The Reviews are in!

[Kenyada]

By Jim Chambers - Tucker, GA

Having read Richard Kenyada's book "Essays & Open Wounds While Waiting for The APOLOGY" a few years ago, I was prepared for more of the same type of essays on Mr. Kenyada's experiences and thoughts on growing up as an African-American baby boomer in the United States. The APOLOGY was a marvelous mix of essays ranging from harsh assessments of American history and society to some very sweet and funny personal memories.

But "Reflections in the Dark Room" is like a tsunami compared to the ripples of The APOLOGY. Mr. Kenyada holds back nothing in his scathing condemnation of racism and white privilege. His writing is so vivid that I felt like I was in a full-blown Vulcan mind meld into the heart and soul of the author. His motivation and driving force was expressed in his comment that "Each of us must find his own strength. For me, it is in the written word and the fire that it brings."

The written word is undeniably Mr. Kenyada's strength. He's a skilled writer who knows how to get his readers' attention and hold it. But as outspoken as Mr. Kenyada is with his views, he's not just talking the talk. I learned from the book that he has received a number of awards for developing programs to bring computer literacy to the black community, and he operates a highly rated website, "Mr. Kenyada's Neighborhood" with the motto "Computers-Community-Compassion" to promote computer literacy and encourage dialogue.

Anger leaps off the page in many essays, but it's honest anger, since Mr. Kenyada grew up in an America where white people made the rules and enforced them zealously. "Reflections" is a bigger book than The APOLOGY in concept as well as size. I got the impression that The APOLOGY was merely an introductory prelude to the deeper, more sharpened essays in "Reflections."

At an intellectual level, I understand Mr. Kenyada's anger, humiliation, and grief caused by the inhuman treatment of black Americans for almost four centuries. But as a white person, I don't know if it's possible to bridge the gap between us so completely that I truly understand at the gut level where it really matters. All I can do is try to gain some understanding, and I think "Reflections" left me at least a bit more perceptive, not to mention wrung-out emotionally. Coincidentally, I recently read Ayn Rand's short novel "Anthem," and one statement by the central character epitomizes the message that I got from "Reflections": "I understand that centuries of chains and lashes will not kill the spirit of man nor the sense of truth within him."

A nice bonus in "Reflections" is the complete text of "Presidential Inaugural Ball 2009," about a fantasy inaugural celebration for Barack Obama written a few days before the 2008 presidential election. This piece originally appeared on the author's website and quickly went viral across the Internet.

I laughed out loud when I read the essay where Mr. Kenyada insists that illegal aliens be deported. I happen to agree with him, but for entirely different reasons. You'll have to read the book yourself to get his unique take on this issue!

"Reflections" is filled with memorable quotations. Some of my favorites were:

* "No surprise that the evacuees [from Hurricane Katrina] in the Astrodome refused to transfer to cruise ships. Historically, black people have heard that ol' cruise ship story before."

* "Only the white man would have the gall to fear the mixing of the races after he has screwed everyone."

* "We are a nation that recycles its cardboard, but throws away its people."

* "Preaching civil rights without preaching civil responsibilities is irresponsible."


"Reflections" is certainly not all negative, nor is it totally one-sided against white racism and privilege. Mr. Kenyada lays much of the blame for failure of blacks to take advantage of their opportunities on cultural factors such as gangsta rap, violence, hedonism, and so-called black leaders, and he offers specific recommendations for addressing these problems.

Although the author and I were born only a year apart, our perspectives and life experience are about a hundred and seventy-nine degrees apart. Largely for that reason, we don't share many political opinions, and I disagree with many of Mr. Kenyada's beliefs. But that's okay, I guess we can agree to disagree.

Mr. Kenyada ends the book with a poignant tribute to love and marriage, with some very insightful and practical ideas about keeping the love in a marriage.

The bottom line: If you're looking for an easy beach read, try Stephen King. If you want serious writing on a serious subject that matters to all of us, try "Reflections." It's not a feel-good, I'm-okay-you're-okay book, and it may challenge some of your beliefs and ruffle your feathers, but after reading it, you won't be asking "Where's the beef?", that's for sure.

[Kenyada]

By Milton J. Oliver - Queens, NY

I've read Richard Kenyada's new book "Reflections in the Dark Room: The Black Essays". What a great read. The book was hard to put down to do regular things like eat or watch some CNN. It is one heck of a book.

[Kenyada]

By Cindy (Shotgunn 1) - Fairfax, Virginia

Don't miss the opportunity to read this book.I have a proud 13yr.daughter who was also overcome by this book. I strongly recommend this book.