My Grandfather's Son by Clarence Thomas

Synopsis: A personal testimony leading up to the nomination, and installation of Supreme Court Justice, Clarence Thomas.

Writing Style: Direct. Concise. To the point.

Pacing: FAST.

Personal Highlights: Already impressed by how much ...and deeply... Justice Clarence Thomas reads legalese, and after catching a documentary about him, is what led me to want to know about the man who raised him. 

From the start I admired his grand/father (and Aunt Tina). I also understood the conflicting adversaries (the young) Clarence faced living in a challenging time under stern rules and harsh circumstances. What his granddaddy did for him, simply can't be understated. This is what touched me to the core; the overall essence of Justice Thomas's experiences... such as how he reconciled his early (daily) trials... hence the title...to the continued emotional toil he struggled with, leading up to (and beyond) becoming ("whoop-dee-doo") a Supreme Court Justice.

Some personal favorites; the quotes and axioms... like when the young Clarence "got up the nerve to tell his grand/father 'slavery was over'." "NOT IN MY HOUSE," replied his grandfather. The "educated fool" was a quip I personally remember hearing (a lot in black communities). The allegory of rattlesnakes and water moccasins...a relatable vision. Argument with John over seat-belt law... loved it. Value (loosely ascribed) of his Yale law degree...understandable. Had to look up racial heterodoxy. His appointment and work at EEOC...phenomenal! And so much for 'helping a sista' out, huh? The prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi...POWERFUL. Winning arguments (ego) vs. solving arguments (critical thinking/sound reasoning or analysis) ...important. And did I read that right? The Georgia flag mistaken for the Confederate flag? Also, for those who don't see or think Justice Thomas didn't have frays within the Republican party or conservative point of views, may want to check out pages 178 - 179. Admittedly, it took a moment to respect why an individual laboring around such toxicity would require an equal intellectual life partner, but this decision had to be a saving grace. And yet, and all said, the ultimate telling was his mother's consequential voting vow (and why).

Much more is tucked (and packed) in this clear, concise, to the point enlightening memoir. Overall, Must Read. Highly recommended. (read copyright 2007 edition)