Defining Moments: Black and White

by Ben Burgess Jr.

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When the prestigious law firm of Wayne, Rothstein, and Lincoln catches two major cases—a rape case where a White NBA star allegedly raped a Black stripper, and a murder case where a Black rapper allegedly killed a gay couple and two policemen—Bill O'Neil and Ben Turner are tasked to handle these racially charged litigations. The cases hit emotional chords with the two lawyers and force them to reckon with their interracial relationships and families. Will the racial tension of their cases destroy them or make them stronger?

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

352 pages, Paperback

First published June 12, 2017

About the author

Ben Burgess Jr is the author of the award-winning novels "Monster," "Wounded," "Love and Happiness," " A Father's Sacrifice: Daddy's Girl," and the new novel "Defining Moments: Black and White." He is an active performer of spoken word poetry. Ben Burgess Jr uses his love of writing to inspire and influence youths to strive for what they believe in and never give up on their dreams. His novels "Monster" and "Wounded" are used in schools on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Ben Burgess has a BA degree in Business Management and an MA degree in Educational Leadership. He is the proud father of his daughters Jaelynn, Jaclyn, and Jocelyn, and he is active in improving urban neighborhoods and communities. Ben Burgess's dream is to have his novels adapted into major motion pictures.

Website: https://amzn.to/3ZQi8je
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenBurgessJr/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ben_Burgess_Jr

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance/Suspense/ Contemporary Issues /This is a must read from a powerful author!!

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They were both young attorneys vying for a coveted partnership in their prestigious law firm. Each is given an impossible case to win, each would have to grapple with their own set of morals, integrity and the interwoven racial elements that will lead them to reflect on their own lives, relationships and abilities to defend their high profile clients. One attorney is too black to be considered equal by his bigoted white firm, yet Ben is too white to be accepted by the black community. Bill is white, yet the world he grew up in didn’t accept him, either. He may have lived in the same poverty, but his color made him a pariah. It is the color of his skin that his firm sees as a way to “control” his actions in a tale of bigots, racial inequality, hate crimes and defending those considered innocent until proven guilty, unless the color of their skin says otherwise.

The title says it all, BLACK AND WHITE and the nuances of that title are both controversial and evocative as the talented and passionate Ben Burgess Jr. takes us into the hearts, minds and courtrooms where the only thing that should be seen as black and white are the laws.

Ben’s case: a black rapper is accused of four counts of murder, including a white gay couple and two police officers. How does Ben overcome both the racial/hate crime implications and the damning evidence? Ben must overcome his own stereotyping, because what if his client IS innocent?

Bill’s case: A white NBA star rapes a black stripper. How does he go against his own moral code and avoid drawing the stripper as a second class citizen? Should he even try? It isn’t an attorney’s job to believe his client or not, but Bill is in a relationship with a black police officer and he cannot help but be emotionally involved.

Ben Burgess Jr. tells a gripping and gritty tale of injustice in our justice system and the upward battle each attorney must face against the odds and from a fiction standpoint, this is stellar and riveting reading on its own merit. But Mr. Burgess does not stop there, he exposes the world’s warts, encapsulated in these two intertwining tales as he deftly weaves a tale that indicts society as a whole for our tunnel vision when it comes to humans of a different color, lifestyle or socioeconomic background. He does not preach, but if he opens one heart to seeing the world as individual humans together, he has done more than create fabulous fiction. This author writes with bold strokes from the heart, a passion for his craft and a gift for making his words magnetic.

Powerful writing, thought-provoking story-telling and a plot that rages with intrigue and high intensity tension. Read it for the storytelling, remember it for the depth of each twist and character.

I received this copy from Ben Burgess Jr. in exchange for my honest review.

Publisher: Legacy Books LLC (June 21, 2017)
Publication Date: June 21, 2017
Genre: Literature & Fiction | Multicultural
Print Length: 340 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story shows that all things, no matter how cut and dry they might be or might seem, are not as black and white as we might assume. It tackles the truths, that people face every day, through the stories of two young attorneys. Fighting for a partnership in their law firm, the two are put on cases that seem impossible to win. Meet Ben. Ben is a man who has found his skin to be too black to find equality in his prominently white firm and too white for the black community. He is in charge of defending an infamous black rapper who is excused of killing a white gay couple and two police officers. He struggles with his own morals and prejudices while investigating this case, along with his own scars from his past. On top of all that, the evidence is overwhelming, clearly showing a racial hate crime. Yet even with his own prejudices and the pile of evidence he still can't rid this nagging feeling that his client may be innocent. Now we meet Bill...a white man who grew up poverty stricken, and faced his own prejudices because of the color of his skin. But in this firm of bigots his skin color gives him the upper hand. He is in charge of defending a white NBA star who has been charged with the rape of a black stripper. He knows in order to win this case he has to paint this woman as a gold digger looking to make a quick buck, using sex as a tool. But the evidence doesn't show that. This goes against everything in his moral code. He would be lying and stereotyping a woman because of her skin and job. He could never do this and face his girlfriend, who is a black police officer, and ask her to ever respect him again. This would be something Bill could never live with. The story can be scaled down to two facts. 1. When we let ourselves weigh all that we know or assume about any event, we may find that there are situations that can either make or break us...and 2....that there are really more things that unite us than divide us.

