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Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud, A Memoir
New York Times best-selling author Cornel West is one of America’s most provocative and admired public intellectuals. Whether in the classroom, the streets, the prisons, or the church, Dr. West’s penetrating brilliance has been a bright beacon shining through the darkness for decades. Yet, as he points out in this new memoir, “I’ve never taken the time to focus on the inner dynamics of the dark precincts of my soul.”
That is, until now.
Brother West is like its author: brilliant, unapologetic, full of passion yet cool. This poignant memoir traces West’s transformation from a schoolyard Robin Hood into a progressive cultural icon. From his youthful investigation of the “death shudder” to why he embraced his calling of teaching over preaching, from his three marriages and his two precious children to his near-fatal bout with prostate cancer, West illuminates what it means to live as “an aspiring bluesman in a world of ideas and a jazzman in the life of the mind.” Woven together with the fibers of his lifelong commitment to the prophetic Christian tradition that began in Sacramento’s Shiloh Baptist Church, Brother West is a tale of a man courageous enough to be fully human, living and loving out loud.
274 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2009
46 people are currently reading
1444 people want to read
About the author
Cornel West
153 books1,219 followersCornel Ronald West is an American scholar and public intellectual. Formerly at Harvard University, West is currently a professor of Religion at Princeton. West says his intellectual contributions draw from such diverse traditions as the African American Baptist Church, Marxism, pragmatism, transcendentalism, and Anton Chekhov.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
April 13, 2011
I have very mixed feelings about the book and the man. "Brilliant" is a word that is thrown around a lot, but I don't think anyone would argue Cornel West is not brilliant. Clearly he has led a rich, distinguished and accomplished life. I was very impressed with the utmost love and respect he has for his parents and brother and sisters. West is generous with praise for the people he respects and it is easy to be seduced by this well read, knowledgeable man who can discourse on such a wide variety of subjects. But at some point my admiration turns to skepticism and I'm not sure exactly when or why. His assessment of why his relationships with women don't last comes across as self serving. His lavish praise for these beautiful, wonderful women and the lament that his "calling" is too strong and that only the most self confident of women can truly understand.. is just a little too pat to be believed. Maybe just maybe, for all his extensive reading and knowledge, West doesn't devote enough time and energy to anything outside his own passionate pursuits of the mind and the self. Like many men, as unflattering as it may be to admit, he has a limited attention span. And for all his romantic yearnings he is clearly deficient when it come to long term commitment and sacrifice.
April 10, 2015
wish-list
May 21, 2017First time I have spotted this wonderful man: Bill Maher's for Friday May 20 2017
February 28, 2011
I love reading biographies of people that have made an impact on the world. Professor West has certainly made an impact. I knew from reading other books that this man had a lot of energy and an impressive work ethic due to his 150 plus lectures he gives a year (which doesn't count his lectures at Princeton).
There were are lot of interesting tidbits in this book regarding Professor West. First, this was a quick read for me. I started the book around 7pm and finished around midnight. I felt very productive finishing a book in one evening, especially since I'm such a painfully slow reader. This book wasn't written in West's "academic" voice. West wrote the book with David Ritz so it is in a "conversational" voice.
West is multi-talented. He was first chair violin, set a record in high school for the fastest mile, which still stands 4 decades later (4 minutes and 9 seconds). He wrote a 180 page book on Mexico City and a 200 plus page book on Canada, both at the age of 12 (he admitted they were just a compilation of facts weaved with some stories that he wrote, but I still think it's impressive).
I knew Professor West is very bright (he admits he had an iq test and the result was 168). Going back to his drive, he finished Harvard in three years (he took 16 credits his final year to graduate early), but he is refreshingly candid at his weaknesses. I was a little surprised to read he kept putting off his dissertation for several years, to the point Princeton was going to fire him if he didn't complete it (he finally did). He also kept detailing all of his marriages (he was married thrice). Unfortunately, Professor West isn't good with relationships or with managing money. He lamented several times in the book being broke and "negative cash-flow." At one point he was homeless and sleeping in Central Park even though he had an undergraduate degree from Harvard and a graduate degree from Princeton, but this was due to his divorce. The judge decreed he pay $383 a week out of his $500 a week paycheck. Surprisingly, he kept getting married!
I enjoyed the stories of him introducing himself to Clarence Thomas at an airport. Thomas was polite but said West had said some very harsh things about him, West responded they were merely on principle and not personal attacks. Thomas invited him to his home to speak when they both had more time. Another was in the late 80's when Rush Limbaugh was becoming popular. Rush called virtually every ivy league professor to have a debate with him but they all refused him. West, to Limbaugh's surprise, agreed to a debate, unfortunately the debate never happened due to scheduling conflicts West wrote, but West went on to say Limbaugh never said anything negative about him on his show, and the one time he did bring up West was when Limbaugh agreed with him.
I disagree with Professor West on almost every political issue, but I think he is an extraordinary speaker. I loved watching him on C-Span. He has a tendency to do a lot of name-dropping and will mention 5 or 6 prominent people (and usually from different disciplines and mediums) to express something that doesn't require any, but that may be intentional to broaden his audience. He says he is "a Christian bluesman in the life of the mind and a Christian jazzman in the world of ideas."
It may seem to someone that isn't familiar with him he has a hard time staying focused, but I don't think that is the issue (he has written 19 books). The man is simply unbeliveably driven. I also believe that is the reason why he is so terrifically bad at marriage. He puts his work first. His work is his greatest love, I believe.
I think he is a bit disingenuous when he talks about his friendship with Farrakhan, but later in the book he voices his displeasure regarding anti-semitism, but, to be fair, West says he will gravitate to wherever he can find good ideas, and he will only defend the parts of Farrakhan that he agrees with. I wonder if people that admire West can discern the good from the bad as readily as he can, but that is a topic that is outside the purview of this review.
I particularly loved the courage he displayed when he attended a lecture with George X (from the nation of Islam) which, if anyone is familiar with the nation, they don't tolerate dissent and have several "guards" posted throughout the location for the lecture. George X called Malcolm X a "dog" (it is widely accepted the Nation killed Malcolm X). West bristled when he heard him call Malcolm a dog but let it go, he bristled again at the second utterance, finally, after hearing Malcolm being called a dog for the third time, he stood up and defended Malcolm's reputation and took issue with how unfair the speaker was acting, this was akin to making a death wish. West's friends had to placate everyone there just to get him out alive and West had to avoid classes and live with different people until he finally knocked on the door of someone that belonged to the nation and attended Harvard and had a long conversation about the merits of each person's position until he was safe again.
I also enjoyed all the stories he told about beating up people at school that picked on others, or if others didn't have enough for lunch he would just beat up someone that he knew that had the money and distribute to the less well off.
West has great taste in music and this book is suffused with lyrics from songs that had a deep impression on him.
My criticism with Professor West is, in my opinion, quite dogmatic on several issues. However, he admits how difficult life is and he is simply putting forth his best effort. His faith is very important to him as well as compassion and love for the less fortunate, my concern is he cherry picks and sets up straw men for his arguments.
That being said, it was a pleasure to read about his life. I love his passion for his work, his concern for justice, his love of faith and his family, and the remarkable pleasure he treats his fellow man.
I'll close with a quote from Samuel Beckett that Professor West is fond of "Try again. Fail again. Fail Better."
That's a wonderful view on life. Professor West fails better than most.
There were are lot of interesting tidbits in this book regarding Professor West. First, this was a quick read for me. I started the book around 7pm and finished around midnight. I felt very productive finishing a book in one evening, especially since I'm such a painfully slow reader. This book wasn't written in West's "academic" voice. West wrote the book with David Ritz so it is in a "conversational" voice.
West is multi-talented. He was first chair violin, set a record in high school for the fastest mile, which still stands 4 decades later (4 minutes and 9 seconds). He wrote a 180 page book on Mexico City and a 200 plus page book on Canada, both at the age of 12 (he admitted they were just a compilation of facts weaved with some stories that he wrote, but I still think it's impressive).
I knew Professor West is very bright (he admits he had an iq test and the result was 168). Going back to his drive, he finished Harvard in three years (he took 16 credits his final year to graduate early), but he is refreshingly candid at his weaknesses. I was a little surprised to read he kept putting off his dissertation for several years, to the point Princeton was going to fire him if he didn't complete it (he finally did). He also kept detailing all of his marriages (he was married thrice). Unfortunately, Professor West isn't good with relationships or with managing money. He lamented several times in the book being broke and "negative cash-flow." At one point he was homeless and sleeping in Central Park even though he had an undergraduate degree from Harvard and a graduate degree from Princeton, but this was due to his divorce. The judge decreed he pay $383 a week out of his $500 a week paycheck. Surprisingly, he kept getting married!
I enjoyed the stories of him introducing himself to Clarence Thomas at an airport. Thomas was polite but said West had said some very harsh things about him, West responded they were merely on principle and not personal attacks. Thomas invited him to his home to speak when they both had more time. Another was in the late 80's when Rush Limbaugh was becoming popular. Rush called virtually every ivy league professor to have a debate with him but they all refused him. West, to Limbaugh's surprise, agreed to a debate, unfortunately the debate never happened due to scheduling conflicts West wrote, but West went on to say Limbaugh never said anything negative about him on his show, and the one time he did bring up West was when Limbaugh agreed with him.
I disagree with Professor West on almost every political issue, but I think he is an extraordinary speaker. I loved watching him on C-Span. He has a tendency to do a lot of name-dropping and will mention 5 or 6 prominent people (and usually from different disciplines and mediums) to express something that doesn't require any, but that may be intentional to broaden his audience. He says he is "a Christian bluesman in the life of the mind and a Christian jazzman in the world of ideas."
It may seem to someone that isn't familiar with him he has a hard time staying focused, but I don't think that is the issue (he has written 19 books). The man is simply unbeliveably driven. I also believe that is the reason why he is so terrifically bad at marriage. He puts his work first. His work is his greatest love, I believe.
