autobiography, science-nerd, natural-musician, self-destructive-behaviors, genius***** This is a brutally honest autobiography by a man who could have fallen through the cracks but did not despite a very unstable childhood, race issues, failures of the educational system, honorable discharge from the Navy dream, poor personal choices, depression/alcohol/drugs. He was on a lot of precipices and it took a long time and the help of others to land on his feet. I am very impressed by this man and his accomplishments even if I am not Black. This is a demanding read but well worth the time and money. I requested and received a free temporary ebook from Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine via NetGalley. Thank you!