No Ashes in the Fire

By: Darnell L Moore

Narrated by: Darnell L Moore

Lambda Literary Award (Gay Memoir/Biography) winner, 2019

From a leading journalist and activist comes a brave, beautifully wrought memoir.

When Darnell Moore was 14, three boys from his neighborhood tried to set him on fire. They cornered him while he was walking home from school, harassed him because they thought he was gay, and poured a jug of gasoline on him. He escaped, but just barely. It wasn't the last time he would face death. Three decades later, Moore is an award-winning writer, a leading Black Lives Matter activist, and an advocate for justice and liberation.

In No Ashes in the Fire, he shares the journey taken by that scared, bullied teenager who not only survived, but found his calling. Moore's transcendence over the myriad forces of repression that faced him is a testament to the grace and care of the people who loved him, and to his hometown, Camden, NJ, scarred and ignored but brimming with life. Moore reminds us that liberation is possible if we commit ourselves to fighting for it, and if we dream and create futures where those who survive on society's edges can thrive.

No Ashes in the Fire is a story of beauty and hope—and an honest reckoning with family, with place, and with what it means to be free.

©2018 Darnell L Moore (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

A New York Times Notable Book of the Year

"Stranded in the urban battleground of Camden, New Jersey... Moore struggles against a crush of bullying, bigotry, and self-loathing. He chronicles his odyssey in this piercingly vulnerable memoir, ultimately finding his way to LGBTQ activism and 'black joy' through faith and family."—O Magazine

"A staggering work that calls into question the truths we assume about ourselves and those among us."—Esquire

"In his frank debut memoir, journalist Moore recounts his experience growing up a queer black man in Camden, New Jersey in the 1980s. Loved by his vibrant but argumentative family and ostracized by many of his peers, Moore grapples with the complexities of his growing faith and burgeoning sexuality and his own self-loathing and self-acceptance in his journey to becoming an activist and outstanding voice in the Black Lives Matter movement."—Harpers Bazaar

AMAZING

This was one of my favorite books I’ve ever read in my whole life (I’m only 17). I’ve never read a book so raw and so beautifully emotional. I related to almost every word he said, as I am a black LGBT person in America, someone who struggles on a constant basis because of who I am and where I come from.

I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Non-fiction needs to be more popular in our society because it shows the reality of our communities and people.

Loved it!

I loved it but struggled to finish. It took me awhile. Definitely recommend this powerful book by Darnell Moore.

Amazing. Story

Loved learning about what knew & didn't know about Gay Black Man . Thank You.

No Ashes In The Fire

Brilliant! A must read. Evokes a special feeling. Made me cry. Read it now for sure.

I learned so much and not just about Darnell

I, like many, saw Darnell's presence online and through to his greatness on viral posts and in enlightening short videos.

So, I purchased this "memoir" knowing that I'd receive invaluable takeaways, life lessons, and not just learn about Darnell's inspiring life, which he tells well. I ended the book admiring Darnell's greeeaat character and inspiried to be a better person and do more for the Black community.

Yes!

I had no idea what I was getting myself into with this book, but I was pleasantly surprised! Darnell's writing is real, raw, and captivating. His story of being black and queer in America is riveting - it's a story that should be both told and heard more. Thank you Darnell!

engaging, important, insightful story

I learned a lot. Highly recommended. This autobiography is heartfelt, heart warming, broke my heart. I come away from it a little wiser and more connected to more people.

Powerful & Brilliant

No Ashes in the Fire is a powerful coming of age memoir that depicts the reality of being black & free in America. Darnell does an amazing job authentically connecting his audience to his complex reality. He offers deep insight and honest candor of navigating life in America as a liberated non-conforming black man.
Each sentence carefully constructs a visual narrative of our individual struggles, while tackling the power dynamics of race, gender, and economic exclusion.

I don't do book reviews but this was a solid summer selection. I highly recommend you check it out!

No Ashes in the Fire

The book for everyone who truly cares for creation and the dignity of of every living human. It is a WOW book. Thanks for beautiful Darnell Moore for bringing all into the family. This book makes me a better child of this earth.

Love it!

I would definitely recommend this book. It is a ”page turner” that takes you into the depths of Darnell’s soul and through experiences that shaped the man he has become. So proud of the unabashed sharing in this coming of age book.