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.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Pink and Say summary
Brief summary
Pink and Say is a powerful historical fiction novel by Patricia Polacco. Set during the Civil War, it tells the story of the unlikely friendship between two young soldiers, Pinkus Aylee and Sheldon Curtis, and their harrowing experiences during a time of division and prejudice.
Topics
Table of Contents
Pink and Say
Summary of key ideas
War and Friendship
In Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco, we are taken back to the American Civil War. The story begins with a young Union soldier, Sheldon Russell Curtis, who is wounded and left for dead on a battlefield in Georgia. He is discovered by Pinkus Aylee, a black Union soldier, who takes him to his home to be cared for by his mother, Moe Moe Bay.
As Sheldon, or Say as Pinkus calls him, recovers, he learns about Pinkus' life. Pinkus was born a slave, but he was taught to read and write by his master's daughter. When the war broke out, Pinkus ran away to join the Union army. The two boys form a deep bond, and Sheldon is amazed by Pinkus' bravery and kindness.
Separation and Suffering
Unfortunately, their time together is short-lived. Confederate soldiers raid Pinkus' home, and both boys are captured. They are taken to a prison camp where they face unimaginable horrors. Pinkus is brutally beaten by the Confederate soldiers, and Sheldon is helpless to protect his friend.
Despite the harsh conditions, Pinkus remains strong and hopeful. He shares stories of his childhood and his dreams of freedom. Sheldon is deeply moved by Pinkus' resilience and courage, and he realizes the stark contrast between his own privileged life and Pinkus' experiences as a slave.
Loss and Survival
Tragedy strikes when Pinkus is executed by the Confederate soldiers. Sheldon is devastated by the loss of his friend, but he is determined to survive and honor Pinkus' memory. He manages to escape the prison camp and makes his way back to his Union regiment.
After the war ends, Sheldon returns to Pinkus' home to deliver the news of his son's death to Moe Moe Bay. The two share their grief and memories of Pinkus, finding solace in each other's company. Sheldon also fulfills Pinkus' dream of freedom by helping Moe Moe Bay and her family move to a safer place.
Lessons and Legacy
In the end, Pink and Say is a powerful story of friendship, resilience, and the devastating impact of war. It sheds light on the harsh realities of slavery and the Civil War, while also celebrating the enduring bond between two young soldiers from different backgrounds.
Sheldon's daughter, Rosa, narrates the story, emphasizing the importance of remembering and sharing such stories. She preserves the memory of Pinkus and Say, ensuring that their friendship and the lessons learned from their experiences are not forgotten.
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 Pink and Say about?
Pink and Say is a powerful historical fiction book by Patricia Polacco. Set during the American Civil War, it tells the story of two young soldiers, Pinkus Aylee (Pink) and Sheldon Curtis (Say), who form an unlikely friendship. Through their bond, the book explores themes of friendship, bravery, and the harsh realities of war. It is a poignant and heartfelt tale that sheds light on an important chapter in history.
Pink and Say Review
Pink and Say is a poignant and heartwarming book by Patricia Polacco that is definitely worth reading. Here's why this book is special and interesting:
- It tells the touching story of friendship between two young boys during the Civil War, exploring themes of bravery and compassion.
- Through beautiful illustrations and powerful dialogue, the book brings history to life, encouraging readers to reflect on the past and appreciate the present.
- The book's emotional depth and powerful message of love and resilience make it a truly engaging and unforgettable read.
Who should read Pink and Say?
- People interested in historical fiction with a focus on the Civil War
- Educators looking for a book to teach about slavery and the importance of friendship
- Readers who enjoy emotionally impactful stories with beautiful illustrations
Categories with Pink and Say
Book summaries like Pink and Say
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
38 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Pink and Say FAQs
What is the main message of Pink and Say?
The main message of Pink and Say is the power of friendship and compassion in the face of adversity.
How long does it take to read Pink and Say?
The reading time for Pink and Say varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Pink and Say a good book? Is it worth reading?
Pink and Say is a heartwarming and inspiring book that is definitely worth reading. It beautifully explores themes of bravery, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Who is the author of Pink and Say?
The author of Pink and Say is Patricia Polacco.
What to read after Pink and Say?
If you're wondering what to read next after Pink and Say, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley