5 comments about Raising Fences: A Black Man's Love Story (Today Show Book Club #4).

1. This book is great and I hope that it will spur a new line of books in a similar vain by black men.
   
   I can not put into words the feelings reading this book brought out in me. We as black women speak candidly about our emotions daily, but to see a black man, correction a strong black man do it brings such elation. My deepest respect to Michael Datcher for exposing the emotional side of a black man, and lets hope that there will be more powerful but tender works like this from Datcher in the future. I will be waiting.



2. This book was amazing... I could not put it down... How have I went all this time without hearing about this book!?
   Most books I love it is because in some way I can identify with the characters; not in this one... I loved it because it was raw, passionate and based on truth... truth of the relationships of our black men...excellent!



3. RAISING FENCES by Michael Datcher is a gripping, realistic tale of a fatherless child's struggle into manhood. Mr. Datcher's writing style is remarkable. His use flashbacks and crisp and clear imagery allows readers to live vicariously through the author.
   
   Readers will be drawn into this story as the author delves into intricate issues of African-American families such as broken homes, adoption, unprotected sex, surviving the streets, loveless relationships, having children out of wedlock and so much more. He does an excellent job of providing a male's prospective on these various issues.
   
   The use of poetry incorporated in the book is an added bonus for poetry lovers, but may not be received well by readers who are not fans of poetry.
   
   In this inspiring book, Mr. Datcher also shows readers that your past doesn't have to dictate your future.
   
   Take a bow Mr. Datcher, for you have penned a masterpiece that not only is enjoyable to read, but educational and informative as well. This autobiography is highly recommended!!!



4. If like me you are a woman and have always wanted to know about the thought process of a blk man then this is the book for you. M. Datcher does a great job of navigating us through his mind and life. Great read and an important read especially for the women out there playing that trifiling baby daddy game.



5. Raising Fences, a memoir, brings you on a tour through the life of an enduring Black man, while staying clear of the pimp-esque bravado. Datcher, born to a single mother who births him after being raped, but is given up for adoption, develops an obsession of being a great husband and father early in his life. Taken through his struggles with self-identity, female relationships, financial hardships, Datcher hides nothing, and tells all. If you are looking for a book that will do away with the Black man "playa" myth, this one is for you. A great poetic read from cover to cover.

1 comments about Politicians Are People, Too.

1. Whether you are intereted in politics or not, this book is very informative about a lot of interesting people who make up a part of our history - from Joe DiMaggio to President Bush. Richard Benedetto also presents a very interesting biography of himself and how USA Today first started. He also gives you insight into his writing philosophy and how he depicts those persons in the public eye - with fairness.

2 comments about Katharine Graham's Washington.

1. I am not completely finished with this book, but wanted to post a review urging all who are interested in the history of our country to read this.

   Mrs. Graham has gathered articles from many people associated with the govenment and also some who were natives of Washington and in the social scene. Some were White House employees. She has written an introduction to each article which is helpful.

   There are many interesting stories never seen before. I especially liked the articles of behind the scenes preparations for the visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939 by White House employees. Eleanor Roosevelt's article is different than the one she has in her book as it does not include the stop at Hyde Park.

   Mamie is presented as a difficult taskmaster by the White House seamstress. All good reading.

   I don't know if young folks will enjoy this book as much as I did, but they should give it a try.

   Only objection. There were not enough pictures!




2. After reading Graham's personal history I was dissapointed that there was nothing else written by her. This book fufills that dissapointment. She provides all sorts of views about Washington even though she doesn't agree with them all. There are articles written by Nancy Reagan, Henry Kissinger, Alice Roosevelt, and many, many more. A great read for anyone interested in Graham or Washington.

3 comments about Ernest Hemingway Selected Letters 1917-1961.

1. This collection of letters serves as the closest thing to a Hemingway autobiography we have. It is certainly must reading for the student or researcher, and I would highly recommend it for even the casual Hemingway fan.

   Hemingway often wrote letters to either warm up for a day of writing or cool off afterward, and in these letters you see him at his unguarded, intellectual, humorous best. The style of his letter writing is often much freer than the tightly crafted prose style of his fiction...it's almost like watching a classical musician break into some improvisational jazz.

   A great book to just dip into wherever you want, and this new edition is long overdue.




2. I miss old fashioned letters, now that we live in the age of email. Frotunately, I still have 'real' letters saved that have now collected dust from my parent's generation, and from a time gone by.
   
   Occasionally I stumble over published letters of famous writers in antique bookstores: Last time, it was a 800 page volume of some of Ernest Hemingway's personal letters; the first edition of this Amazon edition. They were published posthumeously, and not intended by EH for publication.
   We get a peek behind the curtain, and learn among other things that Ernest Hemingway was addicted to letters, wrote lots and lots, starting in his teens; and that he was really depressed when he didn't receive replies; or when there were days when the postman brought no letters. Waiting for transatlantic mail added to his sense of loneliness. Letters were a lifelong passion of his, continuing up to the day when he took his own life. These private letters weren't meant to be published, and they are raw, but very honest.
   When you read them, you are in no doubt that the writer is a true artist, and an original!
   They stretch over the span of his productive life, and they are varied: addressed to family (his parents, his children), his ex, to friends, including famous contemporaries, such as Marlene Dietrich (just one of them), his agent(s), his publishers, and many more.
   
