My Grandfather's Son

My Grandfather's Son is the memoir of Clarence Thomas, who had one of the most infamous confirmation hearings, and is a quiet conservative on the Supreme Court. This book is an excellent read for many reasons.

First, it highlights racism without being too political about racism. Racial issues are presented in a matter of fact way. For Thomas growing up in the South, racism was of course present. Going to school in the North, a different type of racism existed. First hand experience with affirmative action gives Thomas a perspective that he is brave enough to talk about. Breaking away from the Democratic party to become a Republican gives him the ability to discuss how difficult it is to go against the expectations of his race. Thomas deals with racism without being anti-white, or anti-anyone else for that matter.

Second, the book gives a personal glimpse of Thomas without invading too much of his privacy. I know that may sound like a strange way to describe a memoir, but he gives just enough detail for the reader to know the facts, but he does not get too personal in the details. He does not go through every dating relationship that he had, but gives just a few details of the relationship with the women he married. He does not go through every friendship or employer-employee relationship that caused him trouble, but does mention those that assisted with his rise to the Court, and, of course, the infamous Anita Hill.

This book is the story of a man who has risen out of poverty to the high Court, but resents that part of the reason has been because of his race. Thomas has a writing style that keeps you interested, and a way of telling stories that make what may just be normal, everyday life, interesting. His style made the memoir a quick read. You can see the bitterness and hurt when reading about the confirmation hearings, but it helps explain why he is one of the members of the Court that seems to lack a public personality. The book is worth reading and would be a great gift for anyone who likes to read biographies.