Raising Fences by Michael Datcher

Rating:   PENS!!!!

Raising the Standard

Michael Datcher's autobiography deserves to be considered a new classic. His honest assessment of his life parallels with America's open wound- its treatment of African American men. Datcher begins his story the day he receives his birth certificate. He finds his father's information not present on the record, which becomes a strong metaphor for the way in which he chooses to live his life thereafter. He makes huge mistakes, isn't afraid to piss his readers off, and inevitably earns their respect. He discusses his position on unprotected sex, gang life, and abortion to name a few with a fresh and unabashed honesty. As I turn the first pages of the book I root for him to win at something, anything. Not only does he wins, but he wins big. He enrolls in UCLA, obtains his Ma sters Degree, and pens this National Bestseller.

Usually I'm skeptical about book club selections. But I am so wrong in this case. This book is good to the last drop. It is concise and focused. It is a quick read and a good one. Datcher's use of dialogue seals its authenticity. I want to read more of his work.

I recommend this book to every women raising sons, every woman in a relationship with not only black men, but men of all nations, and I recommend this to authors who want to tell their life stories.

Dee Stewart

R.E.A.L. Reviewers

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