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viralmysteries's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to HarperCollins for the ARC at BEA 2019!
I really liked this memoir from Clyde Ford, telling the story of his upbringing in NYC while his dad became the first black systems engineer at IBM, and their constant clashes with their different perspectives about work, politics, and social issues. Ford came of age amidst the Civil Rights and Black Power Movement, radicalized by the injustice that surrounded him and willing to lean into his Blackness, while his dad took a more conservative approach that focused on keeping his head down and working hard and education as a pathway to success. Ford takes time to discuss the deep injustices IBM has been responsible for, from its complicity in the Holocaust, its role in eugenics movement, and its support for the apartheid government of South Africa. It's a moving and powerful story about family, race, and survival. Highly recommend.
I really liked this memoir from Clyde Ford, telling the story of his upbringing in NYC while his dad became the first black systems engineer at IBM, and their constant clashes with their different perspectives about work, politics, and social issues. Ford came of age amidst the Civil Rights and Black Power Movement, radicalized by the injustice that surrounded him and willing to lean into his Blackness, while his dad took a more conservative approach that focused on keeping his head down and working hard and education as a pathway to success. Ford takes time to discuss the deep injustices IBM has been responsible for, from its complicity in the Holocaust, its role in eugenics movement, and its support for the apartheid government of South Africa. It's a moving and powerful story about family, race, and survival. Highly recommend.
justaguy's review against another edition
3.0
Technology and racism
The book was reasonably interesting when the author wrote two parallels of the evolution of technology and how racism stuck to it but more insidious. I did learn some information that I was unaware until now. Thanks to him and I know about it now. The history is a trove of treasure, but it might not what you want it to be...aside from that, I was bothered by a small portion by the author when he added personal lives and I wasn’t sure if it was making sense...maybe just me.
The book was reasonably interesting when the author wrote two parallels of the evolution of technology and how racism stuck to it but more insidious. I did learn some information that I was unaware until now. Thanks to him and I know about it now. The history is a trove of treasure, but it might not what you want it to be...aside from that, I was bothered by a small portion by the author when he added personal lives and I wasn’t sure if it was making sense...maybe just me.
aakanni's review against another edition
5.0
Each chapter starts with a memory of the author's father, the first black engineer at IBM, but what follows is so much more. Ford goes into his genealogy, brief history of computing, and social movements that led to his father working at IBM and eventually himself. I really loved so many things about this memoir, coming from someone that doesn't usually read them. While only a short section this story is also a reminder to be authentically yourself in the face of being "the first" regardless of that that is. Informative, entertaining, and motivational so glad to have started the year reading this.
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
This book is full of food for thought and tells an interesting and engaging story.
I loved the story that made me reflect and the style of writing.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved the story that made me reflect and the style of writing.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
neverwithoutabook's review against another edition
5.0
John Stanley Ford became the first black software engineer at IBM in 1947, personally selected by the president and founder, Thomas J. Watson Sr., Ford’s new position didn’t sit well with many of his White coworkers. Fast forward two decades later, Clyde W. Ford also becomes an employee of IBM and interweaving his and his father’s experience we get an engrossing glimpse of the Tech world in this memoir Think Black.
This memoir really spoke to me. I am a Black woman that works in the tech industry and I’ve been looked over countless times for promotions. Much of what’s spoken in this book I’ve seen and experience firsthand. Crazy, in this day and age not much has changed.
This memoir is everything to me, thought-provoking and inspiring, this is a must read. Thank you, HarperCollins/Amisatd for gifting me this copy in exchange for an honest review.
This memoir really spoke to me. I am a Black woman that works in the tech industry and I’ve been looked over countless times for promotions. Much of what’s spoken in this book I’ve seen and experience firsthand. Crazy, in this day and age not much has changed.
This memoir is everything to me, thought-provoking and inspiring, this is a must read. Thank you, HarperCollins/Amisatd for gifting me this copy in exchange for an honest review.
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