56 pages • 1 hour read
This Is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism
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Book Brief
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
2020s
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In This Is the Fire, journalist Don Lemon uses the historic tumult of 2020 as a backdrop to examine racism in America and the question of how it can be ended during our lifetimes. Lemon reflects on the massive protests following George Floyd's murder, the impact of Donald Trump's presidency, and the COVID-19 pandemic's disproportionate toll on people of color, while also drawing on his personal experiences and family history to explore systemic racism and propose incremental social reforms for a future benefitting all. The book addresses racism, violence, and discrimination.
Informative
Challenging
Inspirational
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
8,562 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Don Lemon's This Is the Fire resonates as a passionate, timely exploration of racism and social justice. Critics laud its urgency and personal narrative style. However, some argue it offers few new insights on well-trodden issues. Overall, it's praised for its heartfelt appeal but critiqued for its occasionally repetitive content. MLA
Who Should Read This Is the Fire?
Readers who appreciate This Is the Fire by Don Lemon are typically engaged with contemporary discussions on race, equality, and justice. Fans of personal narratives and societal critiques will find this compelling, similar to Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates and How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi.
8,562 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
George Floyd
George Floyd
A Black man whose death in police custody sparked global protests and reevaluations of racial issues. His case is a central point in discussing police brutality and the accountability of law enforcement.
Breonna Taylor
Breonna Taylor
A Black woman who was killed in a police raid with a no-knock warrant. Her case is used to illustrate the systemic issues and disproportionate use of force by police.
Derek Chauvin
Derek Chauvin
A police officer involved in the death of George Floyd, whose trial is discussed in the context of justice and accountability for police actions. He was convicted on multiple charges related to Floyd's death.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
The 45th President of the United States, viewed by Lemon as a symptom of deeper racial issues. He is critiqued for exacerbating social and political tensions, especially during 2020's crises.
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
2020s
2021
Adult
18+ years
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