[J. Kahele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story tackles the heart wrenching truth of racism in the modern world. Ben Burgess exposes the hurtful truths, that people face everyday, through the stories of two young attorneys.
Fighting for a partnership in their law firm, the two attorneys are put on cases that seem impossible to win.
Ben is a man who has found his skin to be too black to find equality in his prominently white firm and too white for the black community.
He is in charge of defending an infamous black rapper who is excused of killing a white gay couple and two police officers. He struggles with his own morals and prejudices while investigating this case, along with his own scars from his past. On top of all that, the evidence is overwhelming, clearly showing a racial hate crime. But even with his own prejudices and the pile of evidence he still can't rid this nagging feeling that his client may be innocent.
Bill is a white man who grew up poverty stricken, and faced his own prejudices because of the color of his skin. But in the firm of bigots his skin color gives him the upper hand.
He is in charge of defending a white NBA star who has been charged with the rape of a black stripper. He knows in order to win this case he has to paint this woman as a gold digger looking to make a quick buck, using sex as a tool. But the evidence doesn't show that. This goes against his moral code. He would be lying and stereotyping a woman because of her skin and job. How could he face his girlfriend, a black police officer, and ask for her respect?
This story is deep and at times disturbing, but it is a must read. It's truth at its rawest form.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben is a black lawyer that had to overcome prejudice growing up. Constantly he was teased for 'acting' white, for being proper and not fitting the stereotype of African Americans. While his dad has taught him to treat everyone equally, his mother on the other hand still has her bias perceptions of whites. It is bad enough that her son is dating a white girl, Becky who she struggles to like. Ben's best friend Billy is assigned to a case that has him questioning his motives. Yet when he covers a case that is too sensitive to him,he wonders if his client is right about him not being black enough.

All Ben's life he had to fight to be content in the skin that he is in. Considered a sellout by his first crush, he just wants everyone to live at peace without always being questioned about his race and how he has let his black brothers and sisters down. As Becky and Ben relationship crumbles, racial prejudice is outlined in this pivotal book about overcoming racism.

I have to say that this is one of the most blunt but unforgettable novels I read on interracial dating. The language is very raw, so be aware that you may be offended if you are sensitive about some topics regarding racism,but I think the author did a terrific job writing the story. I have always been intrigued with the Black experience and how other races play in point in it. Not getting into politics, but this is a must read for those who wants a clearer view on racism in society.

By far one of the best books I read, another favorite of mine!

[Tynece · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book

This book touched on many of the race issues going on in today's world. It was very well written and took you deep into the hearts and minds of the characters. That made it easy to hate some characters and feel for others. I highly recommend this book.

[Born True Bethea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal. what made it a great read was the fact that if you was in a interracial relationship, or thinking about being in a interracial relationship, this was a crucial read. I definitely identified with the main character Ben from personal experience. This is a good book to recommend for everybody, black, white, male and female. Not so much of the racial issues that relates to even to this day, but also the judgement we pass on each day.

[Alvin L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is ultra realistic and touches on problems and topics that happens in the world everyday. It was a good honest book!

[Maya B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about race relations in America. It was a little predictable but not enough to take away from the story line. Great character development and I like how well the story flowed. This is my first read by this author but not my last.

[Shatika Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never a disappointment

As with any other Ben Burgess book, he didn't disappoint me. He brought forth relevant issues that are present. Great job!

[Dee Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written concerning issues addressed. Storyline with realistic situations and outcomes. Good portrayal of characters, especially Bill for he understood the struggle. I wasn't a fan of Ben & I thought his character portrayal was on point while he dealt with his life. Great job of bringing these accounts to light. Good read.

[Majanka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...

As a lawyer, I’m always intrigued when I can read books that take place in law firms or deal with the law, and Black and White fits that bill perfectly. Wayne, Rothstein and Lincoln, a prestigious law firm, is tasked to deal with two racially charged litigations in two major cases. The first case involves a white NBA star allegedly raping a black stripped. The second case involves a black ripper allegely killing a gay couple and two policemen.

