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

[Sargam Talreja]

The book raises pertinent concerns about how racism persists in modern society. However, it is encouraging to observe how the author's ambition and resilience much outweigh these challenges. superb review.

[MsChet Cherry]

A very challenging life for Douglas, having facing a lot of ups and downs, including unprecedented racism.
I'm glad he overcame eventually.
Congrats on the BOTD.

[pbrown7r]

A Great read !!! Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream is a powerful and poignant collection of autobiographical essays by Dr. Frank L. Douglas. This book is a moving reflection on Dr. Douglas's life journey, from growing up in poverty and racial discrimination in Guyana to becoming a successful scientist and businessman in America.

Through his deeply personal and honest accounts, Dr. Douglas shares the defining moments of his life that shaped his worldview, values, and beliefs. He discusses the challenges he faced as a black man in a white-dominated world, including the racism he encountered in his professional and personal life.

However, despite the obstacles he faced, Dr. Douglas remained resilient and determined to achieve his dreams. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and faith.

What makes this book truly special is Dr. Douglas's ability to weave together his personal experiences with universal themes of identity, race, class, and culture. His words are insightful, inspiring, and thought-provoking.

Overall, Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream is a must-read for anyone interested in personal growth, overcoming adversity, and understanding the complexities of race and identity in America. Dr. Douglas's story is a reminder that we all have the power to create our own destiny, no matter our circumstances.

[Unique Mary Iloakasia]

I enjoyed reading this review. The positive and negative aspects were properly outlined. It highlights the good job the reviewer did. I recommend this book to all.

[Emmanuel chinelo]

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.

[abderrahman El achari]

The journey undertaken by the author of the book “Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream,” Dr. Frank L Douglas, from British Guiana to the United States of America, was not easy. Rather, it was fraught with many obstacles, difficulties, and suffering, the most notable of which he experienced since he was a student at Cornell University’s Medical College. Even in his professional career as a doctor, he was subjected to racial discrimination, and he was deprived of many of his rights because of his color and ethnic affiliation. The book is worth reading and contains many surprises. Good review.
my regards

[Mia_Edwards]

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.

I agree with Rafaella. It's terrible that racism is still prevalent in the world today. 2024! I am African American and the distinction between the book and real life is not too far off. That's said to say based on the fact the book takes place in the 1960s and I am living in 2024, the same issues exist. This review was so well put and I am so glad that there are readers out there who make themselves aware of different ways of living, regardless of race, gender, age, and so forth.

[Mia_Edwards]

You mean 'He does NOT tiptoe around major issues...’, right? Anyway, it's an interesting review. You mention the inclusion of technical details, which is something I was worried about, but I'm drawn to the book by the coverage of institutionalised racism.

Very well put! I could not agree with you more and I was drawn to the book for the same reason. I just said in my previous posts that I was glad that there are readers out there who make themselves socially aware of the world outside of what they know. Yes, they may never understand, but I think the first step is gaining awareness. It's weird that I'm saying this about a book that was set in the 1960s, but these are the issues that we are still facing to this day.

[Amit Kumar Sharma 1]

"Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream" is a memoir by Dr. Frank L. Douglas, detailing his journey from British Guiana to the U.S., where he faced racial discrimination and was denied promotion. The memoir exposes the trend of racial discrimination in educational institutions and business organizations, and highlights the author's honesty and resilience.

[Amit Kumar Sharma 1]

"Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream" is a memoir by Dr. Frank L. Douglas, detailing his journey from British Guiana to the U.S., where he faced racial discrimination and was denied promotion. The memoir exposes the trend of racial discrimination in educational institutions and business organizations, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing these issues to improve society and the lives of all people.

[Amit Kumar Sharma 1]

**Book Review: Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream by Dr. Frank L. Douglas**

"Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream" by Dr. Frank L. Douglas is an inspiring memoir that details the author's journey from British Guiana to the United States, where he faces and overcomes significant challenges. The book chronicles Douglas's life, highlighting his academic and professional achievements amidst the backdrop of racial discrimination.

Douglas's story begins with his relentless pursuit of education, earning a scholarship that takes him from British Guiana to Lehigh University and then to Cornell University Medical School. Upon arriving in the U.S., he is confronted with a stark culture shock and pervasive racial discrimination, experiences that shape his perspectives and drive his determination.

The memoir delves into Douglas's time at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he received a National Institutes of Health fellowship to work as a Clinical Research Associate. His career in medical research and academia is marked by reflections on identity, the political dynamics of his homeland, and the systemic racism he encountered in the U.S.

One of the book's strengths is its honest portrayal of the racial barriers Douglas faced. Instances of denied promotions and favoritism based on ethnicity are discussed candidly, providing a stark look at the challenges faced by African Americans in higher education and professional settings.

Despite these obstacles, the memoir is infused with hope and resilience. Douglas's story is a testament to perseverance, as he continues to pursue his dreams and contribute to his community. His direct and confident writing style adds to the memoir's authenticity, making it a compelling read.

However, the book contains technical descriptions that may not appeal to all readers. Nonetheless, it is well-edited and engaging.

Overall, "Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream" is a powerful and enlightening memoir that will resonate with readers interested in themes of personal and ethnic identity, and overcoming adversity. I rate it 4 out of 4 stars.

[Ajiferuke Ajibola]

Dr. Frank L. Douglas' inspirational memoir "Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream" describes how the author overcame adversity to become a great man. I adore how his straightforward writing style highlights many important concerns. Congratulations on BOTD. Well written review.

[Priya Murugesan]

This book which is an inspirational memoir of Dr Frank L Douglas will be adored by fans who love to read uplifting memoirs. It talks about racial discrimination and poverty. It talks about how the author persevered under the obstacles and rose to great heights.

[Rukayat Zakariyah]

I'm intrigued by how the book connects Dr. Douglas's childhood experiences to his later resilience. It's always fascinating to see how early life shapes someone's character and drive.

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

Alas, racism still exists, and I’m always in awe of people, like Dr Douglas, who can not only rise above it but write about it. A solid, if not a tad heavy, read, with a well written review.