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This Is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism
In this "vital book for these times" (Kirkus Reviews), Don Lemon brings his vast audience and experience as a reporter and a Black man to today's most urgent How can we end racism in America in our lifetimes?
The host of CNN Tonight with Don Lemon is more popular than ever. As America’s only Black prime-time anchor, Lemon and his daily monologues on racism and antiracism, on the failures of the Trump administration and of so many of our leaders, and on America’s systemic flaws speak for his millions of fans. Now, in an urgent, deeply personal, riveting plea, he shows us all how deep our problems lie, and what we can do to begin to fix them.Beginning with a letter to one of his Black nephews, he proceeds with reporting and reflections on his slave ancestors, his upbringing in the shadows of segregation, and his adult confrontations with politicians, activists, and scholars. In doing so, Lemon offers a searing and poetic ultimatum to America. He visits the slave port where a direct ancestor was shackled and shipped to America. He recalls a slave uprising in Louisiana, just a few miles from his birthplace. And he takes us to the heart of the 2020 protests in New York City. As he writes to his young We must resist racism every single day. We must resist it with love.
The host of CNN Tonight with Don Lemon is more popular than ever. As America’s only Black prime-time anchor, Lemon and his daily monologues on racism and antiracism, on the failures of the Trump administration and of so many of our leaders, and on America’s systemic flaws speak for his millions of fans. Now, in an urgent, deeply personal, riveting plea, he shows us all how deep our problems lie, and what we can do to begin to fix them.Beginning with a letter to one of his Black nephews, he proceeds with reporting and reflections on his slave ancestors, his upbringing in the shadows of segregation, and his adult confrontations with politicians, activists, and scholars. In doing so, Lemon offers a searing and poetic ultimatum to America. He visits the slave port where a direct ancestor was shackled and shipped to America. He recalls a slave uprising in Louisiana, just a few miles from his birthplace. And he takes us to the heart of the 2020 protests in New York City. As he writes to his young We must resist racism every single day. We must resist it with love.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2021
603 people are currently reading
5984 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
April 10, 2021
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 this pre-published book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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 this pre-published book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 14, 2021
Don Lemon is clearly a very intelligent, well read, thoughtful person. He is very careful with his language in his direct assessment of history and our culture. This book is part of the volume of material in literature trying to move us to Love rather than Hate; to see our history in the light of truth rather than distorted lies. I am glad he relied upon the book CASTE. I agree with his assessment of that important book. Many other references were well selected and used.
He makes the book personal with much of his story, heartwarming and instilling hope.
We all play a role while on this rock. CNN is lucky to have Don Lemon and we are lucky to have his book to add to our arsenal of what is becoming an important call to action, now.
He makes the book personal with much of his story, heartwarming and instilling hope.
We all play a role while on this rock. CNN is lucky to have Don Lemon and we are lucky to have his book to add to our arsenal of what is becoming an important call to action, now.
March 1, 2021
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
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
July 22, 2021
You should read this book if you like: Anti-racism, compassion, basic human rights & dignity, James Baldwin, Ijeoma Oluo's So You Want to Talk About Race
* * *
This book is part love letter to James Baldwin, and part inspiring call-to-action. As the subtitle implies, This is the Fire feels very much like a frank, candid conversation with a friend. In a very conversational fashion, Don shares his experience as a Black gay man and prominent public figure, but he also gets personal, discussing events in his everyday private life that have shaped who he has become. He shines light on the injustices that the Black community has experienced and continues to endure today. There is pain, and yet there is hope for change.
Mr Lemon has a natural knack for expression. For such a concise book, it is incredibly thoughtful and introspective. I would encourage anyone interested to listen to the audiobook, as Don's emotional and powerful narration only adds to the book's depth.
* * *
This book is part love letter to James Baldwin, and part inspiring call-to-action. As the subtitle implies, This is the Fire feels very much like a frank, candid conversation with a friend. In a very conversational fashion, Don shares his experience as a Black gay man and prominent public figure, but he also gets personal, discussing events in his everyday private life that have shaped who he has become. He shines light on the injustices that the Black community has experienced and continues to endure today. There is pain, and yet there is hope for change.
