This is a well researched and well written book. As can be expected it was quite triggering. It looks at racism in the states and especially the police

Okay where to start, I knew going into it that this was going to be a heavy read and one I would need full concentration for.

I was a bit torn on my opinions for this one,
I found the first half of the book was a great examination into George Floyd and his life, especially leading up to the horrid events, it shows us a lot of his strengths and his weaknesses and just who he was as a person.
The second half of the book is where it fell a little short for me, I felt the ending was definitely tinged with a much more political tone and point of view, which in a way I think undermined the true nature of the problem that is had within the over policing of the black community.

It was definitely an eye opening read and I’m glad I finally picked this one up,
it is overall written with deep tenderness which makes it a very heartbreaking read.
I don’t normally like giving non fiction books a star rating as it feels harsh to rate a real life experience a family has gone through.
I’m sure this book did bring them some peace and comfort as it gave us a great insight into who George was to his family etc so that’s really nice.

This has been on my shelf for a long time but unfortunately it was a DNF for me.

As with all DNF's I rate 3* as it is not a fair rating otherwise.

2020 was a strange year. With the whole world caught up in a pandemic, there was the time and opportunity to witness the murder and consequences of a black man by a police officer in the USA. There was nothing unusual in his death, so many black people died in similar circumstances every day, but this particular death shook the world. Video after video showed the horror of it. There were protests and the world was able to watch. George Floyd became the symbol of the Black Lives Matter movement, although it has been going for a long time. 'Taking the knee' was - and still is - a sign of solidarity with people of colour.

Through all of this, Floyd has become more of an image than a human being. We know of his criminal past and drug use (the police used this in their defence) but little else. This book attempts to change that. It is written by two American journalists who use their reporting skills to dig out and interview the many people who knew George and his family, and to produce a comprehensive account of the man, his ambitions, achievements and the ramifications of his death.

The book is divided into three sections that give a detailed account of his life before, during and after his death. There is no doubt that Floyd was a victim of poverty and prejudice, the conditions of his upbringing are truly shocking. Equally, through perhaps a few too many interviews, he was also very popular and aimed to better himself.

Samuels and Olorunnipa include the history of black people in the USA and modern day challenges, such as the lack of funding for housing and education. It is very grim reading.

An important and structured book that offers a tiny glint of hope that the world may be turning, ever so slightly, to a better one. Perhaps the death of George Floyd will be a catalyst. Recommended reading.

A biography of a man and of a nation - a fascinating and gripping (though dense) look at racism in America and how it manifests itself in a variety of ways.

It really is systemic. This book makes you not just think but realise what is actually going on. It’s not ok and EVERYONE needs to be better.

Well researched, well written, and timed for the two year anniversary. I hope in that time things have got better in the US and around the world