As a mainly fiction book reader, memoirs rarely pique and are able to keep my interest but once I started reading this memoir, I simply could not let go. Whether you yourself are a reader of non-fiction or not, I believe that this is a book that you should be engaged in. You’ll learn quite a bit from this author, and I applaud his desire to put his story to paper and share it with the world.

“Black, White, and Gray All Over” is a memoir/biography written by Frederick Douglass Reynolds. Reynolds, a now retired police officer, that shares in detail his life from childhood all the way through his life as a police officer after a variety of other jobs he worked. He never originally thought that he would be a cop, but that’s exactly what he became.

In this memoir, he showcases the black, white, and gray areas that surround those who chose to put on the uniform. He highlights the challenges that they face, and more so those of a dark complexion, especially over the years. This book is truly eye-opening and one that many should consider reading. While the foreword is written by someone other than the author, it ties in beautifully with this memoir, so make sure that you don’t skip it. It highlights some truths that need to not only be faced but be dealt with by all of us as a society and does an excellent job highlighting what we as readers can expect to come in this memoir.

There will be some discomfort for some as truths are revealed, but if you have an open mind, and an open heart, then you will seek the change that is most needed for us all.

As the title states, nothing is ever just in black and white, there are also always shades of gray. So the question arises – how will you choose to see the world?

As you read this book, if you’re like me, your eyes will have widened at least 10 times by the 35^th page, LOL. The things that Frederick Reynolds details constantly, had my eyes widening in shock. I kept thinking either “OMG!” or “Seriously?!”. Trust me, you’ll more than likely have the same reactions or similar ones as you read this book. I wasn’t even out of the prologue before my jaw was on the floor for the first time and I was saying out loud, “What?! OMG!”

Another cool thing about this book is that it doesn’t necessarily read like a memoir. It reads more like someone sitting down with you and sharing their story with just the right amount of detail. I seriously struggled to stifle a smile (and yes a bit of a giggle) when the author says :

“…It was considered snitching to contact the cops if someone shot at you and missed.”

I guess it just goes to show how naïve I am since I thought all shootings were supposed to be reported. Not every area is the same though so that must always be taken into context, of course.

The one thing that I have to say that I enjoyed the most and that I feel other readers will as well, is the amount of detail. The author is so conscientious in how he chooses to detail this story. He takes the time to explain the various “codes” that are used throughout this book. Whether it’s police “call signs”, military, or just plain old street lingo the author makes it a point to make sure that we know what it means. I really appreciate this because it shows that the author isn’t going to take it for granted that readers may or may not know what these various terms mean.

As I read this memoir, there were many times that I would stop and think… “this can’t be true. It has to be fiction.” But they always say – “truth tends to be stranger than fiction.” In this author’s case, I feel that it rings all too true. Let me be clear though, I believe every word of this author’s tale. The details the author gives with a variety of incidents he has experienced are simply mind-blowing. He details so many things throughout this book to give us readers a crystal clear idea of what a cop’s life has been like and is like over the years. The details create images in your head that you can just see and you can’t help wondering – “how do they do it? How do they get up every day and face these things?” Some scenes honestly brought tears to my eyes.

You’re really going to appreciate, as you read this book, how the author knows exactly where to focus and where to just skim. As to be expected, his childhood isn’t as detailed as his later years, but he gives us just enough to create a view of life when he was a child. As he gets older, the story becomes more detailed. However, it’s when he’s an adult that the story becomes focused on his paths in life. Prepare to have your eyes bug out of your head…a lot! Mine did and I’m sure I’ll need to get them checked before the end of the year. Haha! The deeper you delve into this book, the harder it will be to put down. It’s so riveting, informative, and emotionally evocative at the same time. I honestly never thought that a memoir could affect me the way that this book does. In light of all the different movements in the past few years, this book…this author, really puts things into perspective IF you are willing to open your mind and your heart to it.

The author also takes the time to detail the elements that surround Compton and the surrounding areas as well. He talks about the politics and the pitfalls that befell many a politician over the years and how all of it directly or indirectly impacted the police force and/or the city as a whole. I had mixed feelings concerning some of these twist-offs. While I found them informative, I didn’t find them as interesting. I wanted the author to stay on track with his story. Yes, this does tie in for certain situations, but I wanted things to stay on point and focused. I do appreciate that the author details, not just Compton and its surrounding area, but things that impacted him mentally and emotionally around the United States at certain times.

I think that you’ll agree, as you read this book, the title – “Black, White, and Gray All Over” is the perfect title for this book. It encompasses it all. The good things/times, the bad things/times, and the gray things/times. The good elements, the bad elements, and the gray elements. The good cops, the bad cops, and the ones who fall in that gray area. The gray ones… those are the ones that you really want answering that call should you ever have to make one. It’s truly fascinating how the author pulls back the blinders and shows the truth that so many try to hide from. This book will invoke all of your emotions – laughs, tears, shock, and anger. For me, that is the hallmark of a good book whether fiction or not and I applaud the author for all that he has done both in sharing his story and his work as a police officer.

Pros:

• This book is packed with detail. You get tons of information and clarifications when needed.
• Overall, this memoir moves chronologically forward in time.
• Minces no words on the author’s thoughts and experiences.
• Tells the whole story in a remarkably unbiased form.

Cons:

• There are some details that I felt weren’t totally necessary to the memoir. While they lead back to the author it takes away a bit for me.

Lesson of this book: Nothing is black and white. Not life, not cops. There are good ones, bad ones, and those who walk in the gray. Embrace the good and the gray

Cover Score: 8.9/10

Book Score: 9.1/10

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