What readers think of His Name Is George Floyd, plus links to write your own review.

“His Name is George Floyd: One Man’s Life and the Struggle for Racial Justice” by Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa breaks “Becoming’s” record for most reviews on Goodreads by people who did not bother to read it. I write these so people can discover a new book they may enjoy. I have a loyal following of about ten people, but I am sure more fringe friends will come out of the woodwork to regurgitate TV news talking points and pass them off as original thoughts.

The author tries a narrative technique that works. He tells the incidents leading us to the infamous arrest and returns in time. We learn about Floyd’s ancestors, fatherless upbringing in Houston, and segregation that still existed in the 1970s. Teachers will recognize “that kid” with a rough background who goes down the wrong path despite promise. His life path is equal parts horrible choices, decisions, and a cycle he could not break.

I did not read this as a white man but as a teacher. Some kids lack the most basic skills, and you cannot help but wonder what happens to those kids in the real world. George Floyd did not seem to fit in academically and athletically and did not pick up skilled trades well. I have read several Facebook trolls stating that Floyd’s death shouldn’t matter because he was a criminal. He was, but those fools do not acknowledge the roadblocks that keep ex-convicts from turning their lives around.

The book required research, as with most non-fiction efforts that win awards. Interviews with those who knew Floyd and witnessed the incident had their frustrations with the lack of rehabilitation but knew many of his great qualities. His lack of a father figure and drug use set him up for failure, but most recognized that his good traits meant that he deserved to live.

Reviewing books like this is a challenge; most people who believe its message do not need more evidence, and those who do not are likely to dismiss it before even picking it up. To my conservative friends: recognize that we should acknowledge George Floyd’s humanity. To my liberal friends: as Mr. Rogers said, look for the helpers. Members of law enforcement were directly responsible for the administration of justice in this case.