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4.45 AVERAGE
4.45 AVERAGE
My biggest problem with this book was its lack of a clear, underlying theme. In other words, this book was all over the place. I wish Mychal Denzel Smith spent more time concentrating on one topic at a time. Here we have many bold ideas, but not much information on how to successfully implement them. This book reads like a work of nonfiction with a lot of passion behind it (and that is completely understandable given the time we live in). I just wish there was more information on practical implementation of the author's very legitimate concerns and ideas. Having said that, I am glad I've read it. This is a short read that will benefit everyone.
I'll read anything Mychal Denzel Smith writes. He's one of our sharpest minds. This thoughtful and timely book is no exception. It filled me with despair and rage at our society's injustices, and then, ultimately, a quiet hope.
This won this year's Kirkus Prize and I wanted to know why. Now I do. Powerful little book of essays on race and masculinity and where we go from here. It's a good reminder, in this week after Trump's loss, that all the problems are not solved just by ejecting him from the White House.
I wanted to highlight every page of this book. That said, read it if only for the Accountability chapter on men and rape culture. I'll be thinking about that quote about how accountability is only possible when you're willing to be destroyed.
Wow, this was fantastic! A slim, but potent volume of essays covering a variety of difficult subjects, including race, policing, rape culture, etc. Smith has a way of writing eloquent prose that is direct and thought-provoking, making it both incredibly effective and readable. I found myself re-reading and highlighting so many lines so I could adequately absorb them. His writing has me questioning my preconceived notions about a lot of things. Smith is an idealist proposes some pretty controversial ideas, like abolishing the police for instance. There are so many things we accept as part of society that really should be questioned. If a flawed system is in place, making slight changes to that system won’t fix it. These essays will stay with me and I plan to pick up Smith’s previous book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Type Books for providing a copy of this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Type Books for providing a copy of this ARC.
Brilliant. There were so, so many excellent points made, but my favorite was a quote he shared about accountability, that “…true accountability is only possible when you consent to be destroyed. Initially, I asked her if I could steal that to write for you here. She said yes because where I saw theft, she saw collaboration. My old self has yet to be completely destroyed.”
One of the best critiques of America as it stands right now. Succinct. Clear. Searing. There is no coddling of the reader against the truths that are presented. It’s Baldwin-esque. It’s brilliant.
Reread: still holds up. Still incredible. Read this book.
Reread: still holds up. Still incredible. Read this book.
I loved reading this book so much that I was genuinely upset that I finished it. Not wistful or grateful that it was good- just irrationally upset that it was over. I appreciate the care that Smith puts into his writing and his openness, his willing to say the hard truths as he sees them, and his sharing himself with us in the ways that he does. I really liked the organization of the book, too, exploring those political ideas that we don't often interrogate more critically. I hope many people read his book.