Mr Lemon has a natural knack for expression. For such a concise book, it is incredibly thoughtful and introspective. I would encourage anyone interested to listen to the audiobook, as Don's emotional and powerful narration only adds to the book's depth.
March 24, 2021
This is the fire contains talking about Don Lemon's life growing up in Louisiana, the nation's history on racism, and lives of Black people. Very important book that everyone should read during these times in American history. We have a lot of work to do in taking action on hate and racism in this country and around the world. We must hold ourselves accountable in addressing racism in our communities.
“Anger makes change happen.”
“Solidarity makes change happen.”
“Compassion makes change happen.”
“Vision makes change happen.”
“Anger makes change happen.”
“Solidarity makes change happen.”
“Compassion makes change happen.”
“Vision makes change happen.”
April 17, 2021
This book was more of a rant about Donald Trump, and his handling of the corona virus. It really didn't offer much in the way of solutions or helpful information for those who are trying to understand racism in America.
April 7, 2021
I am a fan of Don Lemon. I find him well-spoken, knowledgeable about his subject and a commentator about abuse of law, white racism and things that seem to be going wrong in my country. And he is, like me, a hopeless liberal - and always looking for the good, for ways to help. This book was exactly what I expected. Lemon points out situations, places, interactions that I never realized were racial in tone. I have been aware of race for decades, have worked to educate myself to be an anti-racist, and work in my community to regard everyone as a human being, rather than a member of a race. Lemon wrote about situations that I never realized. I never dreamed they happen. The good thing is that he is a good writer, a good speaker, and we get a great view of his image of family. Parts of this book also introduce you to the typical Black family - it is not what I grew up with. Of course, my parents did not have to warn me about the potential abuse I would receive because of the color of my skin. A good book and a good book to use for educating others. Ideal for book groups or for introducing the topic of racism to someone.
July 4, 2021
A fast read but I feel like he didn’t bring anything new to the table. Most of what he said has been written and talked about for years. He did bring some insights into the issues of racism but mostly he’s rehashing what others have said and he’s preaching to the choir. I guess I’m looking for some definitive steps to take to help.
Lemon’s book is a good overview book but I highly recommend the following if you’re looking for more depth:
Caste: The Origins of our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
The Color of Compromise by Jamal Tisby
His Truth is Marching On by Jon Meacham
The Blood of Emmett Till by Timothy B. Tyson
The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton
People in the U.S. are so polarized at this point and it’s so disheartening.
Lemon’s book is a good overview book but I highly recommend the following if you’re looking for more depth:
Caste: The Origins of our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
The Color of Compromise by Jamal Tisby
His Truth is Marching On by Jon Meacham
The Blood of Emmett Till by Timothy B. Tyson
The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton
People in the U.S. are so polarized at this point and it’s so disheartening.
February 16, 2021
In his own unique conversational style, Don Lemon weaves current and past Black History events into his own story. #ThisIsTheFire is informs, teaches, and challenges the reader. #NetGalley
March 28, 2021
Whew. Lemon lays it on the line. Sad that the folks that really need to read this never will.
May 24, 2021
Excellent. Absolutely essential reading.
Read
April 20, 2021This is the best non-fiction book I've ever read! Since its about current events and the current lives of African American's and largely because I'm directly impacted, because I am a black woman, it was a life changing read for me. I am not angry, I understand that this is present and future history. But I've lived this history for 71 years and having that presented in a way that connects all the dots, makes you stop and assess who you are.
I purchased this book because, I was interested in Mr. Lemon's POV. I had to read a chapter at a time because it was so hard to read. Our history has never been great, but I learned things that I had never read and you become angry at the injustice of it.
This is not a long book, with all the big words some authors use when the subject is weighty. Mr. Lemon provides the information and his viewpoint, with direct satements of fact. I like that it was part family history; part African American history and current status and infomation on our people in this country.
He doesn't pull any punches and his facts, perspective and view point are clear and direct. He knows where we are in this country, at this time and he clearly explains how and why this is happening and what may be the most likely result of current events and past events.
