Review of Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream

This forum is for volunteer reviews by members of our review team. These reviews are done voluntarily by the reviewers and are published in this forum, separate from the official professional reviews. These reviews are kept separate primarily because the same book may be reviewed by many different reviewers.
Post Reply
User avatar
Nancy004
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 481
Joined: 05 May 2023, 23:18
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 169
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-nancy004.html
Latest Review: Why Paul by S. R. Ely

Review of Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream

Post by Nancy004 »

[Following is a volunteer review of "Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream" by Dr Frank L Douglas.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream is a memoir by Dr. Frank L. Douglas, a man who overcame incredible odds to achieve success in the field of medicine and pharmaceutical research. The book provides a powerful account of his journey from a humble background in British Guiana (now Guyana) to becoming a respected figure in the scientific community. Through his story, Dr. Douglas highlights the challenges of racism, poverty, and personal struggles that he faced along the way.

Dr. Douglas’s life story is one of perseverance and determination. Raised in a low-income family in Guyana, he faced difficult living conditions but excelled academically. His hard work earned him a scholarship that allowed him to study in the United States. However, upon arriving in America, he encountered racism on a scale he had never experienced before. Despite these challenges, Dr. Douglas remained focused on his goals, pursuing a career in medicine and eventually making significant contributions to pharmaceutical research, including the development of life-saving drugs. His memoir reflects on his experiences with racism, the importance of education, and the power of resilience in overcoming adversity.

One of the strengths of the memoir is Dr. Douglas’s unwavering determination to succeed despite the numerous obstacles he faced. His story is truly inspiring, especially for readers who are interested in how education and perseverance can lead to success. For instance, Dr. Douglas’s journey from a poor student in Guyana to a Fulbright scholar in the United States is a testament to his dedication. He also discusses his contributions to pharmaceutical research, which adds an interesting layer to the book for readers curious about the scientific field.

Another positive aspect is the book’s honest portrayal of the challenges faced by minorities, especially in a predominantly white society. Dr. Douglas shares his experiences of being overlooked for job opportunities and receiving lower salaries simply because of his race. His calm and reasoned response to discrimination, choosing to resign when situations contradicted his values, is an example of his maturity and integrity.

While the memoir is filled with valuable insights, some readers might find certain aspects less engaging. For example, the book includes detailed discussions of Dr. Douglas’s scientific work, which, while made accessible to non-experts, could feel overwhelming for those less interested in the technical aspects of his career. Additionally, the memoir provides little information about Dr. Douglas’s family life, with only brief mentions of his wife and children. This omission makes it harder to fully understand how he balanced his demanding career with his personal life.

Overall, I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Despite a few minor shortcomings, the memoir is a powerful and inspiring account of one man’s journey to overcome adversity and achieve greatness. Additionally, I did not find any grammatical errors in the book.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy memoirs, particularly those that explore the challenges faced by minorities in society. It is also an excellent read for anyone aspiring to excel in the science industry, as Dr. Douglas’s life serves as an example of what can be achieved with determination, resilience, and hard work.

******
Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Why Paul by S. R. Ely
Post Reply

Return to “Volunteer Reviews”