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

[Hugo Vee]

Thanks to the review team for your well-crafted synopsis of "Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream" by Dr Frank L Douglas . The memoir is truly touching and is a poignant reminder that the ghost of institutional racism and prejudice is yet to be laid to rest- for good.

[Seetha E]

This autobiography delves into the author's encounters with discrimination due to skin color and his unwavering resolve to showcase his abilities and character. He chose a less conventional route and cultivated True Grit, a decision that ultimately paid off. His story is likely to serve as a source of inspiration for numerous individuals. Thanks for a comprehensive review. I've decided to add it to my TBR list.

[Daring Faith]

Racism is something that should be addressed and talked about on almost every assembly because we are still one people, it's so bad that even after these years we still see racism in most parts of the world. I don't think blacks have to prove anything to be accepted. Men like the Author of this book have paid the price of other natives to have access in such countries which should not be taken for granted. The review is good, you took your time, given insights that have provoked me to read the entire book

[Olebu Rejoice]

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream" is a powerful memoir by Dr. Frank L. Douglas, highlighting his journey from British Guiana to the U.S. and the racial discrimination he faced. His challenges and victories are well portrayed in the book, inspiring optimism and perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity.

[Isaac Ozo-okafor]

A story that comes with healing within it, especially if you have been rejected at some point in your life or if you experienced discrimination for who you are. There is light at the end of the tunnel for you. I'm glad Dr. Douglas survived against the odds

[Wen Casey]

The racial discrimination that Douglas faced did not bring him down , rather he decided to research on the issue. Nothing stopped him from pursuing his dreams and that is a pass.

[williams Emerald]

I was particularly struck by Douglas’ unyielding resilience and determination despite facing significant racial barriers. His story is not just about personal triumph, but also about the broader fight for equality and justice. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and hope.

[Bassey Anthony Akpan]

African Americans in the US faced severe racial discrimination during and before the days of Martin Luther King Jr. especially in educational institutions and in businesses. We still have certain elements of this racial prejudice today, though in so much reduced form. This book describes the experiences of an African American, Douglas who faced many cases of racial discrimination in school and at work. He was even denied a promotion because of his ethnicity and while in school, he also notices many cases of ethnicity-based favoritism. Great review.

[Brienna Cooper]

Well-done review! We need all of the factors and nuances of racial discrimination/prejudice to be put forth as they are in this book. With them, there’s decreasing excuse for not being informed or playing it off as something minor, if not outright unreal.

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.

If he was so straightforward, shouldn’t it be “he doesn't tiptoe…?” I wonder if this is a typo or if I’m just reading that statement wrong.

[Julius Peters]

Douglas’ straightforward and candid writing style stands out. His willingness to address uncomfortable truths head-on without sugarcoating provides a refreshing honesty that enhances the authenticity of the memoir.

[Pranav Dewangan]

According to the review, it sheds light on important social issues like racial discrimination and identity. His journey from British Guiana to the U.S., navigating challenges and triumphs, is both eye-opening and thought-provoking. I admire the author’s honesty and straightforward approach to storytelling.

[Bisrat Zelalem 1]

As of my examination, the book is quite fascinating and inspiration for those specially blacks,who has the chance of unleashing their potential with out hesitation and Doubt( with the faith of God). Douglas (narrator) lived his life with his family back in Guyana, he usually has some chore tasks to do which he hated most he trudge back home ,for his odd behavior he got quarreled with his mother and flogged. and to get away from his misery he started be in touch with his god and ends up being a teacher not a preacher.he's also good at schooling,managed to get a scholarship at Queen' college at get a good distinction on Latin and geometry. By the time he was at queens he engaged on many clubs actively and got a prefect.some years later Guyana faced a political instability by the help of god Douglas got an offer to study in USA which he finally boarded and study Engineering. The author tries to narrate his life from childhood to destiny smoothly which is quite smooth and gentle

[Pablo Josue Mendia]

Thank you for your insightful review!
“Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream” by Dr. Frank L. Douglas seems like a powerful memoir to read. The memoir follows Douglas who moves from British Guiana to the U.S. for medical school and academic research. He recounts the shocking levels of racial discrimination that he encountered. From being denied a promotion because of his ethnicity to others having ethnicity privileges, the memoir gives us a raw look at his experiences. I like that the author has hope and an optimistic outlook which balances the depth of the memoir. In addition, we get glimpses of how the author overcomes these challenges over the course of his life.

Congrats #BOTD

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

[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!

Douglas's personal story on how he faced racism is far more authentic than discussions about racism in the news, the forums, or the debates. So raw. So heartfelt. The situation today is a lot better than it was before, but there is more work to be done to purge racism out of the system. People of colour will enjoy this book a lot. A well-deserved Book of the Day!

[Hamsapriya Krishnamurthy]

The amount of courage exhibited by the author to overcome many adversities like poverty, racism, discrimination based on ethnicity right from childhood is so commendable. What's more compelling to read is his opinions and genuine thoughts on how to eradicate such societal infections.