I think he is a bit disingenuous when he talks about his friendship with Farrakhan, but later in the book he voices his displeasure regarding anti-semitism, but, to be fair, West says he will gravitate to wherever he can find good ideas, and he will only defend the parts of Farrakhan that he agrees with. I wonder if people that admire West can discern the good from the bad as readily as he can, but that is a topic that is outside the purview of this review.
I particularly loved the courage he displayed when he attended a lecture with George X (from the nation of Islam) which, if anyone is familiar with the nation, they don't tolerate dissent and have several "guards" posted throughout the location for the lecture. George X called Malcolm X a "dog" (it is widely accepted the Nation killed Malcolm X). West bristled when he heard him call Malcolm a dog but let it go, he bristled again at the second utterance, finally, after hearing Malcolm being called a dog for the third time, he stood up and defended Malcolm's reputation and took issue with how unfair the speaker was acting, this was akin to making a death wish. West's friends had to placate everyone there just to get him out alive and West had to avoid classes and live with different people until he finally knocked on the door of someone that belonged to the nation and attended Harvard and had a long conversation about the merits of each person's position until he was safe again.
I also enjoyed all the stories he told about beating up people at school that picked on others, or if others didn't have enough for lunch he would just beat up someone that he knew that had the money and distribute to the less well off.
West has great taste in music and this book is suffused with lyrics from songs that had a deep impression on him.
My criticism with Professor West is, in my opinion, quite dogmatic on several issues. However, he admits how difficult life is and he is simply putting forth his best effort. His faith is very important to him as well as compassion and love for the less fortunate, my concern is he cherry picks and sets up straw men for his arguments.
That being said, it was a pleasure to read about his life. I love his passion for his work, his concern for justice, his love of faith and his family, and the remarkable pleasure he treats his fellow man.
I'll close with a quote from Samuel Beckett that Professor West is fond of "Try again. Fail again. Fail Better."
That's a wonderful view on life. Professor West fails better than most.
March 5, 2017
Brother West is a light and breezy memoir, full of name dropping (people, music, books). He is exuberant in his discussions of race, religion, philosophy, and music, with frequent morsels of wisdom sprinkled throughout.
Many people would enjoy West's book, although I got irritated by everyone being described in superlatives: his daughter's mother is described as "stunningly brilliant and beautiful," his ex-wife as "the love of my life, my precious wife," his girlfriend as "a warm and generous Jewish sister of extraordinary sensitivity," his friends as "my dear sister" or "brother." He continues to describe his wives in very positive ways, although has very little insight into where he ran into problems with them. He has beautiful insights about race, religion, or politics, that are tossed out here and there, but not developed further – at least in the way I would like. Problems are similarly described with extreme adjectives: President Summers was described as "the Ariel Sharon of American higher education. ... [He's] arrogant, he's an ineffective leader, and when it comes to these sorts of delicate situations, he's a bull in the China shop." Of course, many people would agree with his assessment of Summers.
Perhaps part of the problem I have with West's book is that it was a collaboration, although he/they write that readers will "hear my distinct voice" with "echoes of [David Ritz's] voice in mine." Perhaps it's that West is a self-described "bluesman in the life of the mind, and a jazzman in the world of ideas," who "riffs" in his discussions rather than approaching them in the way I would. Perhaps it's that this was written for a very different audience than me.
I probably would have liked one of his more academic books more.
Many people would enjoy West's book, although I got irritated by everyone being described in superlatives: his daughter's mother is described as "stunningly brilliant and beautiful," his ex-wife as "the love of my life, my precious wife," his girlfriend as "a warm and generous Jewish sister of extraordinary sensitivity," his friends as "my dear sister" or "brother." He continues to describe his wives in very positive ways, although has very little insight into where he ran into problems with them. He has beautiful insights about race, religion, or politics, that are tossed out here and there, but not developed further – at least in the way I would like. Problems are similarly described with extreme adjectives: President Summers was described as "the Ariel Sharon of American higher education. ... [He's] arrogant, he's an ineffective leader, and when it comes to these sorts of delicate situations, he's a bull in the China shop." Of course, many people would agree with his assessment of Summers.
Perhaps part of the problem I have with West's book is that it was a collaboration, although he/they write that readers will "hear my distinct voice" with "echoes of [David Ritz's] voice in mine." Perhaps it's that West is a self-described "bluesman in the life of the mind, and a jazzman in the world of ideas," who "riffs" in his discussions rather than approaching them in the way I would. Perhaps it's that this was written for a very different audience than me.
I probably would have liked one of his more academic books more.
February 24, 2017
Where should I start? The Bother is a towering intellectual figure, this is the fifth book I read from him and I'm always amazed at the rhetorical brilliance, his courage, his dedication to bear witness and to live a life of the mind that is fundamentally committed to being of service to others. I'm forever indebted to the man for showing me what it is to be on fire for justice. To have a righteous indignation for the countless injustices that happen to people all over the world. This memoir was a great insight into the man behind the words, it is easy to see where all his love comes from, his family is his backbone and the boundless love he received from grandparents, parents, and siblings was bound to spill over and to share it with all his readers. "justice is what love looks like in public" and Professor Cornel West is certainly of the same lineage as the great liberator Frederick Douglass, a man fundamentally dedicated to love and to serve.
