Rating: 
Summary: Two time award winning books
Review: A follow up to "Makes me want to Holler" I really enjoyed reading Nathans books. I have been waiting for his next one.
This a great story.
Rating: 
Summary: Inciteful & True
Review: I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down. Nathan McCall's views were well-thought out, and much to my surprise showed no signs of hypocrisy, instead, his views were the end result of learning through experience. I was able to connect with McCall's real life experiences as a young African-American & Washingtonian. The fact that he has roots in DC made me able to connect on a more personal level with his experiences, (i.e., his references to Georgetown, and parts of middle class Maryland and Virginia) I was always taught by my parents about the true histories and traditions of this city and the elimination of upscale African-American neighborhoods from a history we made. However, McCall idealizes the underlying concepts that apply to the African American culture anywhere in this country. Even if the DC element is extracted, his words apply to any location. I found that the book kept on a continuum rather than skipping over issues and losing its tone, every chapter making equal offerings to the book as a whole. It taught me a great deal about the ways of political change, and I also took from it a sense of responsiblity, that it took McCall the majority of his adolescence to gain. It's one thing to protest something (i.e., McCall's reference to "gangsta rap") but it's a totally different thing to back it up with logic. Even if readers disagree with some of the details of McCall's thinking, his outlook plays on the mind and welcomes another outlook, backed by occurances and explanations given. I felt that McCall explored every aspect of his role as a African American delinquent youth turned respected father and professional, and that alone deserves respect in this autobiographical piece. I suggest that both black men and women read this book, I promise you will gain something of great personal value from it. Knowledge which brings power. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Two time award winning books
Review: I find this author's books to be inspiring, mind warming, breather taking, but I think that Makes Me Wanna Holler was a better book for me. I don't know if I'm am the only one who thinks this. Now, if I had to pick a favorite chapter, I would have to say "Gangsters, Gun, and Shoot-'Em-Ups" was the best. One thing I like about this chapter was the whole gangster mentality. Also I like this chapter because I like the movie "The God Father" just like Nathan and his friends in the book.
Rating:
Summary: MR McCALL DOES IT AGAIN
Review: I found this book to be excellent.The way Mr.McCall delves into the core of things is a rare treat.After reading his other book MAKES ME WANNA HOLLER i know i was hooked on the particular writing brilliance of Mr.McCall. Although i am a female i have found his work geared toward both sexes although holler was more of a male book.I learned alot about black men after reading holler. Now if had to pick a favorite chapter from WHAT'S GOING ON if would have to be GANGSTAS, GUNS, AND SHOOT'EM-UPS cause he digged into the whole aspect of the gabgsta rap mentality. he writes abot the east coast,west coast beef.and for many of us who are true rap fans we know that during that beef we lost two of the biggest rappers.I also liked how in the chapter on THE FATHER OF OUR COUNTRY he goes on and discusses how washingtom wasn't really all that. and how their has been a cover-up for years. white people dont want to admit the "father"was tipping in the slave quather's.it's just another case of the chickens coming home to roost.And last i would like to mention the chapter ON REDEMPTION.This chapter was a tear jerker he was talking about his homeboy SHANE dying and how at the funeral no one really had a decent thing to say about him.The most enduring part is how the mother of SHANE victim's found her REDEMPTION not by gloating at the funeral but by forgiving. And isn't that what it really is all about? So i conclusion Mr McCall shine on and i will be awaiting your next book.
Rating:
Summary: A Lucid And Somewhat Refreshing Resemblance
Review: Interestingly, I kept McCall's first book on my shelf for at least three or four years. I have a very heavy schedule and just couldn't find time to read it. I did blindly recommend it to a relaitive of mine who had made a mistake and ended up doing time. About two weks ago, I finally decided to read it. After finishing MAKE ME WANNA HOLLER, I was really upset that my relative didn't read. The book is a wonderful depiction of one of the most misunderstood segments of American life. The author came forth as honest as he could be. There were traces of Eldridge Cleaver, George Jackson, and Malcolm X. Only traces though - McCall's political concerns were not steeped (not yet). WHATS GOING ON reveals a more political minded author. I will place these essays on my shelf next to his first book. The author and I are the same age and we both grew up as black males in a most-times psychologically imbalanced society. We KNOW what the dangers are. So many of his thoughts are common to my experience. Reading both books make me look way back and reflect upon events that I thought I had safely placed away. This guy's an excellent writer. Some reviewers feel as if he's not telling the whole truth - but who really does? McCall should continue writing, continue to take on life as it comes. He should continue exposing the truth about the life so many of us know. The truth told in the clear way that he tells it.
