A compelling and thoroughly researched exploration of racism through the letters of an ageing African American grandfather to his beloved grandchildren urging them and others to continue the fight for equality between the races. Heartfelt and poignant, this was a touching and emotional read from start to finish.

A truly inspiring eye opener of a book.
At times a difficult read but all the same an important one I implore everyone to read.
Really provides a good insight into bias and social inequalities.
Really makes you want to make change.

First of all I want to say a big thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
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“We hold signs, take to the streets and pull fire from our throats in the hope that we keep breathing long enough to see our grandchildren scream only in laughter, and not in protest”


This book starts with the revisiting of the Black Lives Matter protest in London, and the truth of what actually happened there, rather than the racist bigotry claims from the media. This books contains heartbreaking and powerful words that are sure to resonate deeply in anyone’s hearts.

Patrick Hutchinson writes with such pain and heartache, it spills out onto the pages, hopefully reminding any white person reading of their privilege, in respect to not having to worry about being killed just for leaving their homes or ‘looking suspicious’. This book is deeply moving and resonates deeply, but it’s also an poignant and critical piece of literature within our time.

This book is incredibly emotional and personal. It really ingrains the harrowing reality of being a black person in the UK and it’s a lesson that black people shouldn’t have to educate us on. I cannot imagine how tiring, and deeply upsetting it must’ve been to have to spill such traumatic and distressing events onto paper. However, I am as always, eternally grateful to get the chance to read Patrick’s story. It’s so thought provoking and important.

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Patrick’s words radiate just how pure, warm hearted and kind he is. His love of helping others is utterly endearing. If his words aren’t thought provoking or deeply moving to you, I honestly believe and invite you to read it again, and pay attention, listen and actually absorb the words on the pages.

As well as the important aspects of racism that are a running theme throughout the book. I also really
enjoyed the wholesome connection that entwined him into his fellow siblings lives and how it shaped the kind and wise man he is today.

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Overall, as with all books revolving around racism or likewise important themes, this book is an absolute must read to anyone, especially white people.It’s one of the best books I’ve read and I’m so grateful to Patrick for writing such an important and critical novel. I would recommend this to everyone, and only hope there comes a day where black people around the world will no longer have to fear for their children’s or their own lives.

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I’m not sure how to write my review for this one.
I didn’t dislike the book but felt that it started strong and informative but the middle part I personally felt a struggle to read through, the end of the book again became informative
It is very eye opening and makes you more understanding of the cause.
I did like Patrick’s quote of ‘Black lives also matter’ and how it should be phrased to avoid some people arguing that ‘all lives matter’ but it shouldn’t be an argument/debate in the first place

Everyone versus racism a letter written by a family oriented father and grandfather who is black and as he saw the world around him changing in June 2020 for him and the black community he decided to leave behind the letter that talks about the micro racism,the sense of identity and where does the writer belong. He raises issues of work place sexism and the coherent stereotypes that have been established over the years for the entire black community and how one George Floyd s death called for enough is enough! Patrick knows what he is writing about and mentions the caste system in India and the voices that have been left unheard of the community for so many years. His quote "when one has held power for so long equality feels like oppression" that has stuck with me because the concept of treating blacks as equals has not been visible in the society since so long that white people are actually scared. This is an account from a black man who went through the BLM protests from real close and saw how coming to terms with the blackness being called BLACK was no longer associated with shame but pride. This is an extremely detailed letter by Patrick Hutchinson that should be passed on to children and grandchildren of every household without any restrictions. I certainly would.

I loved this book. I remember seeing the viral image of Patrick and when I realized it was he that had written this book I was so intrigued. There were points where I thought it could have been edited more. Still great.

When footage of a black British man saving an EDL supporter from an angry mob during the BLM demonstrations in London went viral, it gave a different narrative to the ongoing events. That man was Patrick Hutchinson, and he was immediately elevated to hero status overnight after he demonstrated in his purest form Michelle Obama's oft-repeated idea of "when they go low, we go high".
Since that day, he has used the platform he has been given to continue to promote ideas to improve the perception, the prospects and the potential of the black community in the UK and beyond, culminating in this book, styled as a letter to his children and grandchildren, which outlines how we got to this point in history and what we can do going forward to effect lasting change.
Hutchinson gives a brief history of his life growing up in London, highlighting the challenges faced as a black youth in our supposedly multi-cultural city - a city in which the colour of your skin correlates with the likelihood that the police will pull you over, that the courts will find you guilty of any crime, that you will be less likely to get approved for a mortgage, etc. Hutchinson found his calling in martial arts, focusing his energies on empowering the youth, giving them a purpose, giving them a place to channel their energy, and giving them positive role models in their community.
Hutchinson gives you hope that things can change, as he uses his newly-bequeathed pulpit to preach positivity and provide a beacon in these challenging times. Essential reading.

On the 13th June 2020 Patrick Hutchinson changed the world when he attended the Black Lives Matter protest in London and was pictured saving the life of a white anti-Black Lives protester. This book tells his story of why he was there that day.

However, in his own words this is not a textbook or a novel but a letter written to his children... “a letter is a product of my heart being given a pen”. It is his honest account of what life as a black person and particularly a black man is like. And it is impossible to miss the love he has for his family, it pours from every page and is beautiful to read.

This is part memoir, discussing his childhood, family, education and career path and part factual account of the ongoing systematic racism faced by many every single day. He also outlines his aspirations for a better world for his children and grandchildren and the actions he is taking to provide that for them via his organisation: UTCAI (United To Change and Inspire). I particularly resonated with his work to highlight the positive impact sport can have on mental health and self esteem.

I would definitely recommend this book, Patrick’s letter is articulate, honest, emotive, thought provoking and seeped in love and hope for his children and the future. I felt honoured to read it.

Thank you @netgalley and @harpercollinsuk for this copy ❤️