This is a very interesting book of experiences and essays on what it's like to be black in America. This account is especially interesting because this man comes from a wealthy black family and has a different perspective on the stereo-types given to black men especially. I came away with a much broader view on the race issue.

Another perspective on a white world.

Insights from an elite black man. Loved it.

Listened to him on This American Life and his story seems fascinating

A bit of a different read. Thought it was a bit heavy handed.

excellent

I personally think the authors valuable insight come from his experience as a middle class professional black man, but the author kind of goes into other areas where I don’t think his insight is needed. The first chapter is about his experience as an undercover bus boy, and his last is similarly about living undercover in Harlem. The author did not let you forget that this was an experience for him and that he is actually part of a higher class; It seems like he’s fixated on his place in the social hierarchy/class.
Regardless, his experience in the professional-middle class is undeniable valuable, and he should put more emphasis on those experiences and implications.

Beautifully written, painfully honest and definitely likely to make some readers uncomfortable, this is a compelling collection of essays about race in America. True, it was published in 1995, but I keep my eyes and ears open and don't think we've come nearly as far as one would hope; the book is certainly not a testament to some bygone era, much as I would like that to be the case. Whether you agree with the author's opinions or not, his descriptions of his experiences are sincere and important to consider.

I only heard of Mr. Graham and his work after reading about his recent, and far too early, death. Member of the Club is a fascinating and insightful collection, as well as a snapshot of an era. "The more things change, the more they stay the same" applies here, and in some of the worst possible ways, but Graham's analysis sheds a lot of useful light, even 26 years later.