Rating:
Summary: A+ from a white guy
Review: Makes Me Wanna Holler shocked me a couple of years ago. I still feel haunted by it, but the shock is over and now I can enjoy McCall's writing without feeling sick. He is a great writer, he is angry, and he "tells it how he sees it." Although, I have a feeling that McCall would be angry even in a perfect world; but I still think every white person should read his books. I have learned a lot about my African American friends and neighbors from his writing. Unfortunately, after reading What's Going On I realized that it is only African American's who can pull themselves out of this mess. I think I would be accused of being a racist no matter what I would try and do. Hopefully some good African American leaders will emerge as soon as Mr. Jackson and Mr. Sharpton give up their thrones. I am convinced that many white folks really do want things to to get better for African Americans. We just don't know what to do!
Rating: 
Summary: C- From a white guy
Review: McCall has a lot of perspective on racial issues. So much perspective, in fact that he understands how both whites AND blacks view each other. Whites think blacks are stupid, whites don't want to live around blacks (integration is just a pretense for giving blacks the boot)You'll get the basic idea after a couple chapters. There's no need to think for yourself when you've got someone as brilliant as McCall telling you how you think.
Rating:
Summary: Another Masterpiece!!!
Review: Nathan McCall is now 2 for 2. After the classic "Makes me Wanna Holler," he gives us this insightful read. Some might think he harps on racial issues too much, but even in 2002, these issues are still relevant to so many. His chapter on gangster rap is right on the money, and I would even add, as an educator, that rap music has become a bad influence on all races (suburban whites buy more hardcore rap than anyone else). His chapter on Muhammad Ali is one of the most poignant pieces I have ever read, and left me in tears. So often while reading this, you find yourself nodding your head, agreeing with what he's saying. We're lucky to have his perceptive books, and I like many am wondering when his next one is coming (it's been 5 years!). Hopefully soon Mr. McCall.
Rating:
Summary: Nathan McCall can talk to ya, now!
Review: Powerful essays. Made me weep. Moved me. Shocked me. Left me stunned. Nathan can tell his story with words that reach deep inside and show you truth in a new light. He is open, honest, humble, repentent, passionate, compassionate, revealing--He sets words on fire! If you want to know about race from a black man's perspective, read Nathan. He doesn't beat you up and yell at ya. He just leets you walk in his shoes.
Rating: 
Summary: What's Going on
Review: The Author of the acclaimed bestseller "Makes Me Wanna Holler" strikes again with a collection of personal essays and observations entitled "What's Going On". Nathan McCall challenges readers to view the world through his eyes and share his experiences using a fluid writing style and substantive content. Entering a new millennium, African Americans are faced with many so-called "hot button" topics. Many of these issues have been discussed and belabored at length. Some of these issues are so sensitive that authors, politicians, and community leaders will often shy away from them being careful not to damage hard earned notoriety. McCall is clearly not vying for first prize in any popularity contests; likewise, he makes sure to point out which of his views he knows will not be shared by many of his readers."What's Going On" addresses issues pertinent to blacks of this generation and his feelings regarding issues African Americans face in our daily lives. While a book of personal opinion may not sound like an exciting read, "What's Going On" carries a heavyweight punch that travels from different ends of the spectrum and tends to surprise readers with every new chapter. In McCall's first book, the autobiography "Makes Me Wanna Holler", I was impressed with this authors journey from convicted felon to well traveled, acclaimed Washington Post Reporter. The autobiography was so inspirational to me that I jumped at the opportunity to read his newest creation. McCall's candor in all of the subject matter addressed is both poignant and refreshing. It's reasonable to assume that most African American readers will not agree with every single point, however it does provide an entertaining yet thought provoking look at modern day society. I recommend "What's Going On" to the over 35 crowd, particularly those with a keen interest in current events. I also feel that these essays would make perfect topics for book club discussions. I give "What's Going On" a rating of 4.
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