I was surprised at the history he provided on the treatment of African Americans in pre-civil war; post-civil-war and current day. I agree with his assessment. His voice is clear and his information is not disputable. Families who had slaves and considered them "livestock" have a lot to answer for. So does Washington, D.C.; all of this should have been settled years ago.
Than you Mr. Lemon for a clear and direct message, that is easy to understand, hard to read and definitely will stir things up, and muddy the waters. Hopefully the usual same old stuff will be changed.
I told everyone I know how important it is to read this book. Hopefully more people will read it!
I purchased this book because, I was interested in Mr. Lemon's POV. I had to read a chapter at a time because it was so hard to read. Our history has never been great, but I learned things that I had never read and you become angry at the injustice of it.
This is not a long book, with all the big words some authors use when the subject is weighty. Mr. Lemon provides the information and his viewpoint, with direct satements of fact. I like that it was part family history; part African American history and current status and infomation on our people in this country.
He doesn't pull any punches and his facts, perspective and view point are clear and direct. He knows where we are in this country, at this time and he clearly explains how and why this is happening and what may be the most likely result of current events and past events.
I was surprised at the history he provided on the treatment of African Americans in pre-civil war; post-civil-war and current day. I agree with his assessment. His voice is clear and his information is not disputable. Families who had slaves and considered them "livestock" have a lot to answer for. So does Washington, D.C.; all of this should have been settled years ago.
Than you Mr. Lemon for a clear and direct message, that is easy to understand, hard to read and definitely will stir things up, and muddy the waters. Hopefully the usual same old stuff will be changed.
I told everyone I know how important it is to read this book. Hopefully more people will read it!
May 10, 2021
I'll admit to being a bit of a Don Lemon fangirl...I love watching his show. He's brought the same candor and passion to This Is the Fire - the result is a compulsively readable and ultimately hopeful lesson on some of the reasons we find ourselves in the present race situation. Though I'm Canadian, I find many of the same issues here (we say we're different, but are we really that different?). One of the most impactful things I believe we can all do is to educate ourselves and stop the denials - it's not doing us any good. As a reader, I'm reading whatever I can to educate myself. This was a most worthwhile read, giving me lots to think about.
5 ★
5 ★
May 11, 2021
Moving book. We all need to see, really see and understand, things from another's point of view. I have read many books this past year as I try to process all of the needless deaths of young men and women of color. I try to look at history and learn from it. But it is books like this that help me to understand better. I have read Baldwin's novels, and I love that Lemon adeptly, beautifully, was able to pay tribute to Baldwin while creating his own "story" to tell for us to hear and to process.
March 18, 2021
Passionate, insightful, hopeful, realistic. Key places in the book involve bridges. We indeed have bridges to cross, and we (us white folk) need to acknowledge which side we started from and which side we wish to get to... and why, and with whom, and by when. Lemon mentions other books, movies, and such which can help us know where we started and become hopeful over where we can go.
March 19, 2021
This is a quick paced book filled with antidotes from Don Lemon’s life and from the lives of Black people. It has great ideas as to how to participate in the eradication of racism. Its going to take hard work and the work can never stop. I really want to do my best to help with this important cause. This book gave me some ways in which I can help. A good read!
May 19, 2021
This book was different from what I expected. It's part history, part memoir with analysis of recent events tying it all together. His literary prose and conversational tone makes this important topic readable and most importantly, relatable. A great read on many levels.
May 25, 2021
This is an important book and very revealing. I'm surprised that a celebrity would be so honest, to tell you the truth. He feels very strongly about racism and I'm so glad that I read his book. It's quite an accomplishment. Bravo!
Read
May 8, 2021Finished.
April 6, 2021
So, Don Lemon writes how he speaks. And if you've ever watched Don Lemon on CNN, he speaks quite well.
In fact... I would say that it was even more impressive than expected. He has a sizeable vocabulary and can certainly turn a phrase. There's a certain lyrical quality to his writing that makes it very engaging.
