Only Son

by John Johnson, Jeff Coplon

Bedford-Stuyvesant and Harlem, the only son of a man who worked hard to support his family, but also tyrannized them with violent outbursts and regular beatings. His childhood made Johnson tough and angry-and fueled his determination to be a successful black man in a white world. Eventually, he became one of the biggest names in New York television news. A man about town, the father of four, Johnson had money, fame, and success. Then something happened. His mother, whom he loved dearly, died in his arms, and his father was diagnosed with lung cancer soon after. Stunned, Johnson stepped back and realized that he had been so driven to succeed that he had forgotten the values-and the people-that truly mattered. But there was still time. So he quit his lucrative job and hard-won career to take care of the father who had tormented him so many years ago. ONLY SON is that story, the tale of a father and son who must untangle the bitter memories of their past in order to say goodbye...with love.

Hardcover

First published June 7, 2002

Reviews

[Turquoise Brennan · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were some strong moments of clarity and expressiveness about an abusive parental dynamic ... The tone of the author praising his rise to "get to be with white middle class" was sad to read. The second half of his story the way he glorified walking away from several wives and leaving his children was boring.