Title: A Good Portrait of American Life
Product review: Dr. Gates' book isn't a strict scholastic piece; instead, this is a collage of sketches of African-American life in the U.S. For this reason, this book is a great read. There is no overarching thesis, no trendy sociological analysis. In this book, Dr. Gates is more concerned with how diverse the day to day experiences are in the African-American community and what can be learned from individuals' personal stories, struggles and thoughts. He removes himself from the limelight and allows those he interviews to have center stage. This book is very human and very real. In an academic culture that likes broad, over-generalized theories, this book is a challenge to bring our thoughts back to the individuals who really struggle with societal problems and what life looks like outside the academic bubble. This book has a pulse and should be read by all those looking for the faces and the humanity behind the academic theories.
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