This Conversation - by Christopher Bogart (Paperback)

About the Book

Poems, peppered with historical significance, portray a conversation between two white strangers at a bar that then evolves to a discussion on systemic racism, inspiring readers to continue the conversation.

Book Synopsis

In his new book of poetry, Christopher Bogart follows the lead of Emanuel Acho (author of Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man) who encourages white people to be courageous, informed, and empathetic to the treatment of their Black brothers and sisters. Bogart is stepping up "to do his part." Employing the paradigm of an accidental meeting between two white strangers at a local bar and the conversation that ensues, he encourages the reader to explore the problem of systemic racism and to start this conversation with others.

The book is divided into two forms of poetry: poetic dialogue written in free verse to present the dialogue at the bar between the two strangers, and a variety of traditional and non-traditional forms of poetry to expand upon the issues that are brought up and discussed in this conversation.

Review Quotes

This poetic volume is not just words, but tools of wisdom. This book is a perfect first step to healing old wounds-one reader and one verbal exchange at a time. -James C. Ellerbe, poet/founder of Not Enough Words, LLC, and author of Beyond the Event Horizon

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It covers not only all the topics a conversation like this would have, it also provides different perspectives on each topic with glimpses of some of the culture that a lot of Americans have no idea exists. The placement of the individual poems within the dialogue, I feel, gives additional yet powerful meaning beyond the dialogue itself. The imagery of one of the main characters scratching off the wet beer sticker with his fingernail, and the movements of the two characters as they converse while holding their beers, are spot on.

Anytime the topic of racism, or BLM, comes up in the future, I will now feel empowered to try to have this conversation myself. And I'll be sure to recommend this book, as well. -Michael Borrero, software engineer

This Conversation...not only enriched the academic environment of Monmouth University, but also served to challenge our collective intellectual development. For me, Chris Bogart was one of the great highlights of the day, showing us the excellence of our graduate students. His excellent caliber of creative work is a vehicle for having discussions around race. It is a rare contribution that is beautifully written and of such practical importance. -Geoffrey Fouad, PhD, assistant Professor of Geography and organizer of Interdisciplinary Conference on Race, Monmouth University

Chris Bogart's book is a lightning rod of discomfort and relevance. It is indeed an allegorical conversation that honestly takes place between the reader and the reader's societal subconscious. This Conversation is to be read with an open heart in chest and mirror in hand as it will force readers to re-examine themselves, as Bogart demands, with more compassion, critical thinking, and candor as they pertain to mending and rectifying the evils of generational racism from all who dare to read this crucial work from a true ally. -Ras Heru Stewart, CEO of Rebel Ink Publishing and executive producer of Rhythm & Words: Creative Writing