April 09th, 2023

Summary: Frederick Joseph does a phenomenal job on telling and speaking the truth in “The Black Friend on Being a Better White Person”.  The structure of the book is in a conversational narrative format that breaks down his point of view and experiences throughout various phases of his life.  He methodically conducted interviews with numerous individuals that openly share their similar experiences dealing with class, race, and sexism. Joseph holds nothing back in displaying his encounters with blatant, institutional, and subtle racism including implications of countless microaggressions. He fluently speaks from the perspective of a black man on provoking issues that continue to haunt him while "living" black in America in the present day.
Strengths: This book is an easy read intended to educate white people on the black experience in their perception of being “that” friend. The perspective is relatable to the life stories of black people across America. 
Weaknesses: This is not the experience of every black person who has established a relationship with a white person.  However, there are areas within each life scenario that has brushed the lives of so many.
Thoughts: This book is highly recommended for people of all races. While reading this book I found myself loudly agreeing with the highlights in the format of call and response.  There were several chapters that I could relate to directly to from past and present experiences.

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