Don Lemon's This Is the Fire resonates as a passionate, timely exploration of racism and social justice. Critics laud its urgency and personal narrative style. However, some argue it offers few new insights on well-trodden issues. Overall, it's praised for its heartfelt appeal but critiqued for its occasionally repetitive content.

MLA

Readers who appreciate This Is the Fire by Don Lemon are typically engaged with contemporary discussions on race, equality, and justice. Fans of personal narratives and societal critiques will find this compelling, similar to Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates and How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi.

In This Is the Fire, journalist Don Lemon uses the historic tumult of 2020 as a backdrop to examine racism in America and the question of how it can be ended during our lifetimes. Lemon reflects on the massive protests following George Floyd's murder, the impact of Donald Trump's presidency, and the COVID-19 pandemic's disproportionate toll on people of color, while also drawing on his personal experiences and family history to explore systemic racism and propose incremental social reforms for a future benefitting all. The book addresses racism, violence, and discrimination.

Informative / Challenging / Inspirational / Emotional

- This Is the Fire draws its title from the phrase "This is the fire that will burn it all down," a reflection on the societal changes prompted by discussions around race and equality.
- Don Lemon's work on This Is the Fire ties into his role as a prominent news anchor on CNN, where he has frequently discussed and covered topics of race and social justice.
- Published in March 2021, This Is the Fire was largely inspired by the national conversations on race sparked by the events following George Floyd's death in 2020.

Don Lemon

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore This Is the Fire and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

This Is the Fire Summary and Study Guide

Background

This Is the Fire Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 1

This Is the Fire Prologue-Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 2-3

This Is the Fire Chapters 2-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-5

This Is the Fire Chapters 4-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-7

This Is the Fire Chapters 6-7 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

This Is the Fire Key Figures

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Themes

This Is the Fire Themes

Index of Terms

This Is the Fire Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

This Is the Fire Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

This Is the Fire Essay Topics

This Is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read This Is the Fire?

Reading Age

Book Details