Featured Official Review: Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream [July 2019 Book of the Month]

[Florence Nalianya]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream" by Dr Frank L Douglas.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream is Dr. Frank L. Douglas’ passionate memoir. After landing a scholarship through relentless dedication, Douglas leaves the then British Guiana for the U.S. to study at Lehigh University and later at Cornell University Medical School. The culture shock he experiences after arrival leaves an impact on him. He witnesses levels of racial discrimination like he has never seen before. In many cases later, he also becomes a victim of this wrong ideology. Douglas joins The Johns Hopkins Hospital and during his residency, he receives a National Institutes of Health fellowship to work as a Clinical Research Associate. Through his journey in medical research and academia, Douglas’ life continues to reflect on identity, political dynamics in British Guiana, racial discrimination in the U.S. and overcoming multiple obstacles to build a career.

I liked that the book reveals the trend of racial discrimination in educational institutions and in business organizations. As an African American, Douglas faced many cases of racial discrimination. In one instance, he is denied a promotion because of his ethnicity. While in school, he also notices many cases of ethnicity-based favoritism. He embarks on researching the matter. The findings, which are upsetting, are revealed in the book.

I also liked that the memoir instills a spirit of hope despite the presence of daunting obstacles. Douglas’ life story is full of ups and downs. He grows up without knowing his real father and has to work extremely hard to secure a scholarship. Life in the U.S. is not everything that he had dreamed of. This does not stop him from pursuing his dreams and serving his community.

The author is also honest and blunt. He does tiptoe around major issues mostly preferring to state his opinion openly. This exudes a feeling of confidence in what is included in the book and the author’s perspective in general. I liked this direct way of writing as it cuts on unnecessary details and it let me know clearly where the author stood on various issues.

I also liked that the author included a powerful background highlighting incidences in his childhood that helped shape his fortitude. Growing up in poverty where he was mostly unsure of how he could afford his education, Douglas became aware of the challenges that faced others like him and worked hard to ensure he made the best out of available opportunities.

I did not like that the book contains a lot of technical descriptions. However, it is thoroughly edited. I only identified two errors. I rate Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream 4 out of 4 stars. It would appeal to readers who are fond of memoirs especially those that reflect on personal and ethnic identity and racial discrimination. Readers who are not fans of this genre or the themes mentioned may not enjoy the book.

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Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
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Like EmunahAn's review? Post a comment saying so!

I like this review to the moon and back,its well compiled and has intrigued me to read this book.Thanks and congratulations.

[Florence Nalianya]

It's horrible how racism is still a thing nowadays. More people should read books like this one to realize how hard is life for some people for no particular reason. This book is a great example of how people still judge people by the color of their skin. I'm not an African American and still, I think this treatment is unfair, all people are equal, the sooner everyone realizes that the better. Thank you for your review, I'm glad there're books like that in the world.

In fact its painful when racism is portrayed even in the most established democracies.

[Intuitive Catalyst]

Nice review. Clear. Love the book's title. I get it about racism which is a widely institutionalised, open and/or overt depending on location. Guyana is "just down the road" from me erhh by plane so this is a Caribbean brother speaking and they all paved the way for us younger ones.

However, what got me is your "The author is also honest and blunt. He does tiptoe around major issues mostly preferring to state his opinion openly." Appears to be contradictory . What major issues are you referring to? Cheers

[Burnaard+42]

Nothing depicts the traumatizing state of racism and discrimination better than this book. The fact that his predicament led him to a thorough research is really inspiring,as it shows how he made the best out of his situation. Quite some read there!

[Kenesha Latoya Fowler]

As a citizen of Guyana (then, British Guiana) trying to build a life in France, I can certainly relate to the culture shock Dr. Douglas experienced going to America. And as a person of colour, I'm no stranger to the ills of racism. It's amazing the reach of this problem. I think we've all experienced or perceived it in some way at some point in our lives. Racism is, sadly, a perennial issue: it was happening then, it's happening now, and will probably be happening a long time into the future. But, perhaps, as more people like this author rise up and shine light on the issue, it will become less prevalent. Thank you for this insightful review.

[Wanjugush]

Memoirs are always thrilling. This sounds like a great book and the author take us through a journey of difficult childhood to later achieve his dreams. Great review.

[Syson Dolph]

Thanks for the review EmunahAn of Defining moments of a Free Man from a Black stream Dr. Frank L Douglas because it gave me a pinch on the details of story . Such is life , but I am glad Douglas found his way around the challenges he faced . Discrimination is a devastating scenario but whenever an individual discovers reasons why it is . I am happy Douglas stove for what he really wanted despite the dejection . This is indeed a great memoir to catch up on because it is woven in the author`s true feelings and happenings hence being an impact upon me individually and morally .

[Splendour0606]

Douglas is an encouraging character, despite the discrimination, he still pushed through. A great book to read.Thanks.

[Mukukamm30]

To Douglas and the reviewer, well done! It is very important that such memoirs should be promoted for enlightenment on the prevalence of racism and its effects on society.
I think much progress could be made in this world by concentrating on more positive things that would help in building communities rather than tearing one another apart. There is really no winner or loser in this except that one becomes broken and the other insecure. I am really happy that Douglas was able to accomplish his goals as a Doctor.
I would certainly want to read.

[Ndiviwe]

It's crazy how racial discrimination is still a major social problem. And I think it's going to be like this for quite some time. I admire the author for his ferocious determination to make something if himself despite is upbringing. I love to see black people win.

[meike schroeder]

Racism is present all around the world, minorities are overlooked and exploited. But in this book there is a lesson that only you can really shape what your future will look like, it takes a lot of hard work and overcoming difficult situación that maybe others don’t face. You have to learn to recognize the opportunities and never give up.

[Ogiyaonke Kilili]

"...reflect on personal and ethnic identity and racial discrimination. Readers who are not fans of this genre or the themes mentioned may not enjoy the book." I totally agree with you EmunahAn. I think the book was to novist and not easy to relate to, but the author is an amusing person as he wrote from the heart and the method of publishing was great as he featured creative, innovative reviewers and amazon customers.

[Zelda Boshoff]

Times have changed, today I find racial incidents decreased, however, what I did pick up, was that racial incidents are from the receiver and giver. That is such a sad thing in our society. This sounds like a very interesting read. The review is well written, thank you.

[Favour Ezeh]

Ethnicity has really done bad to people,but Dr Douglas really tried...it is good to spread this book more widely to the world for them to look into it.!

[Aisha Yakub]

Moving to a completely new city could be really hard. Thanks for the review