A review by whtbout2ndbrkfst
No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black and Free in America by Darnell L. Moore

4.0

3.5 stars rounded up. I appreciated the research / historical context provided for events unfolding in his personal life. There is a ton of insightful commentary on systemic racism, misogyny, violence, internalized hatred, stereotypes, and homophobia. I think because of the title I expected this memoir to be a bit more balanced by joy, but Moore’s story focuses primarily on violence and the trauma (personal, familial, systemic) he experiences. Definitely a hard look at the many ways we (personally and societally) fail those in the margins … especially our poor youth