Contrast: A Biracial Man's Journey to Desegregate His Past [NOOK Book]

Contrast is a great narrative in plain English. Author Devin C.

Contrast is a great narrative in plain English. Author Devin C. Hughes'
story is all of our story to some degree. Whether you grew up in middle
class suburbia with both parents, or of mixed heritage in the ghetto,
you will find the a familiar voice of your own past. The fear of not
being accepted, of coveting a friends life, the frustration of the
decisions predetermined by your family and those that you chose all on
your own. We have all been there. Mr. Hughes' honesty is refreshing.
This isn't a book filled with Phd analytic dialogue. While reading his
story I never felt that he was writing to find HIS breakthrough, but
that he wrote this book to inspire ME. I found myself jotting down his
fathers words and using them to inspire my children. I highly recommend
this book to all ages and backgrounds. To anyone who lives in the
'grind' that is life. But I warn you; you will find yourself being much
more aware of others in the 'grind' with you. It's an eye-opener!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

What an amazing depiction of triumph over what could have been a

What an amazing depiction of triumph over what could have been a
tragedy! As a psychologist in the Washington DC area, I have worked with
many who come from a similar traumatic, drug riddled background that Mr.
Hughes describes. Unfortunately many have not been able to rise above
the dysfunction to see the beauty and the genius of who the are and the
purpose they have in this life. What Mr. Hughes had going for him is
that even amidst the insanity that was his home life, there were people
who strongly believed in him, and told him so repeatedly, including his
troubled parents. Added to the chaos was an identity crisis of immense
proportions. Being that DC is considered "chocolate city" I
can only imagine how difficult it must have been to be a child who
looked white when everyone around you looked black and not knowing how
you were supposed to feel inside. It's hard when the society around you
keeps insisting you choose or, in some instances, chooses for you. The
book is well written and Mr. Hughes is an excellent story teller. The
book captures your attention from the first chapter and holds it until
the very end. It is both heart wrenching and inspiring. An excellent read.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

An uplifting read. Hughes tells the story of his journey to over

An uplifting read. Hughes tells the story of his journey to overcome racial stigmas, dysfunctional home life and self destructive role models to find peace in life's many shades of gray. Whether you are black, white, somewhere in between or none of the above, you'll be inspired by a man confronting his past head on, and will find similarities in your upbringing and application to your current personal life. A book that keeps you thinking even after you've turned the last page.

CONTRAST is a compelling story relatable to all. It's basic mes

CONTRAST is a compelling story relatable to all. It's basic message is something most of us preach but how many of us practice? You don't truly know someone till you have walked a mile in their shoes. We all have different family experiences and pasts but it is what we learn from those experiences and how we adapt in the world that makes us what we are. Devin's story proves that over and over again. I recommend this book.

I read CONTRAST in nearly one sitting

I bought it for a rainy Saturday, but no. It was candid and compelling and I finished it before the first raindrops fell.

Don't expect something tragic or magic. CONTRAST is an ordinary man's real story simply told, with lessons learned the hard way.

Devin concludes "I am me." It's tough for any kid to define himself and claim his place in the world. Put that kid in a a loving, self-absorbed, addicted, isolated dysfunctional family, Throw in a learning difference buried in maladaptive behaviors. Oh, and ensure he has a special kind of invisibility. Good times. Lead this kid to water and he just might die of thirst.

The sense of agency and introspection he developed as a young man makes me hope for a next volume. This is just the beginning of the story. Like the first reviewer, be inspired by his journey.

Recently I purchased, at Barnes & Noble, Devin Hughes' book,

Recently I purchased, at Barnes & Noble, Devin Hughes' book, CONTRAST: A Biracial Man's Journey To Desegregate His Past. I was extremely moved with his story, which is also the story of America, and realize it must be very difficult to share such personal issues.
I was impressed by how he could tell his story, obviously from his heart, and get his point across without using profanity. Hopefully, others will read Devin's book and be inspired as I.