No Ashes in the Fire

Coming of Age Black and Free in America

De: Darnell L Moore

Narrado por: Darnell L Moore

From a leading journalist and activist comes a brave, beautifully wrought memoir.

When Darnell Moore was fourteen, three boys from his neighborhood tried to set him on fire. They cornered him while he was walking home from school, harassed him because they thought he was gay, and poured a jug of gasoline on him. He escaped, but just barely. It wasn't the last time he would face death.

Three decades later, Moore is an award-winning writer, a leading Black Lives Matter activist, and an advocate for justice and liberation. In No Ashes in the Fire, he shares the journey taken by that scared, bullied teenager who not only survived, but found his calling. Moore's transcendence over the myriad forces of repression that faced him is a testament to the grace and care of the people who loved him, and to his hometown, Camden, NJ, scarred and ignored but brimming with life. Moore reminds us that liberation is possible if we commit ourselves to fighting for it, and if we dream and create futures where those who survive on society's edges can thrive.

No Ashes in the Fire is a story of beauty and hope-and an honest reckoning with family, with place, and with what it means to be free.

Reseñas de la Crítica

A New York Times Notable Book of the Year

"Stranded in the urban battleground of Camden, New Jersey... Moore struggles against a crush of bullying, bigotry, and self-loathing. He chronicles his odyssey in this piercingly vulnerable memoir, ultimately finding his way to LGBTQ activism and 'black joy' through faith and family."—O Magazine

"A staggering work that calls into question the truths we assume about ourselves and those among us."—Esquire

"In his frank debut memoir, journalist Moore recounts his experience growing up a queer black man in Camden, New Jersey in the 1980s. Loved by his vibrant but argumentative family and ostracized by many of his peers, Moore grapples with the complexities of his growing faith and burgeoning sexuality and his own self-loathing and self-acceptance in his journey to becoming an activist and outstanding voice in the Black Lives Matter movement."—Harpers Bazaar

"Darnell Moore is one of the most influential black writers and thinkers of our time--a beautiful, intentionally complex feminist activist writing liberatory futures. I cannot wait for the world to read No Ashes in the Fire."—Janet Mock, author of Redefining Realness and Surpassing Certainty

"No Ashes in the Fire is part memoir, part social commentary. Darnell honestly tells his story with an intensity and passion that offers readers a deep understanding of a gay black male coming of age who open-heartedly claims his identity, and who embraces redemptive suffering. Ultimately, he reaches out to everyone with an inclusive love."—bell hooks

"No Ashes in the Fire illuminates the fragility of black life no matter how much love surrounds it. As he grapples with social tragedy and the insecurity of black masculinity, Moore displays magnificent self-reflection. He narrates his story in a looping, lyrical style that approaches complicated truths through metaphor.... For Moore, these efforts often take the form of an empathy that borders on the transcendent."—Dawn Lundy Martin, Bookforum

"A brutally honest investigation and interrogation of the stories [Moore] was taught to tell himself in order to live... The prose is immaculately spare and razor-sharp, honed to pierce the armor of our own role in upholding and telling similar stories. He pairs trenchant systemic analysis with interpersonal forgiveness, marking the ways those that sought to cause him pain and even death were first, possibly irrevocably, damaged by the same stories they were told in order to live... It's the stories we tell ourselves that need to burn. And with No Ashes In The Fire, Moore strikes a match."—Kevin Allred, INTO

AMAZING

This was one of my favorite books I’ve ever read in my whole life (I’m only 17). I’ve never read a book so raw and so beautifully emotional. I related to almost every word he said, as I am a black LGBT person in America, someone who struggles on a constant basis because of who I am and where I come from.

I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Non-fiction needs to be more popular in our society because it shows the reality of our communities and people.

Loved it!

I loved it but struggled to finish. It took me awhile. Definitely recommend this powerful book by Darnell Moore.

Amazing. Story

Loved learning about what knew & didn't know about Gay Black Man . Thank You.

I learned so much and not just about Darnell

I, like many, saw Darnell's presence online and through to his greatness on viral posts and in enlightening short videos.

So, I purchased this "memoir" knowing that I'd receive invaluable takeaways, life lessons, and not just learn about Darnell's inspiring life, which he tells well. I ended the book admiring Darnell's greeeaat character and inspiried to be a better person and do more for the Black community.

Yes!

I had no idea what I was getting myself into with this book, but I was pleasantly surprised! Darnell's writing is real, raw, and captivating. His story of being black and queer in America is riveting - it's a story that should be both told and heard more. Thank you Darnell!

engaging, important, insightful story

I learned a lot. Highly recommended. This autobiography is heartfelt, heart warming, broke my heart. I come away from it a little wiser and more connected to more people.

No Ashes In The Fire

Brilliant! A must read. Evokes a special feeling. Made me cry. Read it now for sure.

Authentic Narration

What made this book vivid and real were the author’s authentic voice right down to his blackisms such as aks for ask, excape for escape. I really appreciate that he was allowed to speak with his own vocabulary as well as voice.

Loved this story!

This is an incredible story. The writer does a great job of creating mental images and inciting emotion in you with this descriptions.

What an excellent memoir/autobiography.

What an excellent memoir/autobiography. Darnell Moore tells of his life growing up Gay and Black and all of the turmoil it entails. If you're an Audible user, I suggest you listen to his story in his voice. Thoroughly enjoyed it.