Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Ninth Ward summary
Brief summary
Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes is a compelling novel that follows 12-year-old Lanesha as she navigates the dangers and devastation of Hurricane Katrina in her New Orleans neighborhood. It is a story of resilience, friendship, and the enduring spirit of the human heart.
Topics
Table of Contents
Ninth Ward
Summary of key ideas
The Unbreakable Spirit of a Young Girl
In Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes, we are introduced to Lanesha, a twelve-year-old girl living in New Orleans' Ninth Ward. Lanesha is an orphan, raised by her loving but unconventional caretaker, Mama Ya-Ya. The story is set in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina, and we see Lanesha's life through her eyes, as she navigates the challenges of growing up in a poor, predominantly African-American neighborhood.
Lanesha is a bright and resilient girl, but she is also an outcast. She has the ability to see and communicate with spirits, a gift that makes her different and often the target of ridicule. Despite this, she remains strong and self-assured, thanks to Mama Ya-Ya's unwavering love and support.
The Devastating Impact of Hurricane Katrina
As the hurricane approaches, Lanesha and Mama Ya-Ya decide to stay in their home, believing they can weather the storm. However, the hurricane hits with unprecedented force, causing catastrophic flooding and destruction. The Ninth Ward is one of the hardest-hit areas, and Lanesha and Mama Ya-Ya find themselves trapped in their attic as the waters rise.
During this terrifying ordeal, Lanesha's extraordinary strength and resilience come to the fore. She takes charge of their survival, using her wits and courage to keep them alive. Despite the grim circumstances, she remains hopeful, believing that they will make it through the storm.
A Story of Survival and Resilience
After the hurricane passes, Lanesha and Mama Ya-Ya emerge from their home to a scene of utter devastation. The Ninth Ward is unrecognizable, and the two are forced to navigate the treacherous waters, both literal and metaphorical, in their quest for safety. They encounter numerous challenges, including dangerous debris, contaminated water, and the threat of looters.
Throughout their journey, Lanesha's unwavering spirit and Mama Ya-Ya's wisdom and love sustain them. They find refuge in a nearby shelter, where they meet others who have also survived the storm. Despite their losses, Lanesha remains hopeful, and her resilience inspires those around her.
Rebuilding and Moving Forward
As the immediate danger passes, the survivors of the Ninth Ward must face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. Lanesha and Mama Ya-Ya are relocated to a new city, away from the only home they've ever known. The transition is difficult, but Lanesha remains determined to make the best of their new circumstances.
In the end, Ninth Ward is a story of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable bond between a young girl and her caretaker. Despite the unimaginable challenges they face, Lanesha and Mama Ya-Ya emerge as survivors, their spirits unbroken. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the human capacity for endurance and the power of love in the face of adversity.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Ninth Ward about?
Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes is a compelling novel set in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. It follows 12-year-old Lanesha as she navigates the devastation of the storm and its aftermath, relying on her own resilience and the support of those around her. With rich storytelling and vivid imagery, this book offers a poignant exploration of family, community, and the power of hope.
Ninth Ward Review
Ninth Ward (2010) by Jewell Parker Rhodes is a poignant story about a young girl, Lanesha, navigating life in New Orleans amidst the looming threat of Hurricane Katrina. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- By showcasing Lanesha's resilience and strength in the face of adversity, it offers a powerful message of hope and courage.
- The vivid descriptions of New Orleans' Ninth Ward and the hurricane's impact provide a visceral and emotional portrayal of the disaster's aftermath.
- Through its authentic characters and gripping narrative, the book captivates readers with its compelling storytelling and thoughtful exploration of community bonds.
Who should read Ninth Ward?
- Individuals interested in exploring themes of resilience, community, and hope
- Readers who enjoy books with a strong sense of time and place, specifically New Orleans
- Young adult readers looking for a compelling and relatable protagonist
Categories with Ninth Ward
Book summaries like Ninth Ward
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
35 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Ninth Ward FAQs
What is the main message of Ninth Ward?
The main message of Ninth Ward is resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
How long does it take to read Ninth Ward?
Reading Ninth Ward takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in around 15 minutes.
Is Ninth Ward a good book? Is it worth reading?
Ninth Ward is a compelling read, offering a powerful story of courage and community. It's definitely worth a read.
Who is the author of Ninth Ward?
The author of Ninth Ward is Jewell Parker Rhodes.
What to read after Ninth Ward?
If you're wondering what to read next after Ninth Ward, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher