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Rating: 
Summary: Famous black men speak for multiple purposes and audiences.
Review: Two female editors of Essence magazine, a publication for black women, produce this anthology of writings from black men. Because of this, I get the sense that the book is intended for readers of various genders. (And let's face it, women are more interested in studying how men think and what makes men tick than men are.) The book is a photographic spread, an inspirational text, and a veritable "Who's Who?" of famous African-American men. The book is similar in art to the Latino book "Suave" and its text is very similar to Tavis Smiley's "How to Make Black America Better" (Smiley having an entry here as well). Approximately 100 famous black men relate biographical vignettes about their struggles and triumphs. Each entry includes a small bio of the author, so the book feels like an encyclopedia in ways. The chapters are divided into such topic areas as family, success, art, etc. Unlike most texts on black men which bemoan high rates of incarceration, systemic racism, police brutality, etc. (recent books by Kunjufu and Cose are examples), most of the entries in this text discuss the men's relations with their wives, children (especially sons), fathers, and mentors. Thus, black manhood is displayed as relational to how one supports black individuals and the black community. The authors are diverse; they include older brothers, mixed-race brothers, gay brothers, brothers from the Continent, etc. This is a feel-good text; controversial topics are avoided. The dark sides of some of the entrants' histories are not mentioned. (For example, there is no mention of Jim Brown's history of misogynist attacks, or Damon Wayans' and Amiri Baraka's continual homophobic performance pieces.) Still, this book was a great concept and sincerely motivating. Plus, I like having photos of hotties like Sinbad, Forrest Whitaker, and Omar Wasow. I would recommend this book for black men, women, and families.
Rating:
Summary: Famous black men speak for multiple purposes and audiences.
Review: Two female editors of Essence magazine, a publication for black women, produce this anthology of writings from black men. Because of this, I get the sense that the book is intended for readers of various genders. (And let's face it, women are more interested in studying how men think and what makes men tick than men are.) The book is a photographic spread, an inspirational text, and a veritable "Who's Who?" of famous African-American men. The book is similar in art to the Latino book "Suave" and its text is very similar to Tavis Smiley's "How to Make Black America Better" (Smiley having an entry here as well). Approximately 100 famous black men relate biographical vignettes about their struggles and triumphs. Each entry includes a small bio of the author, so the book feels like an encyclopedia in ways. The chapters are divided into such topic areas as family, success, art, etc. Unlike most texts on black men which bemoan high rates of incarceration, systemic racism, police brutality, etc. (recent books by Kunjufu and Cose are examples), most of the entries in this text discuss the men's relations with their wives, children (especially sons), fathers, and mentors. Thus, black manhood is displayed as relational to how one supports black individuals and the black community. The authors are diverse; they include older brothers, mixed-race brothers, gay brothers, brothers from the Continent, etc. This is a feel-good text; controversial topics are avoided. The dark sides of some of the entrants' histories are not mentioned. (For example, there is no mention of Jim Brown's history of misogynist attacks, or Damon Wayans' and Amiri Baraka's continual homophobic performance pieces.) Still, this book was a great concept and sincerely motivating. Plus, I like having photos of hotties like Sinbad, Forrest Whitaker, and Omar Wasow. I would recommend this book for black men, women, and families.
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