I take my coffee black Reflections on Tupac, musical theater, faith, and being black in America

Actor and comedian Merritt combines comedy, social commentary, autobiography, and religious musings to stunning effect in this kaleidoscopic take on race and religion in America. Merritt, best known for his viral YouTube video "Before You Call the Cops," recounts his upbringing, during which he was constantly made to feel like a threat: "I have had a lifetime of white women reacting to me in fear, not because of my size, or because of my clothing, but because of my blackness." Merritt also explores growing up in Las Vegas, his early interests in musical theater, and his chance decision to attend a Bible college. Peppered with pop culture references, wisecracks, and ironic asides, this powerful testament reveals many disheartening realities of being a Black man in America (such as an eye-opening exploration of the history of redlining and segregation in Stockton, Calif.), as well as "the power of proximity to break down barriers and forge real community." In the end, Merritt effectively conveys the transformative nature of getting to know someone different than oneself. Readers will be awed by Merritt's brutal honesty and inspiring grassroots approach to countering racial injustice and deep-seated prejudice. (Sept.)

In this candid, insightful memoir, Merritt (The Tyler Merritt Project) shares his steady journey from a music-loving Christian kid in Las Vegas to actor and activist. Interwoven in his narrative are snippets of U.S. history that spotlight mistreated and marginalized people. Merritt also recounts his family's journey from sharecropping to corporate success while revealing how his father's stoicism and his mother's resolve affected the ways he experienced the world. Central to the story are the many friends he met along the way, from classmates who attended the eclectic performing arts high school where he found his calling to those who supported him throughout his different careers as an adult. Although Merritt's story has many joyful moments, it is also wrought with betrayal, heartache, injustice, failure, disappointment, and despair. Yet hope prevails as he urges readers to learn from one another's stories instead of turning away because of a lack of empathy and understanding. VERDICT Engaging and at times enraging, this thought-provoking memoir is suitable for general as well as performing arts collections.--Tracy Crawford, New York P.L.