   I have a hunch EH must have been hard to keep up with, but his letters are fun to read; even though, in my view, his novels are mixed: Some great, and some I don't care for.
   
   Guess, EH's life was bizare too. The private letters are consistent with that. And yet, they exude a special warmth; both gentelness and passion.
   Reviewed by Palle Jorgensen. December 2004.



3. Two authors of the 20th century whose letters go beyond fascination are James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway. This volume is an excellent example of just how committed Hemingway was not only to writing, but to getting as close to the action of his writing. Once the reader emerses themselves into his letters, one sees the true Hemingway, not the mythological one created by critics (mostly those who were not fans of the writer).
   
   It is almost unimaginable that someone in his time or any other could be so well connected and intimate with other artist: Joyce, Pound, McLeish, Fitzgerald, Picaso, and so on. If you're a writer this collection is wonderful. It shows the day to day dealings with drafting, editing, publishing, and the intimate relationships between writer and publisher, though this relationship is almost non-existent today.
   
   I found Hemingway through his letters to be someone who is passionate about life and equally compassionate about friends. He tells it the way it is, not the way politically correct messengers do. It is an education in itself to read this collection.

5 comments about Laughing in the Dark: From Colored Girl to Woman of Color--A Journey From Prison to Power.

1. "Laughing in the Dark" is the Black female side of Nathan McCall's "Makes Me Wanna Holler." Both works share the stories of young African people growing up with harsh realities and obstalces. Both books are about "how I overcame," and what it takes to endure the hardships of life.

   Ms. Gaines's book though is rare, for we don't have nearly enough coming-of-age books by African women. The focus is mainly on the plight of African men.

   Though "Laughing in the Dark" is somewhat depressing, it serves to remind us of those Black women who are not "waiting to exhale" and can't get their groove on because they don't have the privileges to do so. They must find strength in themselves where there might not be very much strength.

   I hope more books like Gaines will be written. I'm sure there are many more sistahs out there with similiar stories to tell.




2. Patrice Gaines-an amazing woman who has gone through almost everything you could think of. Laughing in the Dark is an amazing autobiography. I would recommend this book to anyone that is going through trouble in life; this book is could give them a better understanding of what they are going through because people can't see what is happening to themselves, but when they see another person going through they can understand it better. Not only do I recommend it to those with troubled lives but anyone that likes to read what is going on in the world with someone besides themselves. This book is amazing and I could read it over and over again and not get sick of it. So read it.



3. Magnificent in its honesty, compelling and surprising.I picked up this book yesterday and I couldn't put it down.This is more than a coming of age story by a Black woman, this is a tale of an insightful healer who happens to be a journalist. I found so many things of value in this book that I'll stop right here.I loved this book and I applaud this author-



4. Laughing in the Dark was a testament of resilience and strength in overcoming poor decisions, horrific assaults and personal tragedies. The author bared her soul in sharing her story which detailed a life of abandonment, low self-esteem, desparation and crime. Fortunately, she began the healing process, made some changes and started the journey to power.



5. Patrice Gaines is a veteran Washington Post reporter and nationally renowned speaker who grew up in insulated middle-class military brat society, became a teenage mother and drug abuser, served time in jail, and found her inner power to change her life. Gaines blames her disastrous life choices on her dependency and poor choice in men. She writes that it was only when she started loving herself, and stopped looking for outside affirmation of her self-worth, was she finally able to come into her own.
   
   As a guest on the Oprah Winfrey show, Patrice Gaines inspired Oprah to make a spontaneous admission that she, too, had smoked crack cocaine in her youth, at the behest of a man. Tearful, Oprah admitted that "It's my life's great big secret. It was such a secret because...the tabloids would exploit it...But I was involved with a man in my 20s who introduced me to the same drug that you've been talking about and, like Patrice, I always felt that the drug itself is not the problem but that I was addicted to the man. I can't think of anything I wouldn't have done for that man."
   
   Gaines has made great strides growing from a convicted felon to an accomplished, award-winning journalist, and her story will inspire readers of all shades and stripes.

2 comments about Letters to My Children.

1. Dori J. Maynard does an expectional job as co-author of Robert C. Maynard's book "Letters to My Children". It is the best of the late Tribune editor and publisher Maynard, with the sprinkles of love and empathy that only a daughter can reveal. It is timely, and a pleasure to read.

   Events from the 60's, 70's and 80's that had been buried in the recesses of my mind, were gently awakened. The passions that ignited generations during these eras, were rekindled and put back on the burner. Writers who changed the course of journalistic history were again fresh and vibrant.

   "Letters to My Children" is a book that reflects the genius of Mr. Maynard as a writer and the summation of pride and projection felt by a father and husband for his family. He makes reading about an exceptional, unique, intellectual family warm and real. There are no cold spots that leave you hanging for an explanation. Originality permeated the pages. Humor, respect, love and most of all truth went into every thought.

