sarose13's review
3.0
Ay dios I don’t know what to say. Probably like 3.5 starts. I appreciated the memoir portions of this book. I have gained a huge appreciation for learning about ALL different cultures though memoirs. What I learned from this book: Be nice to everyone at all times, stand up for kindness, and be careful what you say. There is no room for foot-in-mouth syndrome. Sadly, I got the feeling of “us versus them” throughout this whole book and no feeling of hope.
kaitslibrary's review
5.0
5 stars & a must read for every white person. This book is an amazing introduction into how white people have been complicit in race, how Black people have had to deal and live with the consequences of white ignorance, and how white people can try to become better accomplices to Black people. This book gives firsthand insight into the lives of Black people as we read about, not only Frederick Joseph, but also those who he has chosen to interview. This book also contains a glossary (for easy to find definitions) and extra books, movies, and songs to check out so that we can appreciate media that has been made by Black people. Being one of the very best books to pick up if you are trying to learn more about race and social justice, this book is definitely something I would recommend to any white person who wants to take an active approach to understand race and actually change their problematic, racially driven thoughts and behaviors (which every one of us needs to work on).
missoliviareadsbooks's review
4.0
A powerful piece of non fiction that should be an essential for any school Library. Frederick Joseph recounts a wide range of topics through his own and others experiences - and I found the Encyclopaedia section at the back to be wonderfully educational.
milliebot_reads's review
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Another excellent book by Frederick Joseph! The subject matters (racism and white supremacy in America, intersectionality, the harm the patriarchy perpetuates) are heavy, but Joseph handles them with honesty, humor, and warmth, while still conveying how seriously we all need to do our part in our daily lives to bring about change.
I do believe this book is geared towards teens/adults in their early 20s, but at 35, I didn't feel like the tone would be felt as condescending for younger readers, nor too juvenile for those of us who are older. Joseph has many little interjections throughout his book containing additional (and often funny) details about the story he's relaying, and suggested further research (a person or place to google, a musician to listen to, a movie to watch) and I think these make an already personal book, even more personal. The book is not all humor though - there are a lot of serious, heartbreaking, and anger-inducing stories here, that can't have been easy to open up about.
If you're past your teens, I highly suggest reading his other book, Patriarchy Blues, right before or after this. As in this book, Joseph opens up about so many of his own experiences that I think are incredibly beneficial to those who need help seeing and understanding the racism and microaggressions committed against people of color. I know it's Joseph's hope that readers will take in his experiences and learn and grow from what he's been gracious enough to share.
I'm really not doing his books justice - I think they're both very important and that as many people who can read them, should.
I do believe this book is geared towards teens/adults in their early 20s, but at 35, I didn't feel like the tone would be felt as condescending for younger readers, nor too juvenile for those of us who are older. Joseph has many little interjections throughout his book containing additional (and often funny) details about the story he's relaying, and suggested further research (a person or place to google, a musician to listen to, a movie to watch) and I think these make an already personal book, even more personal. The book is not all humor though - there are a lot of serious, heartbreaking, and anger-inducing stories here, that can't have been easy to open up about.
If you're past your teens, I highly suggest reading his other book, Patriarchy Blues, right before or after this. As in this book, Joseph opens up about so many of his own experiences that I think are incredibly beneficial to those who need help seeing and understanding the racism and microaggressions committed against people of color. I know it's Joseph's hope that readers will take in his experiences and learn and grow from what he's been gracious enough to share.
I'm really not doing his books justice - I think they're both very important and that as many people who can read them, should.
mhh831666's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
kittykornerlibrarian's review
4.0
This is written in an engaging style and tackles the big issues of race and racism in the U.S. from the perspective of a Black man who is worried about his younger brother. Joseph illustrates his points with anecdotes from his person experience of growing up Black in America. It includes a glossary and a playlist. I wish everyone would read this book.
andrearbooks's review
5.0
The Black Friend: On Being a Better While Person by Frederick Joseph was outstanding. The author uses his own experiences (which are honest and emotional) to explain different topics around racism. Within the stories, he takes the time to educate on what is actually happening. With this, he uses specific terms (and includes an incredible glossary at the back) to explore the reality of situations he has found himself in. The power in this is that these aren't just abstract concepts, but lived experiences. With each story, he also has an interview/reflection with someone to further explore the chapter's focus. While this is a YA read, it is definitely a solid read for humans of all ages.
transfish's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
5.0
very informational, i think a good starting point to anti-racist reading & theory