Don Lemon is a talented writer and journalist. This book was well written and engaging. However, the fact that it was written during/ immediately after the 2020 election/COVID/George Floyd summer, unfortunately makes it age quite quickly. With a years' space between this books publication date and when I read it, not much about what Lemon is saying here feels novel or particularly necessary. There have been other books on these topics in recent years and this one didn't add much to the conversation in the big picture.

Don Lemon currently works a TV news anchor with CNN. In this book, a spiritual successor to James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time, Lemon begins with a letter to his nephew, and continues to a call to wake up and act for all Americans.

Lemon effortlessly moves between heartfelt, emotional memories of his life and family and deeply insightful, informational moments of historical context. His writing is powerful and evocative, while remaining personable. His sense of humor shines through, even while talking about difficult circumstances.

In addition to being an informational and provocative memoir, his book is also a wealth of additional resources with references to multiple books I have added to my TBR list within his own writing, as well as an in-depth list of resources from books to podcasts to organizations as an appendix.

This was a powerful memoir and also a call to action. I highly recommend this as an addition to any antiracism reading list or collection of memoirs of particularly fraught times.

This Is The Fire is well written and spot on with what is going on in the world today. As a woman of color, even my eyes were opened and some of the stories pulled at my heartstrings. I definitely recommend everyone read this book not just to be entertained but to be educated too.

The first thing that struck me about this book, was how eloquent and cleverly expressive Mr. Lemon is. I was a bit surprised by how well he seamlessly transitions between his own personal thoughts and feelings, and events in American history.

The title of the book is a reference to James Baldwin's “The Fire Next Time”, and Lemon starts his book the same way that Baldwin did, with a letter to his nephew. This letter sets the tone, and summarizes his concerns for the future of the country if things don't change. Lemon's powerful, descriptive language exudes frustration and anger; but at the same time he urges the reader to “love people that infuriate us,” if things are to get better.

There are tons of historical accounts and facts in this book that I was not familiar with, and I would suspect that many Americans are not either. Lemon alternates between recounting these documented historical events, and describing his own personal journeys and struggles. This format of connecting America's history with current events, and ultimately with Lemon's own personal experiences, really makes our history seem more “real”, more tangible. I learned quite a bit from reading this book, and I couldn't put it down until I finished it.

I feel like this book is valuable, even just as a historical record of some of the lesser-known atrocities and injustices of our past. You also don't have to agree with all of Lemon's political views to appreciate his perspectives, his passion, and his pain. Lemon's evocative and eloquent words really drive home his message; urging us to learn from our past, so that we can create a better future.

I have seen Don Lemon talk on television about some of what his book is about. I was intrigued to read this book to learn more about what I don't know. There is a lot I didn't know because it wasn't taught in the schools I went to. Our history is selective in what we are taught. Unfortunately we see all to well much of today's treatment of people who are different than ourselves played out for the world to see. Reading this book touched my heart with its stories and history and life's lessons.

Very good book. Interspersed with personal stories and interactions. Very good. Enjoyed this book immensely. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review.

Very important book that everyone should read. We have a lot of work to do in taking action on hate and racism in this country and around the world. We holding ourselves accountable in addressing racism in our communities.

“Anger makes change happen.”

“Solidarity makes change happen.”

“Compassion makes change happen.”

“Vision makes change happen.”

An Eloquent Vital Book

I do watch Don Lemon on CNN a few times per week. I enjoy his themes of the night, usually appropriate to the political or possibly social news of the current day or week. I relish his repartee between Chris Cuomo and himself. They provide a good segue into Lemon’s late-night show.

This book, like so many, discusses our nation’s ongoing racism. Lemon’s remarkable prose piqued my interest immediately. His sentences flow one into the other and he is saying something. It’s not banter.

Similar to James Baldwin, he opens his book with a letter to his nephew, he evokes a sorrowful pitch to his words. Alluding to the death of George Floyd, he reflects on his own outrage. I agree that racism has been present in this country since Columbus met the American Indians. We have not had much progress, some, but not enough.

Lemon more than alludes to our white supremacist President Trump. He gave permission for racism to rear its ugly head before he took office. “I never met David Duke.” Despite the political stance, Lemon speaks to the reader about his family and his partner, Tim. The death of his beloved sister, Leisa in 2018 was a grief-stricken time. I looked up her accidental drowning and read the most brutal comments from racists and Trumpers, I imagine.. Their personal cruelty was more than despicable.