   Mr. Maynard's view of life was through a clear open window. What he saw, felt and believed was reflected in his writings. He portrayed life as a livable adventure and he measured his success by the commitment and dedication of his family to one another.

   "To preserve the family, we must learn to adjust to those changes and shape those to come as best we can," Mr. Maynard writes.

   It is a simple statement, but so profound. Mr. Maynard acknowledged life, inspired the family unit and mastered journalism. Through his writings and beliefs came the wisdom that clearly guided his children to be successful adults.

   "Letters to My Children" is a must read for those who treasure journalistic perfection, realism and most of all a humorous zest for life.




2. A warm, human collection of Robert Maynard's columns over the years on the subjects of love, life, hope, strength and much more, with loving and humorous commentary by his daughter Dori. "The Education of a Young Journalist," which Maynard penned way back in 1986, still stands out from this collection as one of the most inspirational and meaningful columns for me. Robert Maynard was and continues to be a journalistic hero of mine. His work and voice will live on for a long, long time.

5 comments about More Than Money: True Stories of People Who Learned Life's Ultimate Lesson.

1. Mr. Cavuto has done an excellent job of profiling well-known people who have responded to their devastating ordeals with unselfish courage and personal integrity--people who became stronger, better people in the process. Their ordeals brought out the best in them and they, in turn, brought out the best in others. This is a book about the indomitability of the human spirit and, as a cancer survivor myself, I found myself identifying with many of these people. Suffering is universal but how we respond to our suffering makes all the difference, and the people profiled in this book are great role models for all of us. Highly Recommended!



2. This is an inspiring collection that relates the stories of numerous people who have overcome.
   
   The people included have overcome serious diseases, paralysis, family deaths, business failures, and more. It included stories of well known people such as NY Yankees Manager Joe Torre and former Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro.
   
   Cavuto himself has struggled through cancer and Multiple Sclerosis. He doesn't spend a lot of time on his own story, but definitely illustrates that he knows how to overcome. His attitude about his own troubles is really amazing. He talks about how his illnesses have helped him to become more of a human being. Speaking of that, he said: "It's one of the reasons I tell people I'm lucky to have come down with cancer and now MS."
   
   He makes the point that we all struggle and suffer with various issues throughout life. It is the way that we deal with them that makes all the difference.
   
   The only part of it that I didn't appreciate was a section where he was discussing a Congressman who is a quadriplegic. This person has accomplished a lot, which is great. The bad part is that Mr. Cavuto goes into an anti gun diatribe while discussing it. I think that the book would have come across a lot better without that unnecessary rant.
   
   Nevertheless, this is pretty good and has lots of inspiration for those struggling with something. It is a worthwhile read.



3. I watch this dude every time I get a chance. He's cool. His show is intelligent and balanced. It's relaxed but not lazy. He's firm but not overbearing.
   
   For some reason, one of my books is always listed on his amazon page and this one is listed on mine "The Wisdom of Shepherds." (I also wrote The Greatest White Trash Love Story Ever Told,where my email address is displayed). I am honored that my book is connected to Neil's. I would like nothing more than to be on his show-- heck I might even offer up my controversial social-policy opinions or something like that.
   
   Anyway, Neil is the man. Watch him. Buy this book. Seriously, buy this book.



4. It is very nice to see someone talk about business in a way that is touching and human. After all the huge scandals of rich business people screwing the little guy, reading about these heros is quite refreshing. It gives you hope that maybe there are still a lot of GOOD people left in this world.
   
   The stories are very personal, touching, and uplifting. I highly reccomend this book to everyone.



5. Stories of the rich and famous (mostly the rich) who were hit during their richness with a disease, usually a serious disease.
   Cavuto speaks lovingly of them, hard to say whether it was because they were rich and successful or because they didn't go into a tailspin when bad news hit. No great insight, however, comes from his reviews, or interviews, or analysis. The possibilities were there but the book fell short. Sadly, so many people do good things AFTER they are hit by MS or their child is hit by a drunk. Not to minimize their good deeds, but motivation is easier than it would be for Joe Schmoe who simply feels the need to aid the Lepers or feed the hungry or get rapists off the street. While these people took action, it took personal loss to get them off their seats, and as I said, admirable, but motivated by self. Some of what I read between Cavuto's lines is the shock that this could happen to rich people- duh- it happens to all of us and most of us don't have the means to do things about it.

No comments about Lo Que Vi / What I've Seen SPA: Experiencias de un periodista alrededor del mundo.

2 comments about Public Radio: Behind the Voices.

1. This book of profiles is well written and very engrossing. Through a quick and lively prose, the author brings each of her subjects to vivid life right there on the page. I've long been curious about many of the people behind the voices on public radio and this book scratches that itch. I feel like I know them all so much better now when I tune into their programs. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and recomend it highly to all fans of public radio.



2. Lisa Phillips is a master interviewer and engaging storyteller--in person as well as in print, as I found out when I attended a signing at my local library. If she appears at a book store or library near you, don't miss the opportunity to hear her read from this wonderful new book. Lisa is an NPR insider who knows what to ask when interviewing people who interview people all the time. This informative and entertaining book will delight all public radio fans!

No comments about The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.