June 2, 2011
Prior to this book, I knew Cornel West in theory. Now I feel as if I know him a little better in spirit and truth. Plainly put, he’s incredible. His journey has been noteworthy and exceedingly adventurous. Since I was so moved by his thoughts on various subjects, I will allow him to speak for himself. Do yourself a favor and add this book to your library.
p.41 On Identity:
“But the simple truth is that I’m a Christian bluesman in the life of the mind and a Christian jazzman in the world of ideas.”
p.59: On Teaching
“A teacher. A professor. Connecting the life of the mind to the struggle for freedom. That was it. That would be my life. And just as on that day in the winter of 1961 when, with Brother Cliff, I committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ, on this winter day of 1970 I committed to the vocation of teaching. From that time forward, I have never veered from either commitment.”
p.160: On Relationships
“We have to recognize that there cannot be relationships unless there is commitment, unless there is loyalty, unless there is love, patience, persistence. Now, the degree to which these values are eroding is the degree to which there cannot be healthy relationships. And if there are no relationships then there is only the joining of people for the purpose of bodily stimulation.”
p.183: On Loss
“This is when we find out what we are about on the deepest level. We have no choice but to live with this loss, to absorb this terrible blow and see if the wound it inflicts upon our soul can move us to love with even greater purpose and energy.”
p.183: On Love
“We are who we are because somebody loved us. To be is to be loved.”
p.202: On Being Broke
“I’d had folk come up to me and say, “Brother West, I’ll never forget the time you reached into your pocket and gave me $300 cause I couldn’t pay the rent.” And the funny thing is, I was behind on my own rent. If I have it and somebody else needs it, its theirs.
p.209: On Writing
“I could literally feel the fire emanating from my pen to paper- since I’ve never owned or used a computer.”
p.216: On Paideia
“Paideia represents an unfathomable education in which self-examination and service to others produces a mature, compassionate person willing to speak, live, and sacrifice for truth.”
p.225: On Cancer
“The irony is that in my life, shot through with terrifying death shudders, I felt no terror in the face of the cancerous threat of death. In fact, I felt a proud sense of gratitude in having been alive, in being alive, and remaining alive after the surgery.”
p.236: On Being Teachable
“To be teachable is to muster the courage to listen generously, think critically, and be open to the ambiguity and mystery of life.”
p.246: On Purpose
“….your crucial tasks in life remain the same as mine—to make it from womb to tomb with grace and dignity such that your contributions leave the world better than you found it. The true measure of your humanity will rest upon the depth of your love and the quality of your service to others."
p.41 On Identity:
“But the simple truth is that I’m a Christian bluesman in the life of the mind and a Christian jazzman in the world of ideas.”
p.59: On Teaching
“A teacher. A professor. Connecting the life of the mind to the struggle for freedom. That was it. That would be my life. And just as on that day in the winter of 1961 when, with Brother Cliff, I committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ, on this winter day of 1970 I committed to the vocation of teaching. From that time forward, I have never veered from either commitment.”
p.160: On Relationships
“We have to recognize that there cannot be relationships unless there is commitment, unless there is loyalty, unless there is love, patience, persistence. Now, the degree to which these values are eroding is the degree to which there cannot be healthy relationships. And if there are no relationships then there is only the joining of people for the purpose of bodily stimulation.”
p.183: On Loss
“This is when we find out what we are about on the deepest level. We have no choice but to live with this loss, to absorb this terrible blow and see if the wound it inflicts upon our soul can move us to love with even greater purpose and energy.”
p.183: On Love
“We are who we are because somebody loved us. To be is to be loved.”
p.202: On Being Broke
“I’d had folk come up to me and say, “Brother West, I’ll never forget the time you reached into your pocket and gave me $300 cause I couldn’t pay the rent.” And the funny thing is, I was behind on my own rent. If I have it and somebody else needs it, its theirs.
p.209: On Writing
“I could literally feel the fire emanating from my pen to paper- since I’ve never owned or used a computer.”
p.216: On Paideia
“Paideia represents an unfathomable education in which self-examination and service to others produces a mature, compassionate person willing to speak, live, and sacrifice for truth.”
p.225: On Cancer
“The irony is that in my life, shot through with terrifying death shudders, I felt no terror in the face of the cancerous threat of death. In fact, I felt a proud sense of gratitude in having been alive, in being alive, and remaining alive after the surgery.”
p.236: On Being Teachable
“To be teachable is to muster the courage to listen generously, think critically, and be open to the ambiguity and mystery of life.”
p.246: On Purpose
“….your crucial tasks in life remain the same as mine—to make it from womb to tomb with grace and dignity such that your contributions leave the world better than you found it. The true measure of your humanity will rest upon the depth of your love and the quality of your service to others."
November 15, 2010
I enjoyed Brother West's memoir. It starts out stronger than it finishes, though; the stories of West's formative years and early years as a student are piercing. The later stories of his teaching career and failed relationships are less gripping, and West seems to shrug off things that I would love to see more depth of insight in. It does make me want to delve further into Brother West's writing, and in that way the memoir has done its job.
