I am in absolute astonishment, having just turned the last riveting page of Rising Out of Hatred and am eternally grateful to Eli Saslow for sharing Derek Black's story with us. I will go so far as to say that this is one of the most important reads of our time. We are at a crossroads in our nation, and it is terrifying that some of us have been so oblivious to what is going on in our political climate. Sure, I've been actively tuned into all of the political upheaval as of late, I've heard the term: alt-right, and I've cringed at Donald Trump's incendiary comments, but I had no idea of the true extent of it all. I have believed all along that Trump is merely a provocateur, that his comments were simply off the cuff rantings. Little did I know that his rhetoric is based so solidly in White Nationalist convictions. When all of the white supremacists seemed to rise out of nowhere upon Trump's election to office, little did I know that they view him as the one that will bring their agenda to the forefront of our nation's politics. What's most terrifying is that this ideology seems to be gaining momentum at an astonishing rate.
Derek Black's transformation is truly miraculous, having been raised in a family of White Nationalists. The story of his transformation speaks to the power of acceptance and tolerance, and how educated, civil discourse can be a vehicle for positive change. It also speaks to Mr. Black's true character, and how his thirst for knowledge and amenability led him on a journey he would never have expected, and that ultimately led him to the truth. Kudos to the many New College students whose patience and devotion ultimately led to a very positive change in a student with immensely different views.
This book has vastly opened my eyes to a movement that I thought was long gone, and that is quickly regaining steam. Sadly, it will continue to do so if we, as a people, remain ignorant to the storm that is brewing. Thank you, Mr. Black, for your courage to come forward and share your story of transformation with the nation, and to you, Mr. Saslow, for providing an exceptional medium in which to do so.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Doubleday Books for gifting me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read 8/29/18
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