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

[Tosin Le]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream" by Dr Frank L Douglas.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream is a non-fiction book written by Dr. Frank L. Douglas. This memoir describes the life experiences of the author until he attained his present position. Born into a poor family that struggled to meet the basic needs of life, he found himself unable to enjoy the luxurious things of life. Upon deciding to enter high school, he couldn't proceed because no money was available for his fees. He then decided to learn a shoemaking skill from his grandfather. However, things turned around as his uncle paid for his tuition fee. He enters Cambridge Academy and graduates with an excellent grade. This awesome result became his stepping stone, as he afterward won a university scholarship to study in the United States. How he managed to bag several awards, achievements, and job titles despite the racism and cultural differences that he faced is detailed in this memoir.

I've not read a non-fiction book with gripping content like this in a very long time. The content of this story captivated me in such a way that I could feel the zeal and determination in the author that made him achieve great feats despite the hurdles that came to discourage him at some point. I love how his uncle paid for his high school tuition fees because that paved the way for him and became the platform that made him explore life and fervently pursue his career. I learned from this book that practical Christianity involves treating people in the right manner despite their background, race, and religion. When the writer arrived in the United States of America in 1963, he observed that many Christians were among the people discriminating against the blacks; this surprised him because Christianity there wasn't practiced like the Christianity of British Guiana, his home country. I learned from this book that, as a true believer in Christ, you must have the virtue of kindness.

The author's mother was there for him right from his days of struggling until his success story started spreading everywhere, and the author made sure he didn't allow his mother's impact on his life to go unnoticed. Hence, he wrote this soul-lifting book as a tribute to her. I also love how he describes the way he fell in love with his wife and how the close relationship that existed between his wife and his mother made their relationship before they got married better and healthier. 

This book was mind-blowing, inspiring, engaging, and soul-lifting. I've learned that I can achieve whatever I want if I am determined to, and nothing will stop me. It was also professionally edited. For a book as bulky as this, I thought I would encounter many errors, but I was astonished to find just a few minor ones. This showed that a lot of time was put into editing it. I didn't dislike any part of it at all. I give it a four out of four stars rating.

So many people are currently facing battles that are discouraging them from moving forward in life. Some feel that their family background would stand against them if they attempted to start a career. If you are amongst these people, then I recommend this awesome book to you because it will help you overcome your fears and worries.

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Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
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[Chimdik Chimezi]

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream by Dr Frank L Douglas is a memoir of the author, the struggles he overcame to have a good life. I love reading memoirs, they inspire me.

[Jay David Randall]

I am not a lover of non-fiction novels but this review piqued my interest and I also enjoy stories where the underdogs make it.

[Chidinma Dijeh]

Douglas's journey from British Guiana to America highlights the power of education and determination.