January 27, 2016
I wouldn't have picked this book up on my own, but I really enjoyed it. West has a beautiful way with words.
December 23, 2010
Cornel West is a very intellectual and passionate man who lives his life the way he wants; out loud and loving life. As the product of Ivy League education, he no doubt possesses incredible knowledge and instills the value of education in the students he teaches.
His memoir shared a piece of his life from childhood to present, discussing his journey and sharing/baring his soul for all to see. He talked of his failed relationships, his children, his immediate family, his career, and his love of music.
His book became long-winded in several parts of the book when he went on musical and bluesman tangents. He seemed to go out of his way many times to emphasize and re-emphasize why music is so important to him, and how he relates as a philosophical bluesman, but it took away from what he was saying many times throughout the book. I understand his love of music and its influence on his life, but most often during the book his focus was a bit too much.
Many of his colleagues had mixed emotions about him and his professionalism. Some professors seemed to have it out for him, and others simply adored him. His strong belief in his Christianity was very evident throughout his memoir, and it showed how important his faith guided him to different directions in his life. He also floated back and forth through many schools, searching for a base or a place where he could stretch out and teach in the way he wanted. Some people thought he was too sensationalized or had some type of celebrity status that may have affected him in some way. He also left institutions when there was trouble brewing or when attractive opportunities lured him to another place.
His relationships with women suffered a great deal. I would not have imagined him to have such trouble staying committed to relationships and him failing so much with women. He always seemed to choose his profession over his relationships/marriages, and didn't seem to fight to keep them alive at all. He wanted to have the same type of family upbringing that his family raised him with, but he never attained that goal. He gave in to his spouses/significant others' demands and never fought for what he wanted or needed. Plus his women never seemed interested in his work, which brought on another level of separation.
Overall, I'd rate this book a 4. Recommend this book to others who enjoy memoirs. It was well written, and helped explain who Cornel West is to everyone.
His memoir shared a piece of his life from childhood to present, discussing his journey and sharing/baring his soul for all to see. He talked of his failed relationships, his children, his immediate family, his career, and his love of music.
His book became long-winded in several parts of the book when he went on musical and bluesman tangents. He seemed to go out of his way many times to emphasize and re-emphasize why music is so important to him, and how he relates as a philosophical bluesman, but it took away from what he was saying many times throughout the book. I understand his love of music and its influence on his life, but most often during the book his focus was a bit too much.
Many of his colleagues had mixed emotions about him and his professionalism. Some professors seemed to have it out for him, and others simply adored him. His strong belief in his Christianity was very evident throughout his memoir, and it showed how important his faith guided him to different directions in his life. He also floated back and forth through many schools, searching for a base or a place where he could stretch out and teach in the way he wanted. Some people thought he was too sensationalized or had some type of celebrity status that may have affected him in some way. He also left institutions when there was trouble brewing or when attractive opportunities lured him to another place.
His relationships with women suffered a great deal. I would not have imagined him to have such trouble staying committed to relationships and him failing so much with women. He always seemed to choose his profession over his relationships/marriages, and didn't seem to fight to keep them alive at all. He wanted to have the same type of family upbringing that his family raised him with, but he never attained that goal. He gave in to his spouses/significant others' demands and never fought for what he wanted or needed. Plus his women never seemed interested in his work, which brought on another level of separation.
Overall, I'd rate this book a 4. Recommend this book to others who enjoy memoirs. It was well written, and helped explain who Cornel West is to everyone.
May 28, 2013
`Brother West' is a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of America's preeminent public intellectuals.
The memoir is a music-inspired journey, scripted with references to songs and lyrics throughout; unveiling not only Cornel West's unyielding passion for music but also providing the reader with cultural milestones.
We learn that, at a young age, Little Ronnie [West's middle name is Ronald] was a rebel...... but he was a rebel with a cause. He would bully the biggest boy in his class - who had lunch to spare - in order to give to the less fortunate classmate whose mother forgot to pack a lunch. His epiphany occurred when his parents, in an attempt to de-gangsterize Little Ronnie, placed him in a school for gifted students. It is probably no surprise that he became a voracious reader (and still is) and wanted to learn as much as possible.
We also discover that "Corn", as close family and friends call him, has an unwavering faith in God; born out of the deepest of Christian family traditions. His grandfather is a Baptist minister, his brother is a deacon, and there is a generous outpouring of love and respect for everyone in the West family. Cornel's respect and admiration for his older brother, Clifton West, is on display on a number of occasions throughout the book. Although his relationships with women were not as successful as he would like them to be, the sincere love for the women in his life is clear and it is even more apparent for his children.
In `Brother West', Cornel West shares with us his steadfast convictions, candid opinions and precious memories - a testimony to living his life `out loud'.
The memoir is a music-inspired journey, scripted with references to songs and lyrics throughout; unveiling not only Cornel West's unyielding passion for music but also providing the reader with cultural milestones.