Onto the content: the book is about systemic racism in the United States plus Lemon's own experiences. It's a rather short read, truth be told, and I would probably have enjoyed even more. It's a mix of historical events, modern day travesties, and personal anecdotes. I quite enjoyed highlights of his close relationship with his mother in those segments. You can really see their bond in his stories. The rest is reflections on where we are with the BLM movement and how we can forge ahead as a nation.
I didn't think anything was particularly revelatory or new if you read/watch the news regularly (though admittedly I wasn't aware of all the extent of the brutality of the slave revolt he highlighted in one section), but I liked reading his thoughts on many topics including defunding the police and the role of Black artists in media. I will say that I think Lemon assumes his readers ARE aware of the news, because he isn't interested in recapping it all for you. There is an assumption about the knowledge of his readers in current events for the most part.
This book is already popular (not sure how I snagged it so quickly) and deservedly so. I hope that Lemon continues to write more books in the future.
In fact... I would say that it was even more impressive than expected. He has a sizeable vocabulary and can certainly turn a phrase. There's a certain lyrical quality to his writing that makes it very engaging.
Onto the content: the book is about systemic racism in the United States plus Lemon's own experiences. It's a rather short read, truth be told, and I would probably have enjoyed even more. It's a mix of historical events, modern day travesties, and personal anecdotes. I quite enjoyed highlights of his close relationship with his mother in those segments. You can really see their bond in his stories. The rest is reflections on where we are with the BLM movement and how we can forge ahead as a nation.
I didn't think anything was particularly revelatory or new if you read/watch the news regularly (though admittedly I wasn't aware of all the extent of the brutality of the slave revolt he highlighted in one section), but I liked reading his thoughts on many topics including defunding the police and the role of Black artists in media. I will say that I think Lemon assumes his readers ARE aware of the news, because he isn't interested in recapping it all for you. There is an assumption about the knowledge of his readers in current events for the most part.
This book is already popular (not sure how I snagged it so quickly) and deservedly so. I hope that Lemon continues to write more books in the future.
March 3, 2021
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.
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.
September 23, 2021
This is a book everyone should read. I've come to love Don Lemon from watching him on CNN so when I found out he had this book coming out, I knew I wanted to read it. I was not disappointed. He is educated and eloquent, compassionate and loving. He speaks his truth...no sugar coating. I've seen it said that the book focuses mostly on Donald Trump. This is not the case. Yes, he is discussed...how can you avoid the elephant in the room? How can you talk about racism without bringing Trump into the conversation? However, the predominate message...we have to do better. ALL of us.
"We are the inferno in which Baldwin placed his faith.
This is the Fire.
Let the last next time be now."
"We are the inferno in which Baldwin placed his faith.
This is the Fire.
Let the last next time be now."
May 20, 2021
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.
I received an advance copy from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
I received an advance copy from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
March 24, 2021
Sad but true. Sad because of our country’s history. True because we are a racist country. Emotional. I loved when he spoke about his husband Tim and his family. Especially his mother. He’s very lucky to still have his mother. I listened to the book and just wished somebody else had read it. I obviously like Don Lemon. I follow him on Instagram and watch him every evening on CNN. But I wish someone else had read the book
March 31, 2021
Quite an achievement. Lyrical and lovely and harsh and timely. He really opens up about how racism has impacted his life and his community’s. Making it personal may help doubters connect to the stories and be open to understanding a bit more. He shouldn’t have to do it, but I’m glad he did.
April 11, 2021
I enjoyed the second half better than the first half. I liked the background info Lemon throws in - it helped me to understand him a little better. Overall very well written and thought provoking.
August 22, 2021
I love Don Lemon and I love him even more after reading his book.
This is a personal, insightful, powerful read that clearly outlines where we've been, where we are, and where we need to go as a nation. I learned so much.
This is a personal, insightful, powerful read that clearly outlines where we've been, where we are, and where we need to go as a nation. I learned so much.
April 25, 2021
Excellent analysis of our current racial state and how to step forward.
May 29, 2021
I wanted more Don and less commentary. In other words, more personal stories and anecdotes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews