‘Cookie’s narrative is “cleaned up,” out of necessity, because his rambling communication style wouldn’t have worked in its pure form. But the book doesn’t shortchange all the racism that Gilchrist dealt with in his career, which was an enduring hardship in his life. As Cookie says: “The fact that I was a black man who refused to accept my ‘place’ or hold my tongue gave me the title of a malcontent, uppity colored man, a reputation that followed me throughout my career.” And there are so many vivid details provided, there can be no question it’s Cookie’s story.’