Bill O’Neil and Ben Turner are two young attorneys tasked to handle these cases, which hit emotional chords with both of them. The cases are nearly impossible to win, and they will also make them question their own morals and integrity, and their relationships with others. They must also overcome their own stereotyping, and the stereotyping done by just about everyone around them, if they want to win these cases.

The story is a gritty, raw, realistic tale of injustice, of racism, of how cruel the world can be even when we believe (or try to believe) the world is fair or we act fairly. The writing is excellent, and the story pulls you in from page on. The tension is extremely high, and you can’t help but reflect yourself in the characters, relate their views to your own and learn some startling truths about yourself and the world around you.

[Gilda Syverson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful Page Turner!

Ben Burgess Jr's writing kept me turning each page of Black and White wanting to know who was doing what next. This author's ability to show, and “show” well, the black and white biases in this country with an outstanding portrayal of each character in this story. I found the two parallel stories of a black lawyer and a white lawyer competing for the same partnership, and each one of the lawyers in an interracial relationship so compelling that I didn't want to put the book down. Ben tied this story up never leaving a question unanswered. The dimensional writing and descriptions were convincing and apropos. When I was finished, I was disappointed to be leaving many of the characters that I grew to know, like and admire. Well done! A strong read! Highly Recommend!

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent read, packed with suspense and real-world problems to be solved. It is strewn with racially motivated issues, leading to the those trying to solve the crimes being shoved into the public eye, for more than their crime solving skills.

I loved that this book touched on some very real issues, as they worked their way through the crime, as it linked it back to problems we are seeing now, making the story exceptionally realistic, and very easy to imagine. I found myself connecting to the characters, in either love or hate. The author gave us plenty of detail, personality and surrounding world to create something that was very full and believable.

I loved the pace, and feel that it matched very well to the pace you would expect a crime to be solved, and to be dealt with when there are such issues surrounding it.

Overall, this was written very well and i thoroughly enjoyed the story.

[Rhena Deshaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, I'll tell you what; this book was not what I expected. I was truly excited to read this and exhausted with the complexities of the storyline. The author weaves a very detailed reality of the world we live in, but choose to ignore. This is an excellent read that will continue to open your eyes and let's you know that everything in life is not all Black & White!😍

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is not typically the type of book that I would've picked up, I'm so glad that I did. From the start, the narrative sucks you in with with multiple character perspectives. The storyline reads like something out of a law and order crime show with just the right amount of legal jargon for authenticity but not enough to leave the reader confused. The author has a great balance of legal, moral, racial, and socioeconomical issues woven into the story without becoming preachy or overzealous on one particular topic. The characters are human, dynamic, and heartbreakingly relatable. As if the drama wasn't good enough, there are a surprising number of hot and heavy scenes that get your heart racing and imagination running wild. I can't wait to read more books from this author!

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Story on Real-World Problems!

Incredible read.

While a work of fiction, the scenarios played out in Black & White felt real.

Extremely real.

The author did a great job of dissecting multiple viewpoints and putting them on display. Even minor characters were well-developed.

A bigoted white law firm lands two huge cases—a black rapper accused of a quadruple murder (including two cops), and a white NBA star accused of raping a black stripper. Dangling a partnership as bait, the firm assigns the rapper’s case to Ben Turner… who’s also black; and the ball player’s case to Bill O’Neil… also white.

Let the games begin.

Both young men are determined to win and claim the partnership.

Despite their obvious differences, these two men had more than enough in common to be good friends—especially with Ben’s white girlfriend, Becky, and Bill’s black girlfriend, Ebony.

But that wasn’t the case. Preconceived notions, personal biases, and LIFE, itself make Ben and Bill adversaries. Combined with the personal drama of each of their lives, both men were fighting uphill battles battling the perceptions which guided their lives.

The son of two judges, privileged Ben dealt with being accused of “acting white”, “not being black enough”, “and of being never good enough.” As a black woman, I completely understood Ben’s struggle, however, I felt he was too consumed with always trying to prove himself. Not saying Ben was wrong, by any means, but I believe he would have been happier if he spent more time living his life instead of constantly playing a role. Ben wanted to be seen as a good man and a good attorney without the element of race overshadowing everything he did. He would have saved himself a lot of grief and heartache by realizing nothing you do can or will change people. They have to want to change and invest in it.

Ben’s girlfriend, Becky, also worried about how people viewed her. Rebellious from a young age, Becky only sought to be taken seriously and respected by her white, wealthy family… which was never going to happen. Becky’s father, Steven Preston, considered himself nothing more than a pragmatist about race, but honestly, all he was missing was a hood and burning cross. I believe Becky loved Ben but allowed her father to overrule her too often because she still wanted his approval.