We learn that, at a young age, Little Ronnie [West's middle name is Ronald] was a rebel...... but he was a rebel with a cause. He would bully the biggest boy in his class - who had lunch to spare - in order to give to the less fortunate classmate whose mother forgot to pack a lunch. His epiphany occurred when his parents, in an attempt to de-gangsterize Little Ronnie, placed him in a school for gifted students. It is probably no surprise that he became a voracious reader (and still is) and wanted to learn as much as possible.
We also discover that "Corn", as close family and friends call him, has an unwavering faith in God; born out of the deepest of Christian family traditions. His grandfather is a Baptist minister, his brother is a deacon, and there is a generous outpouring of love and respect for everyone in the West family. Cornel's respect and admiration for his older brother, Clifton West, is on display on a number of occasions throughout the book. Although his relationships with women were not as successful as he would like them to be, the sincere love for the women in his life is clear and it is even more apparent for his children.
In `Brother West', Cornel West shares with us his steadfast convictions, candid opinions and precious memories - a testimony to living his life `out loud'.
December 18, 2015
Much better than you'd think. Cornel West has had a falling out with his once-protege Michael Eric Dyson in the past few years, and part of Dyson's critique of West, as explained in a garbage article in the New Republic, is that West has hardly written anything in the past 20 years or so, and one of the few things he has published was this memoir, written with a guy who's known for ghostwriting hacky autobiographies of musicians. (I think West has written at least two books with this guy. Or am I confusing him with Tavis Smiley?)
Whatever the reasoning was behind working with a collaborator, the result is maybe the best, most readable Cornel West book other than the legendary Race Matters, for what it's worth. It's a more interesting story than you'd think, for being a memoir by a guy who's spent his life sitting around reading books, it's surprisingly candid about his personal life and his various flaws (some of which made its way into the Dyson article), and it seems that working with a collaborator may have given it a polish that it would have lacked otherwise.
Whatever the reasoning was behind working with a collaborator, the result is maybe the best, most readable Cornel West book other than the legendary Race Matters, for what it's worth. It's a more interesting story than you'd think, for being a memoir by a guy who's spent his life sitting around reading books, it's surprisingly candid about his personal life and his various flaws (some of which made its way into the Dyson article), and it seems that working with a collaborator may have given it a polish that it would have lacked otherwise.
August 6, 2015
This was a quick read. Sometimes it was profoundly annoying but I mostly found it enjoyable because you get a glimpse of West's personal life, and I like West both as a philosopher and as a public personality. West cowrote this apparently to make the language as approachable a possible. Much of the events here aren't delved into very deeply but West's omissions are as telling as his admissions, and though there is much name-dropping and self-aggrandizement, there is also much that comes across as genuine and genuinely interesting. Also, this book is a rich source of musical and academic names and works to explore.
June 9, 2010
This is the first Cornel West book that I've finished. I've tried others, but I'm just not that smart, not that able to wrap my head around the ideas that he articulates so easily, even while I agree with most of the things I've heard him say. I think the book was able to capture his conversational voice well and I enjoyed finding out more about his path. A bit heavy on the "blues" and "Christianity" themes for some, and for me at times. Very enjoyable nevertheless.
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April 26, 2011What can I say? I love this crazy christian socialist. A unique voice and a real character.
June 26, 2024
"Each breath is a breakthrough, each day a gift, each life a miracle. Living and loving out loud is a beautiful thing."
This is a great place to start on the journey of Cornel West. I find his talks about Jesus and love significantly more approachable than bell hooks and I look forward to deep diving into Race Matters and The War Against Parents. I do think it is extremely interesting how he connects with women and then flits away afterwards, I almost feel that he has so much love to give that he is always ready to give it away, even sexually. This is proved by the fact he has had two more wives since the publishing of this book in 2009. Doesn't make me love him any less though.
This is a great place to start on the journey of Cornel West. I find his talks about Jesus and love significantly more approachable than bell hooks and I look forward to deep diving into Race Matters and The War Against Parents. I do think it is extremely interesting how he connects with women and then flits away afterwards, I almost feel that he has so much love to give that he is always ready to give it away, even sexually. This is proved by the fact he has had two more wives since the publishing of this book in 2009. Doesn't make me love him any less though.
March 26, 2019
Cornel West is unapologetic. A brilliant mind that is not bound to the confines of academia. He is both high and low. I think I appreciate the fruit of his life, his desire to love his fellow man, and make people feel listened to. He is a staunch advocate for the marginalized, including women, lgbtq, and minorities. He is willing to hear the dissenting voice. He puts his reputation on the line to vouch for stereotyped characters. This is a courageous and loving man.
