Separated from a father he never knew, Michael Smith struggles to fit into a society where he is the obvious outsider. His attempts to get his mother to understand his situation fail hopelessly, perhaps because she does not share his unique status as the only Black resident in a community of over two thousand people. He learns to adapt, becoming more like what they expect him to be, rising through the ranks silently, surviving on hollow praise and superficial friendships until the day he decides he will no longer tolerate it. Not Black enough to be accepted, nor White enough to be respected, only one thing remains. He bares his soul to the world in Joshua Ericson's F**k That.

Joshua Ericson's F**k That explores the complex nature of interracial relationships from the unique perspective of the child. Michael's detailed account of his father's absence during his early years and his ongoing efforts to uncover the truth about his whereabouts from his uncooperative mother provide a relatable origin story and an intriguing subplot about the complicated dynamic between them. The steady pace helps readers understand Michael's pain as he takes them down memory lane, highlighting moments where others exploited his unique identity in pursuit of their own selfish goals. Ericson emphasizes the importance of minor details, such as slang and dialect differences in the dialogue, which helped Michael blend into both crowds and subtly acknowledge the role of social media in enlightening those he once feared as oppressors. Along with the historical details, the first-person narrative style creates an immersive novel that will appeal to fans of drama and social issues.

F**ck That: A Fictional Memoir by Joshua Ericson follows Michael Smith, who recounts his experience growing up biracial in a predominantly white town, raised by his white mother and disconnected from his Black father. He describes a lifelong struggle with identity, shaped by external racial expectations and a lack of belonging in both Black and white communities. From a young age, Smith learned to code-switch and wear social “masks” to navigate societal and professional environments, leading to emotional fatigue and a loss of authentic self. Despite academic and professional success, he was often reduced to stereotypes or tokenized in diversity roles lacking real power. Smith critiques superficial diversity efforts, systemic inequality, and the pressure to appear non-threatening. Ultimately, he rejects performative roles, embraces direct expression, and affirms his mixed-race identity on his own terms, aiming for truth without translation.

F**ck That by Joshua Ericson uses precise language and deliberate phrasing in absolutely every aspect of Michael Smith's first-person perspective. There is no mincing of words, and the voice remains clear and steady. The part I connected with most is when Smith recounts moments of being tokenized in corporate diversity efforts, facing pushback when presenting data on racial representation, and resigning from a role that demanded silence over honesty. His sharing of the significance of refusing reductive racial categories and his shift toward directness, even when it made others uncomfortable, is a discomfort that is also meant for the reader. It is intentional and a testament to the skill of Ericson as a writer by way of Smith. Overall, this is a straightforward, literary account of Smith's life, shaped by experience, and is consistent and composed. Unique and very highly recommended.