Lemon offers a tiny bit of hope. If the country or large federations can no longer ignore a problem, realistic ideas may arise. He didn’t really add more information or definitive solutions to the blatant racism in our politics or lifestyles. But his prose and vocabulary are eloquent and it is worth reading every word.

My gratitude to NetGalley and Little Brown for providing me with pre-published copy. All opinions are my own..

This Is the Fire, was a good read I learn so much about Don Lemon, just wish he would gave so personal experience with his friends about how to talk with his friends about Racism. I really felt this was a perfect time to put this book with pandemic and protest and Insurrection. Good read but I was lookin for more but this is a must read.

“Racism is a cancer that has been metastasizing throughout this land ever since Columbus showed up. It’s persisted because the right people had the luxury of ignoring it. Not anymore.”

In fact, Donald Trump, a blatant racist, forced us to reckon with it. Don Lemon tells readers the choices they must make in order to create a “more perfect union” in his new book, This Is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism.

The title is from James Baldwin’s book, “The Fire Next Time”, published in 1963. Baldwin was dead by the time Lemon read his works, but he felt a connection with the author and refers to him and his writings throughout the book.

This is also evident in the eloquent and emotional prologue, where Lemon writes a letter to his thirteen-year-old nephew, as he tries to explain the cycle of what happens after racially-motivated events like the murder of George Floyd: “Weeping…Rage…Blame…Promises…Complacency”. He explains how far back it started and though progress has been made, how far we, as a country, really need to go.

Part historical study on racism –from slavery to today-- , part auto-biography -growing up gay and Black in 1970s Louisiana-, and part “call to action”, this book will convince readers that there is no sitting on the sidelines. We will judge ourselves on how we respond to the events of the current day.

This Is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism, is targeted for  all readers, regardless of race, gender or age. Lemon hopes that this book will show readers how they can act, how they can find their call to purpose. He succeeds in that, and it will take all of us.

(The review will be posted on www.underratedreads.com on the publication date)

Don Lemon addresses the key events of 2020 with historical and personal insights in how the world has gotten to this point and how we can address racism to bring about change in our society.

So many thanks to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Don Lemon’s This Is the Fire before it’s 3/16/21 publication date!

I was hooked from the first sentence; what an excellent read! Disclaimer before jumping into the review: I love politics and I happen to align with many beliefs Lemon reflects in this work so I am inherently biased.

It read as though we were sitting down having a conversation about what has happened over the last few years in this country. His detailing of the U.S.’s history of institutional racism and white supremacy was well researched and explained. His personal connections to the historical events enhanced the reader’s connection to the work. However, the biggest thing for me was Lemon’s writing style. I just felt like we were sitting in a room, having an honest and frank conversation about racism. I also loved his choices of references, from the great James Baldwin, to Isabel Wilkerson.

I implore everyone to read this and then let’s get to the work that needs to be done.

5 stars, no question. I’ve already pre-ordered a hard copy.

Don Lemon, the anchor of CNN Tonight, is a very popular reporter who has the most conversational writing style I have ever seen. To watch him and to read his words are very much like having a conversation with a friend.

Known for his monologues on racism, broken systems, and administrations that do more harm than good, this book seems even more personal. Showing us what is wrong, how wrong it is, and how we maybe can begin to repair what is broken.

I enjoyed the beginning, which is a letter to his black nephew. He talks about their slave ancestors, activists, politicians, and people he has met and interviewed. We hear about the slave port where his ancestor was shipped to America as a slave. He talks about his growing up and his experiences. Even the 2020 New York protests. The most important thing we can do is to resist racism every single day. EVERY DAY. With Love. Which is hard to do.

I was so comfortable with this book. It honestly felt as if Lemon were talking to me about some really important issues in his famously calm and steady voice. I am from the deep south and understood everything he said. This has to stop or we will never be truly free people.

Very impressed with his words.

NetGalley/ March 16th, 2021 Little, Brown, and Company

In his own unique conversational style, Don Lemon weaves current and past Black History events into his own story. #ThisIsTheFire informs, teaches, and challenges the reader. #NetGalley