February 3, 2013
I've defined 'wisdom books' as ones that both make you want to live a better life and also show you how. This is a very wise book on both counts, and particularly meaningful for philosophers of education. West's explanations, exhortations and illustrations of Socratic and prophetic pedagogy are invaluable. I was moved over and over again by passages like:
"Justice is what love looks like in public, just as deep democracy is what justice looks like in practice. When you love people, you hate the fact that they’re being treated unjustly. Justice is not simply an abstract concept to regulate institutions, but also a fire in the bones to promote the well-being of all." (232)
"The benchmark of wisdom is the courage to examine oneself fearlessly just as the hallmark of maturity is the courage to exercise constant humility in the pursuit of a noble cause greater than oneself." (245)
"Constantinian Christianity produces people well-adjusted to injustice and well-adapted to indifference. Prophetic Christianity produces people maladjusted to greed, indifference, and fear. We vow to love our crooked neighbors with our crooked hearts." (100)
"To be a philosopher is both the most serious of vocations and the most playful of dispositions. Serious because the love of wisdom puts everything at stake in one’s thinking and living. Playful because even in one’s deepest moments one still might be wrong and therefore prone to a humbling laughter at oneself. There is a sense in which philosophy is the love of wisdom in the consciousness of folly." (179)
"America is not great because it is a nation chosen by God. It is great because people chose to fight for justice to make America more free and democratic. God does not wink at American and close divine eyes to other nations." (187)
"I see my role as an educator, as someone who feels both a Socratic and prophetic calling, to implement what Nietzsche called a singing paideia. I am always compelled to remember that paideia represents an unfathomable education in which self-examination and service to others produces a mature, compassionate person willing to speak, live, and sacrifice for truth.... My point of reference as an educator is tied to a mighty mission: unsettling minds and motivating hearts to be forces for good." (216)
"Justice is what love looks like in public, just as deep democracy is what justice looks like in practice. When you love people, you hate the fact that they’re being treated unjustly. Justice is not simply an abstract concept to regulate institutions, but also a fire in the bones to promote the well-being of all." (232)
"The benchmark of wisdom is the courage to examine oneself fearlessly just as the hallmark of maturity is the courage to exercise constant humility in the pursuit of a noble cause greater than oneself." (245)
"Constantinian Christianity produces people well-adjusted to injustice and well-adapted to indifference. Prophetic Christianity produces people maladjusted to greed, indifference, and fear. We vow to love our crooked neighbors with our crooked hearts." (100)
"To be a philosopher is both the most serious of vocations and the most playful of dispositions. Serious because the love of wisdom puts everything at stake in one’s thinking and living. Playful because even in one’s deepest moments one still might be wrong and therefore prone to a humbling laughter at oneself. There is a sense in which philosophy is the love of wisdom in the consciousness of folly." (179)
"America is not great because it is a nation chosen by God. It is great because people chose to fight for justice to make America more free and democratic. God does not wink at American and close divine eyes to other nations." (187)
"I see my role as an educator, as someone who feels both a Socratic and prophetic calling, to implement what Nietzsche called a singing paideia. I am always compelled to remember that paideia represents an unfathomable education in which self-examination and service to others produces a mature, compassionate person willing to speak, live, and sacrifice for truth.... My point of reference as an educator is tied to a mighty mission: unsettling minds and motivating hearts to be forces for good." (216)
August 6, 2010
I know many people in Christian circles who elevate West as an icon of Christianity. I have a hard time with that. His memoir only solidifies what I thought about him.
I found myself skimming parts to get through his diatribes on music and how he is a Christian Bluesman and Jazzman which doesn't make sense. By the end I found West hard to relate to and hard to understand how he can claim Christ and at the same time continue to elevate people who mistreat Christ and His Word. His stories at times were interesting like getting to meet some famous people, his encounters with the nation of Islam, and the way he handled certain situations.
It was hard to read how he let his marriages fall in ruin and his unwillingness to man up and do what he needed to do to save his relationships. Instead he followed his selfishness in trying to be the best read professor/author.
I am really concerned with the state of those who sit at the feet and absorb this man's teachings.
I found myself skimming parts to get through his diatribes on music and how he is a Christian Bluesman and Jazzman which doesn't make sense. By the end I found West hard to relate to and hard to understand how he can claim Christ and at the same time continue to elevate people who mistreat Christ and His Word. His stories at times were interesting like getting to meet some famous people, his encounters with the nation of Islam, and the way he handled certain situations.
It was hard to read how he let his marriages fall in ruin and his unwillingness to man up and do what he needed to do to save his relationships. Instead he followed his selfishness in trying to be the best read professor/author.
I am really concerned with the state of those who sit at the feet and absorb this man's teachings.
January 1, 2010
Prior to reading this memoir, I had a respect for Brother West, his great command of the English language, and ability poetically render abstract ideas in an improvisatory way.
Now, that I have read this memoir, that respect remains in-tact and reinforced by my understanding of his influences - none greater than Christ.
His story is told as I imagine an intimate interview might cause it to unfold. His voice painted vivid pictures of times and events that I have only witnessed secondhand.
Overall, I appreciated the review of his journey to the professor we know and respect today. It is reaffirming to the fact that we are all human and unable to escape the shortcomings and mistakes that ultimately define our humanity. Brother West is far from perfect, but his message of love is clear as it is the one tool that has never failed him.
Now, that I have read this memoir, that respect remains in-tact and reinforced by my understanding of his influences - none greater than Christ.
His story is told as I imagine an intimate interview might cause it to unfold. His voice painted vivid pictures of times and events that I have only witnessed secondhand.