Gabby, Ben’s best friend, was also a piece of work. Once the object of Ben’s affection, all Gabby ever did was push him away, figuring he’d always be there. When Ben finally moves on with a relationship with Becky, Gabby becomes bitter, mean, and unkind. Her close friendship with Ben brings Gabby and Becky together often and Gabby doesn’t miss a chance to show or voice her disapproval of their interracial coupling.

I didn’t like Becky or Gabby. Not because of their personal views or opinions, but their personalities. Becky needed to get a spine and walk upright, and Gabby needed to shut up. She considered herself up front and “real” but Gabby was over-the-top rude and arrogant. I must give Becky props though for the scene where Gabby tells her black people cannot be racists and Becky stands her ground and schools her.

Bill’s life had been the opposite of Ben Turner’s. Abandoned by his father, he and his chronically ill mother found affordable housing… and eventually acceptance and family in Kew Gardens, a poor, black housing project. Bill overcame a lot as the only white kid in a black neighborhood, but I felt he was honest in his efforts and not simply just trying to get by. Bill’s friendship with Akeem and relationship with Akeem’s twin sister, Ebony, prove his character. He was genuine and not playing a role…at least not until he went to work at Wayne, Rothstein, and Lincoln.

After losing her brother to street violence, Ebony became a cop to help institute and implement change. She ended up mired in frustration and confusion when her own people saw her as part of the problem and hated her as much as they did white cops. Ebony also questioned her relationship with Bill—her first and only boyfriend—when she becomes attracted to a black male at work.

Add in Reggie and Johnny, the two men at the heart of each court case, and Black & White is a hot pot of racism about to boil over.

The author does an excellent job at maintaining balance in the story. No one is all right or all wrong. People are the sum of their experiences… mostly. That being said, Bill was the only main character I liked. While not an innocent, I felt his motivations were the most real and the purest. I also liked Simone, Ben’s cousin raised by his parents. Her dysfunctional background and issues with abandonment led her to look for love… and acceptance in all the wrong places. I understood the other characters and their motivations… I just didn’t like them.

Black & White is well-written and developed. The multiple viewpoints are not distracting but served to pull the reader further into the story. Grammatical and editing errors are minor and do not take the reader out of the story.

The quote from To Kill a Mockingbird which opens the story perfectly sums up the story's theme. A work of fiction, Black & White is still an accurate commentary on the conversations about race NOT being had today. Not because we’re afraid of admitting our fears and prejudices about other races, but we’re afraid to accept certain truths about ourselves.

This is a must-read and I highly recommend it.

Enjoy!

[Michelle Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book and very thought provoking. It focuses on the lives and relationships of two attorney'; one who is black and the other white and both are dating women of the opposite race. This story details the opposition and negative things they face as a couple and as an individual within their race coming to the realization that both races stereotype based on the way they think they lives are but in both cases they are mistaken. I was saddened to see what Rebecca had to deal with concerning her family in order to be with Ben and the way her dad judged her as well as others on the reason they felt she was him. Both attorney's are faced with life changing cases that changes their course and views on things as well as their expectations that bring them together. This book is a great read for all to see the intricacies of both races, the diversity, the negative feelings and thoughts that some black women feel about white women dating black men. It was awful the way Gabby addressed Rebecca but Rebecca handled herself really well in all platforms. It is sad to see the division and stereotypes that we as black people face if people feel we are not black enough yet the prejudices we face because no matter how hard we work or attempt to show all some see is our skin color and not the fact that we all bleed red. If you have not read this book please get it and read it. You will not be disappointed.

['The Book Queen' · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black vs White

In this story readers saw two couples struggling to stay together against all odds. A black man and white woman, and a white man and black woman. In this book the tables were reversed in who had the wealth. Ben and Becky's parents both had means. Becky was wealthy. Bill and Ebony both grew up poor in the same housing projects. Gabby and Terrance grew up with Ben in middle class homes. Both were Bens best friends. Ben started dating Becky because Gabby would not give him the time of day. Over the years, she became the chaser after Ben. Ben stood steadfast in his resolve to stay with Becky. Gabby had him and let him get away. At some point I felt as though the two mixed race couples would find their way to being friends. Ben and Bill worked for the same race hating law firm, yet they never interacted with one another. Both men viewed the other through tainted lenses. I was happy in the end because both couples were successful in getting away from their hateful situations, and people who bogged them down. A great job on a tough story to tell. Nicely done!

