Review of Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
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- Latest Review: Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream by Dr Frank L Douglas
Review of Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
[Following is a volunteer review of "Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream" by Dr Frank L Douglas.]
I have read and enjoyed quite a few inspiring memoirs of prominent personalities from the 20th century, and Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream by Dr. Frank L Douglas is not an exception. When I first read the sample from the "Book of the Day" nominations, I knew I had to finish reading the whole book. This book centers on the author's family life, educational background, and professional career. It conveys Douglas' struggles with racism, identity, religious beliefs, family relations, and belongingness in his journey to the United States to pursue his education and professional endeavors.
As an intelligent teenage boy from British Guiana who grew up without his father's love or attention, Douglas learned from an early age how to deal with rejection and resentment. This had led him to focus on his education which propelled him to reach his full potential against all odds. He became one of the most innovative medical engineers in the health industry. Douglas' composure and discipline in his trial times were remarkable, and his straightforward responses to hate and racism were quite a liberating experience. I like how the author showed how his morals and core values evolved through his religious dedications and personal experiences with the people, society, and the institutions that shaped his identity and career. I also like how the author presented his work in a straightforward point-blank manner that exuberates his realistic and scientific approach to life.
There were a few things that held me back from fully enjoying the book. The grammatical errors around the middle of the book coupled with the technical exposure to scientific and medical theories slightly marred my zeal to continue reading. There was so much information to grasp, and the medical field wasn't an easy read. Aside from that, I enjoyed getting to know the author through his profession and have learned to appreciate his value-driven approaches in coming up with innovative solutions that continue to boost medical progress and quality healthcare for all.
I rate this book four out of four stars for many reasons. These reasons include the author's dedication towards his work, his commitment to his vision and core values, as well as his undivided attention towards his family throughout his robust career. I also like his reaction and composure in his interactions with colleagues and superiors at work and his succinct responses that I have learned to enjoy and appreciate. I was inspired by his passion for justice and fairness for minority groups and his resolute efforts in helping the prejudiced though it was evident that he was mostly alone in these battles. I was also delighted by his charitable deeds to the impoverished family he met on one of his family vacations whom he helped without hesitation on countless occasions.
Although this book is not an easy read, it is appropriate for readers who enjoy empowering autobiographies of high-profile personalities like Frank Douglas. People who are not interested in non-fiction and the laborious nature of the medical and scientific field may not enjoy this book as much. However, anyone else in the medical and scientific discipline may find it an easy and inspiring read.
******
Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
I have read and enjoyed quite a few inspiring memoirs of prominent personalities from the 20th century, and Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream by Dr. Frank L Douglas is not an exception. When I first read the sample from the "Book of the Day" nominations, I knew I had to finish reading the whole book. This book centers on the author's family life, educational background, and professional career. It conveys Douglas' struggles with racism, identity, religious beliefs, family relations, and belongingness in his journey to the United States to pursue his education and professional endeavors.
As an intelligent teenage boy from British Guiana who grew up without his father's love or attention, Douglas learned from an early age how to deal with rejection and resentment. This had led him to focus on his education which propelled him to reach his full potential against all odds. He became one of the most innovative medical engineers in the health industry. Douglas' composure and discipline in his trial times were remarkable, and his straightforward responses to hate and racism were quite a liberating experience. I like how the author showed how his morals and core values evolved through his religious dedications and personal experiences with the people, society, and the institutions that shaped his identity and career. I also like how the author presented his work in a straightforward point-blank manner that exuberates his realistic and scientific approach to life.
There were a few things that held me back from fully enjoying the book. The grammatical errors around the middle of the book coupled with the technical exposure to scientific and medical theories slightly marred my zeal to continue reading. There was so much information to grasp, and the medical field wasn't an easy read. Aside from that, I enjoyed getting to know the author through his profession and have learned to appreciate his value-driven approaches in coming up with innovative solutions that continue to boost medical progress and quality healthcare for all.
I rate this book four out of four stars for many reasons. These reasons include the author's dedication towards his work, his commitment to his vision and core values, as well as his undivided attention towards his family throughout his robust career. I also like his reaction and composure in his interactions with colleagues and superiors at work and his succinct responses that I have learned to enjoy and appreciate. I was inspired by his passion for justice and fairness for minority groups and his resolute efforts in helping the prejudiced though it was evident that he was mostly alone in these battles. I was also delighted by his charitable deeds to the impoverished family he met on one of his family vacations whom he helped without hesitation on countless occasions.
Although this book is not an easy read, it is appropriate for readers who enjoy empowering autobiographies of high-profile personalities like Frank Douglas. People who are not interested in non-fiction and the laborious nature of the medical and scientific field may not enjoy this book as much. However, anyone else in the medical and scientific discipline may find it an easy and inspiring read.
******
Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
