From the Publisher
[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's] concerns are deep, his arguments well-founded, and his solutions straightforward. The trick is to get people to listen, but Abdul-Jabbar provides a good jumping-off point. Heartfelt sentiments on how racism, gender equality, and other social and cultural issues in America can be changed for the betterment of all.—Kirkus Reviews
Washington Post
Is designed not only to be read and discussed but also to be used as a blueprint for action. It allows the reader to engage the mind of a deeply principled man, a progressive committed to equality for all, a man who possesses the faith that his country might actually one day live up to its mythology.”
FEBRUARY 2017 - AudioFile
Here’s an interesting audiobook by an author who is not usually mentioned when the subject is race relations in America. From this point on, he should be. Abdul-Jabbar traveled the country as a basketball star, and his experiences then, and in his active next life, inform this work. He writes thoughtfully but forcefully, and he deserves to be heard. Narrator Ben Adduchio doesn’t quite match the author’s passion and tone, reading with a rather plain, mild voice. He pronounces every word, but it sounds like he’s, well, reading the book, rather than interpreting and expanding its message. Abdul-Jabbar’s message does get through, but Adduchio could have been more emotive in his delivery. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2016-05-10
Insights into life from the cultural commentator and former Hall of Fame basketball player.Combining his personal experiences as a black Muslim male with statistical data, research, and a bit of humor, Abdul-Jabbar (On the Shoulders of Giants: My Journey Through the Harlem Renaissance, 2010, etc.) explores the divisions in the United States along lines of race, class, religion, and gender, and he offers concrete, easily implemented solutions to fix these ongoing problems. Opening with an examination of the Constitution, the author explains why this document is still a vital part of American democracy. "Too often people who are all puffed up on their own ideals of patriotism propose actions that are contrary to what the country stands for in an effort to codify their personal beliefs as law," he writes. "These are America's greatest threat….The genius of the Constitution is that it was written by men who acknowledged their own frailties and biases." To uphold the Constitution, we must elect officials who think critically about the issues in front of them and use reliable, nonpartisan research to make informed decisions. Providing children with a solid education is the first step. Abdul-Jabbar confronts the race issue head-on, giving readers numerous facts that unequivocally show that racism is still widespread. He suggests public awareness, anti-racist laws, and more minorities on TV and in movies will help combat this. The author also voices the difficulties he's faced due to his religion, and he proposes interfaith activities and hate-crime laws to ease the tension. Abdul-Jabbar also covers gender equality and the plight of the elderly. His concerns are deep, his arguments well-founded, and his solutions straightforward. The trick is to get people to listen, but Abdul-Jabbar provides a good jumping-off point. Heartfelt sentiments on how racism, gender equality, and other social and cultural issues in America can be changed for the betterment of all.
