The Black Friend ARC Review

 The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person by Frederick Joseph

Release date: December 1, 2020

Non-fiction

Thanks to LibraryThing and Candlewick Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This link here will take you to watch Jospeh’s introduction to his book!

Frederick Jospeh’s debut novel is an excellent anti-racist read for anyone of any age. As an introduction to anti-racist literature for teens, Joseph explains issues of racism and inequality in such a clear and poignant way that I know teens will really get a lot out of the book. By recounting his experiences as a teen and young adult, Joseph is relatable and offers important reflection so white people can become better anti-racists and that young Black teens and other teens of colour don’t make some of his mistakes.

Even if you’ve done an extensive amount of anti-racist reading, The Black Friend still has a lot of insight to offer. Joseph is such a terrific writer. The book is interesting and educational from beginning to end. The interviews interspersed throughout The Black Friend offer additional insights that help to tie together many of the points Joseph makes.

The chapter that stood out to me the most was Joseph’s interview with playwright Tarell Alvin Mccraney. In the interview, Mccraney discusses how he wrote the play that the movie Moonlight is based on as a letter to his younger self. What I thought was really impactful was how Joseph discusses the impact of the movie that wasn’t written for him: “being on the outside looking in, I still learned to love a community more than I did before” (202). I love the quote because I think it perfectly sums up how consuming movies, books, plays and really any type of art is a process of learning to appreciate the diverse lives and experiences of others. 

An aspect of the book that I thought was a thoughtful addition is an encyclopedia and lists of books, movies, music, and important people. I thought this feature was a great idea because it offers a way to further educate yourself and support Black creators.

Before wrapping things up, I also have to give this cover a shout out. I love the vibrant colours and mix of patterns. It’s so pretty!

Rating 5/5: I really loved this book and Frederick Joseph’s debut stands out on all levels. I spent most of my reading not only learning what I can do better as a white ally, but wishing that I had come across this book when I was much younger. I’m so happy I had the opportunity to read this, and I will be recommending The Black Friend to everyone I know. 

 “I want us to be more complete people. That starts with dropping our assumptions about a person. It starts with learning their stories.” (66).