Mixing It Up

July 15, 2008
Reed ("Reckless Eyeballing"), an important novelist, poet, playwright, and critic of American society, has never been afraid of a fight and has taken on many contenders. This book collects his provocative and eye-opening discussions of mass media's hypocrisy, lies, and greed, first published in the "New York Times" and "Playboy". The essays on Charles Chesnutt, August Wilson, Miles Davis, and Sonny Rollins give insight into his views on art and artists. Those on Jefferson Davis, John Adams, and Bill Clinton show his ideas on American history. Reed's comments on the Don Imus affair and the Kobe Bryant and Michael Jackson trials are brilliant examinations of race in American life; the poignant essays on his mother and Israel, too, are notable. Reed criticizes conservative opinion, has interesting things to say about the methods people can use to struggle against media and political oppression ("writin' is fightin' "), and clearly expresses his controversial views of feminism. Perfect reading for this election season; highly recommended.Gene Shaw, NYPL

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