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.
Rating:
Summary: A Mesmerising Storyteller
Review: The title of this review is taken from a quote on McCall from Henry Louis Gates, Jr. I must admit I do like powerful writers who do tell it as it is, and do not mince with their words. "A sad truth is better than a merry lie". So when the review on this book, said it is a collection of McCall's perceptions on issues (mostly racial) that divide and polarise people I knew I was going to like it. And I did like it. The book is categorised into four main topics. 1: Mixed Massages 2: The American Dream 3: White Fear 4: Redemption These are based on his opinions and experiences. They range from "mastering the mental game" based on watching a bunch of brothers lose a b-ball game, to his opinions about airing out black folks dirty laundry, gangster rap, and to the "Vibe" which really shows that babies don't discriminate until they taught to. If you loved McCall's other book "Makes Me Wanna Holler" you gonna love this one. He doing what he does best, dishing it as it.
Rating:
Summary: The view from here.
Review: This insightfull collections of essays didn't grab me in full, but it did give me a glimpse inside the world that shaped him into the man that he is today. His stories were intriguing and made me look at the world around me and notice the little things that could make the biggest impact on my life and how I viewed them. The best of the bunch was 1.)How he would get sex from young girls as a teenager, and now that he is the father of a daughter, he hopes that the boys her age will give her a better impression than he gave, 2.)His interaction with the little white baby in the take-out joint, and 3.)Driving with his friend and getting lost, only to find themselves on the property of a white-based church. Invest some time in Mr. Mcall's essays and it just might make you look around with a brand new set of eyes.
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