No Ashes in the Fire

Outstanding book. This is a book that should be read by all. This book tell us of the story of Mr.Moore's life. What this man endured to become the man that he is today is a testimony to strength and resolve. I enjoyed reading about his family as well. It was hard to read some of the things that were done to the author, but I am glad he included it, as to show how some humans think when they are looking at something they may not understand or have compassion for. I feel the author gave it to us straight with no chasers. Kudos to you Mr. Moore. Much respect to you. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read the ARC of this awesome book in return for my honest review.

An insightful and honest story of a young black lad, growing up in Camden. A very rough neighborhood where his is bullied and at one point almost set on fire He discovers he has a sexual preference for boys. He tries everything to keep his desires a secret as he feels it is wrong and begs god to make him "normal" Written with such strong emotion and honesty it helps the reader understand the tremendous torment and self hate that can occur because much of society expects heterosexuality. He is fortunate to have a supporting loving family. He attends college but does not apply himself, rather is totally distracted by his sexual desires.. What he achieves later in the book is awesome and to be highly commended. Well work the read - excellently written.

No Ashes in the Fire is both a memoir from a gay black male growing up both poor, traumatized and loved in Camden, and a social commentary on being black, gay, queer, hiding, and out. As a writer, Moore is honest, intense, and passionate. In the prologue he says, "Every word and every sentence that follows is an attempt to recover the many smiles and moments of joy hiding behind he walls trauma left." True to his words, Moore leaves the reader with the hope that our humanity, our ability to love each other is the "salve, the source, and the water that quenches the fire."

No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black and Free in America by Darnell L. Moore

I’m pretty much in love with reading memoirs by Black people right now. Doing so, keeps reassuring me that we, as a Black people, are not a monolith and our diversity is something to be celebrated. I want to celebrate Moore after reading his memoir. I want to celebrate him and the amount of growth he experienced from being a young insecure teen, bullied by the other kids in the neighborhood to being an accomplished sexually fluid man who advocates for the rights of Black people and the LGBT community.

It takes a lot of courage to express your truth. Moore’s truth is one filled with overcoming circumstances and learning to accept oneself. Moore had to deal with the physical abuse of his mother, understanding his queerness and levying that with his faith. His is a unique story and I really enjoyed the detaile he was willing to include. It showed a level of honesty and introspection that I didn’t expect. The moments I found most sincere were his thoughts about his position in the church and how his position in the patriarchy affected the way he loved and treated others. Moore was able to describe how and why in such a succinct matter of fact way that can only be a credit to not only introspection but genuine growth and a willingness to change.

I would definitely recommend this book. It’s a singular experience that I feel many would be able to relate. I found Moore’s writing to be exceptional in his descriptive and nuanced style. His story is one that I am grateful I was exposed to. I’ve learned from him and his experience. These are the stories everyone needs to be reading. The stories that may be extremely different from our own but refuse to let us “other” them because they are steeped in the truth of their lived experiences.