I had a lot of trouble deciding exactly how I was going to review this book -- Frankly, there's so much material to cover that I won't get to most of it. First of all, I'm impressed by the density and complexity of the writing -- For that reason alone, I believe the author inherently knows what he's talking about. I appreciate Dr. West's objective assessments of various past and present states of affairs in the USA -- As well as his overall worldview. While I did read the entire book and also reread the first chapter ("Nihilism in Black America") -- My comments here mainly concern what I was able to glean from the prefaces, introductions and epilogue of this work.

Here are some highlights with regard to noteworthy content: (1) Imperial meltdown -- And how imperial meltdown = spiritual blackout); (1) (a) How we're living in a soulless time, in which everything has been commodified and monetized -- Particularly due to the inescapable influence of social media); (2) Bernie Sanders as a missed opportunity -- I'm in agreement with the policies promoted by Sanders, but I never voted for him, as I didn't believe he could win in a general election; (3) The grey area of commonality between Obama and Trump -- In terms of actions both presidents have taken in regard to furthering America's endless wars; (4) The obscene pentagon budget -- That could ideally be allocated to fund infrastructure, healthcare, house, education etc.

Dr. West also seems to be very open, fair and compassionate in his understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ community (I'm saying this as a white LGBTQ person who's always felt like an outsider in the LGBTQ community) & in recognizing how problematic sexism, homophobia and patriarchal attitudes can be -- Within more conservative sectors of the African-American community.

In Closing: Here's a quote from p. ix of this work [which relates to (1) (a) above]: "The major culprit of democratic possibilities here and abroad is the ever-expanding market culture that puts everything and everyone up for sale. The expansion of corporate power is driven by this pervasive commercialization and commodification ... Market activities of buying and selling, advertising and promoting weaken nonmarket actives of caring and sharing, nurturing and connection. Short-term stimulation and instant titillation edge out quality relations and substantive community." ( )

students like it

Very interesting book, especially after reading Ibram Kendi's books, How to Be an Antiracist and Stamped from the Beginning. You can see the precursors of Kendi's thoughts. And unfortunately, you can also see how little racial progress has been made between the early 1990's of West's book and the late 2010's of Kendi's. ( )

While the full inclusion of the LGBTQ+ individuals would be a cornerstone of our new community, we would embrace and advocate for the fullest inclusion of all God's people into our church and our society, be they be people of color, immigrants, impoverished, physically or intellectually challenged, or marginalized in any way.

This isn't as recent as some of the others I've read. But it talks concisely, clearly, and thoughtfully about some of the same issues and gives the reader many more sources and names to research. I also loved his definition of humility. I think this selection is unique because he illustrates, quite accurately I thought, the viewpoints of both political parties instead of dwelling on one side(something I haven't read recently---most tend to focus on their belief of choice). He does express his own opinion and the base for it, but gives the broad view first and then narrows his focus.

Chapters 3,4, 6, and 7 were very thought-provoking because he explained concepts in ways I hadn't thought of them before.