The Middle Passage is a history lesson for the ages that should never be forgotten.  As the author states, "many consider slavery to be the greatest crime ever committed against people in human history". That says a lot considering there are so many criminal examples to choose from and the fall out from it is exponential.  Another quote: "the pain of the present is sometimes overwhelming, but the reasons for it are rooted in the past." I see that everyday when I hear about another injustice against black people.  They never stop unfortunately.  The book was educational, emotional, and not overly graphic.  Illustrations are muted and at times abstract but you feel them just the same.  And remember "a government that tolerated the dehumanization of human beings initially, is capable of tolerating it again".  Oh and apparently the song Amazing Grace was written by a slave ship captain that decided to become a minister.  I now feel the song is tarnished for me.