The Envy of the World: On Being a Black Man in America

"The Envy of the World" is perhaps the most powerful material I've read this year. In these pages is a wealth of knowledge that validates the struggle of African-American men and describe what it is to be a Black man in America. Hard-hitting, with a soft glove, the book details factual, insightful and hopeful accounts of the challenges and triumphs of African American men. Cose provides a critical analysis of the role that racism, stereotypes and failed government and penal institutions play in the daily lives and experiences of American Black men. How the acceptance of those stereotypes has lead to self-destructive and extreme behavior in men of color in general and Black men in particular. This is a book that should be read by the masses but is certainly required for African-American men. Cose has articulated the commonalties of the Black male's (rich or poor, young or old) experience in America with language that is concise, accessible and fully loaded. Empowering in tone and spirit, "The Envy of the World" is not always an ideal position to be in; that which is envied ought to be free. In a move to liberate the mind and souls of Black men, Cose wraps up his report with twelve rules that are invaluable to our daily lives and ongoing growth. This is certainly the best purchase I've made this year and I will be distributing gift copies for some time to come.

Ellis Cose has written a searing perspective on what it feels like to be a black man in America. His list of the twelve things you must know to survive and thrive in America is profound. Though written to alter the tide of young black men succumbing to racism, rhetoric and defeatism, the words are beneficial for anyone. For example, "Complain all you like about the raw deal you have gotten in life, but don't expect those complaints to get you anywhere," - and - "Even if you have to fake it, show some faith in yourself," - or- "Don't expect competence and hard work alone to get you the recognition or rewards you deserve.. for any organization, government, private business, educational or other, is essentially a social body that rewards those fully engaged in the game. To the extent we try to hold ourselves above that process, we end up losing."- and "Recognize that being true to yourself is not the same as being true to a stupid sterotype." Candid, insightful, loaded with wisdom gleaned from interviews with men in prison trying to save other human beings from repeating the same mistakes. "The Envy of The World" is worth reading, sharing and discussing with friends. I did. Author Cose offers one more hard truth- " Don't be too proud to ask for help, particularly from those who are wiser and older."Five stars is not enough! Is anyone out there listening?

I agree that every young African American male ought to read this book (but I'd also recommend Rage of the Privileged Class). It tells a concrete-hard story of what most Black young men go through with tenderness and compassion. Without the angst filled, anger inducing stories which lamentably are a part of the life of most of those to whom the book is directed, it explains what life is likely to be about.Most of us have had the experience of the fear during the extended police stop, the frustration with the overly attentive shopclerk at the exclusive store or the amusement at the person shrinking in fear upon entry into an elevator. This book is filled with insights and wisdom obtained from men from Harvard to prison. "The Envy of The World" is well worth reading, sharing with friends and contemplating. While it is not the source of all the answers, it does close with a section on solutions and it certainly adds insight in exploring the questions and challenges.

This was a humbling yet inspiring read from a black man who not held me accountable but showed grace and understanding with not only his anecdotal stories but the research to remind me that I am not alone and also that there is so much that we as black men can do now to improve ourselves, relationships without families and mates

the author's writing is straight-forward and though thoroughly researched, not bogged down by it. the writing flows and methodically hits the crux of the envy of blk men in america...what is striking is that though the dilemma of blk men in america is known and researched by trusted entities...mr. cose and many others present solid solutions, but the statistics continue to mount against blk men in america...america pretends it doesn't take note of race...blk americans pretend they believe that, that is the case...negative stats keep ticking upwards...nothing happens to black men without affecting black women and children...so i was not pleased that those affects, though acknowledged, were spoken of as something for another time...i didn't expect the focus of the book to shift, but references for the sake of clarity...if it affects blk men; it affects blk wm and children.eleven years after this book and beautiful, talented, black women of all ages, but speifically young women have an ever decreasing pool of eligible men to marry or to even share parenthood...when i pass this book to young women...they appreciate the painting of a clear picture of "the envy" of blk men...but wonder why they aren't even posted around the edges.despite, this i would recommend the book to all and have purchased it for blk men. it isn't the "be all/end all"...(nor does it make that promise), but it is a valuable read.

Being that I am English and living in England the book did'nt really relate(maybe it was'nt supposed to )but it did open my eyes to what it is like in America for a black male. It was interesting to know the ongoings between the young and how it affected some of them as to whether they went to school.A good book for anyone who wants to try to uderstand how young black americans are affected by the educational system and how that in turn affects their lives. All-in-All a very intersting book....Worth reading.