Can You Hear Me Now?: The Inspiration, Wisdom, and Insight of Michael Eric Dyson

by Michael Eric Dyson

Over the last 20 years, Michael Eric Dyson has become one of America’s most visible—and quotable—public intellectuals. Whether in his sixteen books, or in countless newspapers, television and radio appearances, or on stages, podiums, and pulpits across the world, Dyson has spun an enchanting web of words that has caught the attention of the masses and elites alike. He has weighed in on a myriad array of topics – from faith to fatherhood, and from race to sex, as well as sports, manhood, gender, music, leadership, politics, language, love, justice, literature, suffering, death, hope, relationships and much, much more. Can You Hear Me Now? , offers a sampling of Dyson’s sharp wit, profound thought, and edifying eloquence on the enduring problems of humanity, from love to justice, and the latest topics of the day, including race and the presidency. It is both revealing and relevant, and at once thoughtful provoking and uplifting. Whether he is writing about Jay-Z or Barack Obama, addressing racial catastrophes or opportunities, or speaking about religion or the felicities of King’s rhetoric, Dyson’s intellect shines with insight and inspiration. Can You Hear Me Now? captures Dyson’s incredible facility with words, and his prodigious intelligence, at a time when he has gained greater fame as a public intellectual, university professor, best-selling author, and most recently, as one of the first prominent blacks to endorse President Barack Obama. The time is ripe for his wit, wisdom and worldview, and this book is Dyson’s most accessible compendium of thinking on a broad range of topics that haunt and shape the nation.

Genres: Nonfiction, African American Literature, Sociology

316 pages, Hardcover

First published April 11, 2009

About the author

Michael Eric Dyson is an American academic, author, and radio host. He is a professor of sociology at Georgetown University.

Reviews

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me how much mental stimulation and energy I get from a man's thoughts. While I didn't agree with everything I read within the pages of this book, I appreciated how thoughts were communicated in quiet power. It was one of those books I didn't want to finish, because it was like talking with your favorite relative who cherishes you for who you are, and has something important to share with you, with the hope to leave you better than you were before.

[Jasmyne Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently reading Can You Hear Me Now?. I really enjoy Dyson's views on different principles that affect the African American community as a whole such as Obama, faith and spirit, love and relationships, and Hip Hop and Youth culture just to name a few. Many favorable quotes that impacts your reality and demands you to take initiative and become proactive concerning the progress of the African diaspora.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of little more than paragraphs on a variety of topics ranging from race, sexuality, violence, homosexuality, gender and more. They were helpful to me on stirring me to think on these topics and to remind myself of some of the brilliant ways the author encapsulates the issues and ideas raised around these topics. I found it a good read to kick off the new year.

[Keigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the title says it all "the inspiration,wisdom and insight of Micheal Eric Dyson" Dr dyson really understands the art of telling the truth with compassion he is intellectually grip and challenging.

[Danielle E Crooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great reflection of African-American history, society & culture

Dyson so eloquently describes the black experience in America while challenging the views of race and class in his book Can You Hear Me Now. It is a quintessential read for all people and generations.

[Brittany White]

So far, this is a very informational book.

[Brian TramueL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great compilation of Dyson's "Truths" ... hammering out basic principles, effectively communicated in a thought provoking way.

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book- Love this "Brotha"!!!

[Joe T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like MED and you like quotes, this is your book.

[Kimberly A. RIce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book! I loved it!

[Henry Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr Dyson is about excellence...he continuously demonstrates he has an obligation to be smart he can

[Stephanie Cohen · Rating 3 out of 5]

some good points

[Cheryl Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful and inspirational. Needed a change of pace....and I was glad to select this book for that change.

[Sapphie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read. However, the information was a bit redundant. If you've read other of his works, you will just be rehashing with this book.

[Nichole Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book held my interest from the beginning to the ending every group is included within the African American experience with all people from the educated or those who just makes but through the years have gained a lot of what my grandparents would say: “Use the good sense the Good Lord has given you and you will go far” ( ? I love how he covers each section from our first Black President to Race and Identity and how each involves family. Throughout all of the chapters (there is 12 in all) he shows us how each chapter made be pause and really thing about its impact. He showed us how each our musical experience has found its way into American’s ownership many times with the owner not reaping the monetary rewards. He shared so many quotes that it was like listening to the wise people who often appear in our lives one’s who lovingly us in our growth. I highly recommend this book which has words of wisdom which each person can take away from this writer’s table.