An engaging memoir that is somewhere between 40% and 90% really social criticism. I'm not sure 100% of the blame Williams puts on "hip-hop culture" belongs there; some of the e.g. anti-intellectualism, "fear of books" or fear of being a nerd, etc. is common to much of American culture. On the flip side, that perhaps makes the question of why more "white boys" were able to "compartmentalize" those things more pressing... This and many other things are left unsaid and uninvestigated.

Those critiques aside, an engaging memoir with, yes, some engaging if not deep cultural criticism. I'd compare this to [b:Buck: A Memoir|16169867|Buck A Memoir|M.K. Asante|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1377634358l/16169867._SX50_.jpg|22016569] but I give this 1 because it is far more critical and less... I can't quite put my finger on it. Williams seems to grow much more; Asante, to a great extent, just doesn't (and, in my mind, maybe retrogresses in his total and complete acceptance of his father's e.g. actions toward his family.) ( )

Wonderful memoir - I really love the way this guy writes, and what he writes about. A remarkably courageous book. ( )

There is a lot of food for thought here. Kudos to Mr. Williams for sharing a not-always flattering account of his younger self and his transformation to adulthood, as the basis in part of the views on life he reached by the 2009 publication date of this book. Personally, I think this is best followed by reading his 2019 [b:Self-Portrait in Black and White: Unlearning Race|43726556|Self-Portrait in Black and White Unlearning Race|Thomas Chatterton Williams|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1560815450l/43726556._SY75_.jpg|68053671], to understand where his personal journey has taken him and his views now as a husband, father, and world citizen. ( )

I zoomed through this in a day. I was reallyinterested in how the author changed his mindset from one of immersion in hip-hop culture to one focused on philosophy at the collegiate level. I would like some of my teaching colleagues to read it and see if there are any overall ideas that can come from the author's journey, or if it's just one person's (interesting) story of their personal paradigm shift. ( )

A young adult biographical book, but highly recommended for concerned parents, grandparents and educators of all ages. Inspirational and insightful. A coming of age story of a black youth driven to excell by a very wise and determined father. Demonstates different lifestyles and the potential there is to achieve academic success. Education happens inside and out side of high school and college. This would make and excellent class or discussion group book. ( )