Neither was sorely underrated Tavis Smiley, and he always had formidably substantial conversations and a fresh perspective on the issues. It's a shame he let his shadow side take the helm when it mattered most.

Just read Kindred and it sounds like Coates was heavily influenced by Butler. As a writer, she also “gets out of the way” in the way Mudede suggests. But I like “in the way” authors sometimes too. I’ll read it for myself and decide. Someday. After the 4000 other books I need to read first.

Y'know, Charles, you might not be in the best position to criticize a writer for leaning a little too much into an overwrought style.