This was hard to rate because I found myself unsure what it was supposed to be about. Long and rambling, it's part personal and part book review--and does neither particularly effectively. Good editing might have redeemed it. But, unfortunately, it didn't receive that. So, while it begins some interesting topics, it doesn't bring any of them together into any sort of logical argument or integrated whole.

This is the first I have heard of Darryl Pinckney, but he put together a first-rate piece. The background and explanation of the Black Church carry the ring of truth. What Jeremiah Wright said might clang harshly on white ears, but in the context of racial grievance -- and I've known some African-Americans who share his historical sense of affront and outrage -- his comments convey the anger of many in the Black community over their centuries of mistreatment. Recommended reading for all.

This article is way too long. The writer needs to be much more succinct.

This style of journalism is dreadful. Long-winded, loosely structured, and the author makes his audience work hard to figure out his point. My only conclusion is he's getting paid by the word. Too bad, because I think he has some important observations, insights and understandings to share.