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

[Amy+++]

It's so great to see what the author has accomplished but I do not enjoy memoirs.

[cpru68]

It’s so heartbreaking to see that this goes on even in this day and age. This book seems to have the potential to expose this evil act and to help those who have been on the receiving end of it. Not an easy subject to write or read about.

[Kister Bless]

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream by Dr Frank L Douglas sounds like an interesting memoir. I feel for the author, how he faced racial discrimination. It sad to learn that racial discrimination still exists in this new age. Great review.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

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.

Racial discrimination is a very important topic to talk about but, also a sensitive one, and it must be hard to it so bluntly as you mention that the author does.
I'm glad the book ends on a positive note, though.
It seems like an interesting and thought-provoking memoir. Thank you!

[dorebri2020]

I love how the author was able to install a spirit of hope throughout the novel, even though the topic he is covering can be so depressing and cruel. I'm extremely interested in his vivid descriptions. Great review!

[Sam Ibeh]

He does tiptoe around major issues mostly preferring to state his opinion openly.

You got me confused at this point in your review. What exactly were you trying to say?

While I await your answer, let me say that your review captured salient points in the book. Good job you did there.

For Dr. Douglas, dealing with racism from both White and Black Americans must have been daunting. He was able to brave through these obstacles. However, this book is a pointer to something that America is yet to completely get rid of in its system.

[Oyedeji Okikioluwa]

Racism is a controversial issue in our society today, and the author's memoir speaks on that subject in the academic and business sector. I love his resilience and grace. The world needs to read this. Good review!

[Ardentreader_19]

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

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

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.

******
Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream


Like EmunahAn's review? Post a comment saying so!

Only the human discriminate against each other on the basis of color, caste, creed, gender and what not. These kinds of books are essential to bring out more awareness and help prevent racism so that at least our posterity is free of racism.

[Shanna29]

Dr. Douglas' journey through racism and other hardships he had to face seems to be a heart-wrenching read. It would be an inspiring book to read about his journey. Great review.

[mwanikikelvin]

I absolutely loved how this book was able to talk more about racial discrimination. I also loved how this review was able to point this out as being one of the integral parts of the book.

[megan1197]

I don't usually prefer to read memoirs or other similar books, but the detail with which Dr. Douglas tells his stories had me hooked. His determination, his honesty, his understanding of the world around him really had me wanting more. I agree with you in that this book instills a sense of hope thanks to the ambition of Dr. Douglas, as well as his success in overcoming so many obstacles. I'd be interested to look into similar memoirs, especially if they'll have similar themes and ideas.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

This book is riddled with amazing stories from the author's childhood and his journey through difficult times such as poverty, racial discrimination, class discrimination and bias. I found the book inspiring and worth the cost. Thanks for the amazing review.

[aolayide]

"Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream" by Dr Frank L Douglas seems like a book that borders on a lot of sensitive topics such as racial discrimination, difficult childhood etc. I like that the author was blunt in his writing and I appreciate that he shared his personal experience while growing up.

[MsTri]

Thanks for the review, but I've suffered enough discrimination of my own, and I dislike autobiographies, so I won't be reading "Dr. Frank L. Douglas’ passionate memoir."

[Juliana_Isabella]

It's amazing that the author could accomplish so much in spite of the discrimination he faced. Great review!