossett, Jr.