[Ann Campanella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black & White is a fast-moving, provocative read that illuminates the biases we hold about race, specifically interracial relationships. Ben Burgess, Jr., holds back nothing, and while his topic is raw, his writing is authentic, the characters real, and the overall effect of his story is inspiring. Burgess sets up the conflict from the beginning with two lawyers -- one black and one white -- each vying for a coveted partnership in a major law firm as they represent clients in two high-profile, racially charged cases. This author is not afraid to take chances and tackle what most people turn away from. He and his work deserve recognition!

[Bigmofrombflo · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will definitely take something away with this must read

This book was well written and held a lot of substance. It's about race but not being racist. Why I say that because you is who you are. Some things we're taught and some things we learn in life. This book is really about being true to yourself. It will make you pull from your inner soul the things you really want to say out loud. If you don't speak up it's because your holding inside of you. Read this book to find out if your living in color. Some of my thoughts was in Black and white also.

[Tosha Clingman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Situation

First off I love your books..... I enjoyed reading this book. I got upset sometimes at the characters for being a little crazy. It ended the way I thought it would.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will completely draw you in! To me it was a page turner, I needed to know what was coming next. Once finished it's hard to walk away from. I think my family was ready for me to stop reading..oops. But in all seriousness to is a must read book!

[Nori Ba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Filled with genuine characters and a good storyline. It made me want to find out and read more about e characters and how they would end up after I finished the book. This book is highly recommended.

[Vanetia Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben Burgess Jr did an awesome job of developing a gut-wrenching glimpse into racism. Attorneys Ben and Bill have both judged each other based on the outer appearance without ever getting to know each other at all. Even though they’ve worked at the same law firm for 8 years together. Their stories of upbringing, family issues, romance and the like make this story so powerful.

I am definitely a fan of Ben Burgess, Jr. and look forward to what’s next.

[Letitia Mask · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are more alike than different no matter the race

Gabby was the lease liked character for me and Becky had the most personal growth. It is a shame how the firm put everyone against each other and how everyone was caught in the lies. I believe the only case that really mattered was the basketball player for the publicity and money. I don't know if I was Billy that I would have wanted to win to make partner for my mom. She was already really sick but I wouldn't have been able to go against my beliefs.
This story didn't really change my thoughts on race my family is very diverse and racially mixed but this was a very good read

[Laverne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author never disappoints!!

The issues of dating another race and the feelings surrounding it, family, friends, ones self. Really deep and heartfelt, this author is on point.

[Kaylynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What other people think of you is their business

I was taken through many emotions reading this, mostly anger. The blatant bigotry & ridiculous train off thought of some of these characters disturbed me. But the sad truth is, these people exist. I enjoyed watching these characters evolve into understanding & accepting themselves. Despite what they faced they came out on top.

EyeCU Reading Approved

[Iona R Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must read for all. It was nearly impossible to focus on anything else when I wasn't reading it. Ben really put definition, real life into this book. Whether one agrees or disagrees with multiracial relationships I believe they will enjoy it because everyone and there point of view is not left out. Will be reading this one again.

[Robert White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Real masterpiece love it!!!!!

This book was beautiful written at times I had put it down and walked away. That Becky father was hard to take very racist could stand him Ben was a good man to take his bull. I believe we have come far we still not all the way when comes to racist. That's AUTHOR Ben Burgess wonderful story a must read.

[Carmen Blalock · Rating 5 out of 5]

For whatever reason race relations have always been a difficult thing.  I'm not sure if it is a fear of the unknown or reliving our ancestors past but one thing is for certain, things are just barely better than they were back in the slavery days.  We have to do better.

Ben is a successful lawyer who is trying to become partner in his firm.  He is doing everything he possibly can to prove to them that he needs no he deserves the position but he has one major obstacle with them.  Should Ben sell his soul just to obtain partnership or should he be that respectable man that he was raised to be and let the chips fall where they may?

Bill is also a successful lawyer at the same firm who is also trying for the partnership.  While Bill has a good winning record, his chances for partner are greater than Ben's for a reason that should not be taken into consideration.  How will Bill deal with receiving a position that was biased from the start?  Is he selling his soul or just going along with the flow?

Black & White is a book that even if you aren't living it you can relate to.  It is about how without knowing all the facts, basically we all are a little racist.  Do we judge people on their character or on events that happened in the past?  This book makes you ask many questions of yourself and why you may or may not do things.  Burgess has brought an issue that has been plaguing society to the forefront and is making you think.  I love the story line and the way the characters make you feel like you are walking in their shoes.  I was asking question of myself while reading and to me that is the sign of a great novel and author.  I would encourage you to read this novel, great job Burgess!