Here for It, R. Eric Thomas, author and narrator
Although this memoir covers R. Eric Thomas’s coming of age, from his religious education in a white, private, religious school, to his acceptance of his own confused identity, and then on to his eventual interracial, same sex marriage to a minister, and the life he continues to live thereafter, it still feels like it is a work in progress, to be continued.
The essays about Eric’s search for answers and contentment, from religion to relationships were honest and revealing, and at first, it was such a relief to read a book that inspired kindness and happy thoughts, not the ugliness so apparent in the news and politics of today. His questioning manner and philosophy were thought provoking and calming, not alarming or antagonistic. He emphasized the positive, even as he introduced many negative events in his life. Some of it was hard for me to read because I am a heterosexual, from a different generation, but this gay, black man described his ideas and experiences in heartwarming and humorous prose that made it very engaging. It was hard to put it down and not read it in one sitting. He approached racism with such a light hand that it was not objectionable or angry or controversial, it was just a message that inspired the desire to change what was evil and to maintain the happy memories of what was not.
For most of the book, I loved this author and his writing style. He seemed to enjoy bringing joy and smiles to his readers. I would have given it five stars, but then, in the last chapter, he presented such an unfair hatred for President Trump, advertising his absolute partisanship in a way that was way too loud and ugly. He should have kept his politics out of this book. I had been busy recommending the book to everyone and was about to recommend it to my book group, but now, I will have to tailor the audience to whom I suggest it, because of its unfair and inaccurate criticism of a President who has done so much for America and the people of color. Saying that he wanted to watch Maxine Waters rip the President to shreds was beyond the pale, a bridge too far and very inappropriate in this book. Many readers may disagree with him.