I think this is the earliest candidate to emerge for My Favorite Book of 2021--it's erudite, morally acute, and mostly beautifully written (a few of the essays are a little overladen with adjectives or mixed metaphors). The essay in which he stretches the concept of "black poetry" to include Sappho is probably my favorite. And of course everybody loves "Notes on Trap."

You can easily feel Mccarthy's education and familiarly with thesis and essays in this work. Despite its academic undertone McCarthy's passion for art, literature, and politics seeps through the pages and pulls you in. prepare to expand your knowledge of many artists, writers and creators that have influenced many generations. This is an enjoyable and education piece from a passionate author that will leave you with a transformed understanding of race, art, identity and representation.