Overall, I appreciated the review of his journey to the professor we know and respect today. It is reaffirming to the fact that we are all human and unable to escape the shortcomings and mistakes that ultimately define our humanity. Brother West is far from perfect, but his message of love is clear as it is the one tool that has never failed him.
May 3, 2011
First heard Cornel West on the Matrix "philosophers" commentary, which is one of the ways to enjoy the trilogy (it's admittedly a deep watch otherwise, and easy to miss things). West has a very distinctive way of talking which is replicated in this book to an extent, so if you're not prepared for it, it can be off-putting. But having heard him speak previously, it was a pleasure to read the book in the style it was written.
That being said, this provides a very nice view from West's eyes growing up in the latter-20th century America from an African-American's perspective (albeit from an extremely gifted person with a supportive family, which unfortunately is not always the case for everyone).
That being said, this provides a very nice view from West's eyes growing up in the latter-20th century America from an African-American's perspective (albeit from an extremely gifted person with a supportive family, which unfortunately is not always the case for everyone).
March 4, 2012
Brother West is clearly an awesome orator and writer. His prose is incredible. I got a few new quotes I love out of it and gained insight into the man. I loved that his use of 'brother' and 'sister' extends far past any familial, cultural, ethnic, or political boundary. He is a bit egotistical, self aggrandizing and name droppy, but most people at his level of academic celebrity are. Plus the people he is talking about are awesome. This book took me longer to read than it should have; I had keep stoping to add songs to my Brother West soundtrack and to add titles to my to-read shelf. Well worth my time and I will be reading more from him soon.
May 30, 2013
The name Cornel West has often touched my ears but only in listening to his story was I able to absorb the essence of the man. I found his memoir to be easy to read and written in a conversational tone. Despite his extension education, his memoir maintained a down home feel that made his story functional and easy to digest. To have delved so deeply into the sea of intellectualism and still maintained his faith is truly an inspiration. Like most memoirs, readers should keep in mind that it is a profile of a man. The failings of his life only serve to make more beautiful the glory of God that shines through his life.
June 18, 2016
This riveting memoir is a wealth of references, names, positivity, and inspiration. Thinking it was his most popular academic text, "Race Matters," I accidentally bought this book at a Borders going out of business sale in 2009. I may have returned to teaching then and there had I immediately read, "Brother West, Living and Loving Out Loud," and caught his infectious enthusiasm for the calling. I now hear the calling louder than ever and I'm very grateful for this fascinating and invigorating text. This work will surely enrich my view of his academic texts and inform and resuscitate my own work in education as humble and transitory as it may be.
May 9, 2011
I guess I was hoping for something more political and less anecdoty. If you want that, I'd check out Race Matters by the same author. Having said that, I really admire Brother West's courage, commitment and convictions and enjoyed hearing about how his life and attitudes were shaped. He is a strong moral and prophetic voice in America's political discussion and a fierce and loving critic of our society.
Be sure to check out his radio show with Tavis Smiley, if you haven't yet. www.smileyandwest.com
Be sure to check out his radio show with Tavis Smiley, if you haven't yet. www.smileyandwest.com
July 23, 2011
after an extended hiatus from writing/publishing, a memoir was not the work expected from Brother West. Needless 2say, more than a few academics were annoyed by this output. As an aspiring writer/intellectual, I found this piece helpful considering the fact that I have a Cornel West Reader in my stacks. This text is a bit of an orientation into reading the jack-leg public intellectual bluesman. However, the book's co-writer David Ritz doesn't make West nearly as intriguing and tragic as Marvin Gaye in Ritz's Divided Soul. Dr. West is an Everyman compared to Marvin.
December 30, 2014
A very approachable read giving insight into the mind of Dr West. Definitely a tragicomic tail of an athletic youth who walked away from his talent to pursue his calling of teaching. He excelled in his calling in academia at the expense of his domestic life and failed marriages. I loved the Beckett quote "Try Again. Fail again. Fail better" that defines his drive to succeed in love and in his calling. One of the great intellectuals of our time with a true message to hear of love and service for others.
January 18, 2010
Those who are fans of Cornel West should not be disappointed by the result of his memoir. West did a remarkable job portraying his life with a musical undertone throughout the entire book. He takes the reader on an unprohibited journey through his life as a "bluesman". West is able to exhibit to the reader his endearing love for his family, his passion for educating, and the difficulties he experiences with women. I was thoroughly pleased with this book, and encourage all to read it.
August 11, 2010
A great look at the man behind the myth; like a few other autobiographies I've read, reading about Cornel West's warts and faults just made me appreciate him and what he's accomplished more. It's so neat to see where he's coming from, though it could do with a bit more detail on some of those fronts. I'm looking forward now to going back and reading and re-reading some of his other works. Such an amazing guy.
November 30, 2012
I liked this book. It was fascinating to hear about his life, though I didn’t think it was an incredibly deep or analytical look at that life....but interesting nonetheless. His references to his many wives and relationships and poor handling of money are an interesting contrast to his obvious brilliance. I found it to be a quick and interesting read - if for nothing else for a look at one man’s navigation of life in this old world.
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