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
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace summary
Jeff Hobbs
Brief summary
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace by Jeff Hobbs tells the heartbreaking true story of a brilliant black man from the streets of Newark who struggles to escape his surroundings and achieve the American Dream.
Table of Contents
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace
Summary of key ideas
Robert Peace's Early Life
In The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace, Jeff Hobbs documents the life story of his Yale college roommate, Robert Peace. Born in an impoverished neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey, Robert was a prodigy. His father, a caring but often tangential figure, was imprisoned for a murder he claimed he didn't commit. Robert's industrious mother worked tirelessly to provide for her son and ensured he received a top-quality education.
Despite the adverse circumstances, Robert excelled acadically. His intellectual prowess, coupled with his knack for drug-dealing, set him apart, becoming a respected figure in school and the neighborhood complexity. He earned a scholarship to the prestigious Yale University, pushing him towards a bright future, seemingly away from the rough streets of Newark.
Struggles and Triumphs at Yale
At Yale, Robert continued to stand out. He was a biological science major passionate about the subject, rigorously engaging in complex research projects. Yet, even as he thrived in intellectual circles, his life was a constant struggle between two identities. He maintained connections with his past, frequently traveling back to his old neighborhood, never quite leaving behind the conflicting worlds of street-hard Newark and elite Yale.
Robert thrived during his time at Yale, gaining respect from his professors and peers. But he also exposed himself to a more luxurious lifestyle, habits, and relationships that were worlds apart from his life back home. He graduated with a degree in molecular biophysics and biochemistry, leaving a promising future ahead. For a moment, it seemed like Robert had escaped the harsh realities of his upbringing.
Returning to Newark
After graduation, instead of seizing opportunities that his Yale degree offered, Robert returned to Newark. He took up a job as a baggage handler at the Newark Airport. At the same time, he escalated his involvement in the local drug trade, leveraging his knowledge in chemistry to superiorly manufacture marijuana. His life back in Newark mirrored his existence in Yale, straddled between two realms, neither fully embracing his circumstances nor escaping them.
He maintained his intellectual pursuits, working on a vision to revolutionize water filtration in developing countries. His friends and family saw glimpses of his potential, yet found it increasingly overshadowed by his risky lifestyle. They saw his intelligence and charm being swept away by a life that appeared to promise fast money and superficial respect, but was ultimately dangerous and unfulfilling.
The Tragic End
In the end, Robert's dual life couldn't sustain. His involvement in the drug world escalated to the point of no return. In a tragic turn of events, at the age of 30, Robert was murdered in a marijuana den he set up in his basement. His death, a shocking consequence of the lifestyle he had chosen, left the people in his life asking what went wrong -- questioning how such a bright, promising individual ended up so tragically.
In conclusion, The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace is a heartbreaking narrative of broken promise and lost potential. It chronicles the life of an extraordinarily gifted man, split between different worlds, neither of which he could fully belong. The book raises uncomfortable questions about race, poverty, education, and the choices one makes, providing no easy answers.
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 The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace about?
This book tells the captivating and heartbreaking story of Robert Peace, a brilliant young man who grew up in a rough neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey. Despite his academic success and potential, Robert's life takes a tragic turn as he becomes entangled in the complexities of race, class, and the choices he makes. Written by his college roommate, Jeff Hobbs, the book offers a powerful exploration of the American dream and the challenges that can prevent it from becoming a reality.
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace Review
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace (2014) is a thought-provoking biography about a man's ambition, struggles, and ultimate downfall. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- The book explores the complexities of race, identity, and social inequality in a raw and honest manner that challenges our perspectives.
- Through rich storytelling and vivid descriptions, it gives readers an intimate look into the life of Robert Peace, allowing us to empathize and understand his choices.
- With its compelling narrative and exploration of the American Dream, the book keeps us captivated, unveiling the tragic consequences of the choices we make in pursuit of success.
Who should read The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace?
- People curious about the complexities and struggles of urban poverty
- Readers interested in exploring the impact of race, class, and education on individual lives
- Those who enjoy thought-provoking memoirs that offer deep insights into human nature
Categories with The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace
Book summaries like The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace
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
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace FAQs
What is the main message of The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace?
The main message of The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace is a gripping exploration of race, privilege, and the complexities of achieving the American Dream.
How long does it take to read The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace?
The reading time for The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace is a thought-provoking and powerful book that sheds light on important social issues. It's definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace?
The author of The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace is Jeff Hobbs.
What to read after The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Emergency by Neil Strauss
- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
- Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser
- Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
- The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
- Do No Harm by Henry Marsh