What's Going on: Personal Essays

Nathan McCall is now 2 for 2. After the classic "Makes me Wanna Holler," he gives us this insightful read. Some might think he harps on racial issues too much, but even in 2002, these issues are still relevant to so many. His chapter on gangster rap is right on the money, and I would even add, as an educator, that rap music has become a bad influence on all races (suburban whites buy more hardcore rap than anyone else). His chapter on Muhammad Ali is one of the most poignant pieces I have ever read, and left me in tears. So often while reading this, you find yourself nodding your head, agreeing with what he's saying. We're lucky to have his perceptive books, and I like many am wondering when his next one is coming (it's been 5 years!). Hopefully soon Mr. McCall.

Makes Me Wanna Holler shocked me a couple of years ago. I still feel haunted by it, but the shock is over and now I can enjoy McCall's writing without feeling sick. He is a great writer, he is angry, and he "tells it how he sees it." Although, I have a feeling that McCall would be angry even in a perfect world; but I still think every white person should read his books. I have learned a lot about my African American friends and neighbors from his writing. Unfortunately, after reading What's Going On I realized that it is only African American's who can pull themselves out of this mess. I think I would be accused of being a racist no matter what I would try and do. Hopefully some good African American leaders will emerge as soon as Mr. Jackson and Mr. Sharpton give up their thrones. I am convinced that many white folks really do want things to to get better for African Americans. We just don't know what to do!

Interestingly, I kept McCall's first book on my shelf for at least three or four years. I have a very heavy schedule and just couldn't find time to read it. I did blindly recommend it to a relaitive of mine who had made a mistake and ended up doing time. About two weks ago, I finally decided to read it. After finishing MAKE ME WANNA HOLLER, I was really upset that my relative didn't read. The book is a wonderful depiction of one of the most misunderstood segments of American life. The author came forth as honest as he could be. There were traces of Eldridge Cleaver, George Jackson, and Malcolm X. Only traces though - McCall's political concerns were not steeped (not yet). WHATS GOING ON reveals a more political minded author. I will place these essays on my shelf next to his first book. The author and I are the same age and we both grew up as black males in a most-times psychologically imbalanced society. We KNOW what the dangers are. So many of his thoughts are common to my experience. Reading both books make me look way back and reflect upon events that I thought I had safely placed away. This guy's an excellent writer. Some reviewers feel as if he's not telling the whole truth - but who really does? McCall should continue writing, continue to take on life as it comes. He should continue exposing the truth about the life so many of us know. The truth told in the clear way that he tells it.

If your a young black male like myself who's ever said no book could ever relate to me, you have to read this book. It will not only prove that your wrong but it might even change that way you look at life. Don't let ignorence tell you not to buy this cause you might learn something buy it for yourself and see. I'm from Brooklyn's Crown Heights area and I took this book to the heart.

I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down. Nathan McCall's views were well-thought out, and much to my surprise showed no signs of hypocrisy, instead, his views were the end result of learning through experience. I was able to connect with McCall's real life experiences as a young African-American & Washingtonian. The fact that he has roots in DC made me able to connect on a more personal level with his experiences, (i.e., his references to Georgetown, and parts of middle class Maryland and Virginia) I was always taught by my parents about the true histories and traditions of this city and the elimination of upscale African-American neighborhoods from a history we made. However, McCall idealizes the underlying concepts that apply to the African American culture anywhere in this country. Even if the DC element is extracted, his words apply to any location. I found that the book kept on a continuum rather than skipping over issues and losing its tone, every chapter making equal offerings to the book as a whole. It taught me a great deal about the ways of political change, and I also took from it a sense of responsiblity, that it took McCall the majority of his adolescence to gain. It's one thing to protest something (i.e., McCall's reference to "gangsta rap") but it's a totally different thing to back it up with logic. Even if readers disagree with some of the details of McCall's thinking, his outlook plays on the mind and welcomes another outlook, backed by occurances and explanations given. I felt that McCall explored every aspect of his role as a African American delinquent youth turned respected father and professional, and that alone deserves respect in this autobiographical piece. I suggest that both black men and women read this book, I promise you will gain something of great personal value from it. Knowledge which brings power. I highly recommend this book.