I first learned of Bakari Sellers when I heard him on a political podcast I listen to frequently. I loved his insight on politics and the world. He is a uniter, not a divider. But he's not interested in achieving unification by ignoring the very real systemic problems that plague our nation, and harm black Americans in particular. He was direct without it feeling confrontational. Instead, I felt like his words enlightened my understanding and made me want to change myself and the world around me.

When his audio book became a daily deal on audible I grabbed it. I really did enjoy it. To be honest, I think I'd much rather sit in a cafe and just listen to Bakari tell me these stories organically rather than hearing him read the words. I think in his reading it took away a touch of the passion that he probably felt as he wrote it. But still, I really did enjoy this story. I don't understand why we struggle so much as a society to progress toward a more perfect union where the ideals of our Declaration of Independence and the Constitution can be more fully realized by ALL people. As a fierce advocate for education, it really REALLY irritates me to hear about how poor, rural children are so short-changed when it comes to funding and support for education. It was just as irritating to listen to how rural families in poverty also deal with inadequacies in receiving proper healthcare. Surely we can do better. Surely.

I loved Bakari's optimism and his passion for making a different and better world for his children. I loved hearing his history and the lessons he has learned. I really enjoyed this. Four stars.