Review of Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
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Ordan Brouwn
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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.]
On the road to becoming a successful research scientist, Dr. Frank L Douglas had to punch through many different challenges that could have slowed him down, or even completely stopped him in his ways. British Guiana wasn't the kindest place to grow up as a young boy. He didn't really know who his father was and that informed how his life would become. Living through poverty would prove to be another obstacle that threatened this young man's life. Above that, relatives who seemed to pile on the misery made it more difficult for the young man to find his place in society. Even when he flew out of the country to further his studies, he found many other unique challenges that he shares with us in Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream.
What I appreciated most about this book was how honest it was. The language used here translates the message well and doesn't try too hard to seem intelligent or complex. Sometimes biographers fall into the trap of trying too hard to be creative that they lose the reader in the process. The author, although highly learned, writes in a conversational tone and simple language, which elevates the personal stories.
I usually read biographies to learn something surprising that I would have never learned otherwise. I was completely taken aback by the revelation that siblings and relatives who were lighter in skin tone got treated better than those who were darker. If people ever doubted how racism has affected, and continues to affect, people of color, then look no further than that right there. The remnants of racism made it such that a child of lighter skin didn't have to do chores which were left to the darker children. That is mind-boggling.
I also enjoyed how gracious the author was in front of pure discrimination and hate. I would expect a man as successful as him to expect some kind of respect wherever he went, which he deserved, but he always seemed to be humble enough at all times. It takes a certain level of discipline to constantly take the higher road, and that's something commendable. The only thing missing in this book is a good dose of some self-awareness. I love it best when authors also reveal their flaws and show how they are trying to get better. There isn't enough of that here.
I spotted only two editing errors, which made me think that this book is professionally edited. As such, I would love to rate it 4 out of 4 stars. It is a great memoir, and offers enough great moments to make it worth the time.
I think a book like this could be enjoyed by readers who love memoirs and reading about the pulling-yourself-by-the-bootstrap type of story that is sure to inspire and motivate. Readers in their early twenties and older may be the most suitable readers of this book.
******
Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
On the road to becoming a successful research scientist, Dr. Frank L Douglas had to punch through many different challenges that could have slowed him down, or even completely stopped him in his ways. British Guiana wasn't the kindest place to grow up as a young boy. He didn't really know who his father was and that informed how his life would become. Living through poverty would prove to be another obstacle that threatened this young man's life. Above that, relatives who seemed to pile on the misery made it more difficult for the young man to find his place in society. Even when he flew out of the country to further his studies, he found many other unique challenges that he shares with us in Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream.
What I appreciated most about this book was how honest it was. The language used here translates the message well and doesn't try too hard to seem intelligent or complex. Sometimes biographers fall into the trap of trying too hard to be creative that they lose the reader in the process. The author, although highly learned, writes in a conversational tone and simple language, which elevates the personal stories.
I usually read biographies to learn something surprising that I would have never learned otherwise. I was completely taken aback by the revelation that siblings and relatives who were lighter in skin tone got treated better than those who were darker. If people ever doubted how racism has affected, and continues to affect, people of color, then look no further than that right there. The remnants of racism made it such that a child of lighter skin didn't have to do chores which were left to the darker children. That is mind-boggling.
I also enjoyed how gracious the author was in front of pure discrimination and hate. I would expect a man as successful as him to expect some kind of respect wherever he went, which he deserved, but he always seemed to be humble enough at all times. It takes a certain level of discipline to constantly take the higher road, and that's something commendable. The only thing missing in this book is a good dose of some self-awareness. I love it best when authors also reveal their flaws and show how they are trying to get better. There isn't enough of that here.
I spotted only two editing errors, which made me think that this book is professionally edited. As such, I would love to rate it 4 out of 4 stars. It is a great memoir, and offers enough great moments to make it worth the time.
I think a book like this could be enjoyed by readers who love memoirs and reading about the pulling-yourself-by-the-bootstrap type of story that is sure to inspire and motivate. Readers in their early twenties and older may be the most suitable readers of this book.
******
Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: American Dream? by Jeoung Lee
