Rating: 
Summary: One of my favorites!
Review: I read this book nearly five years ago and it is one of my favorites. Rather than go into detail about the book's content, I want to respond to the reviewers who think of Nathan as a "coward" "petty criminal" a "disgrace" etc. Many of Nathan's critics say that they enjoy the writing, but not the author. It's amazing how arrogant and judgemental people can become when looking at someone else's life through their own particular and narrow lens. Real life is real life! On the one hand, many of the critics understand and agree with McCall's description/account of American Racism. However, they fail to see the negative affects of it in its many forms and the impact it has on real people's lives. Given the ills and statistics regarding the plight of African American men in America, do the critics truly beleive that ALL will turn out like, let's say, Bryant Gumble or Michael Jordan (who've also had trial and struggles along the way)? If the critics would simply excercise some EMPATHY, not SYMPATHY, they would understand and respect McCall's (and countless other African American Mens') struggle to overcome the many issues they face and their desire to grow into a more whole, productive person. Nathan could have kept his REALITY to himself, but instead, he nobly chose to share it with others in an effort to illuminate the REALITY, not the fantasy existence of African American men in America. By the way, one does have the right to "Holler" along their journey of improvement.
Rating:
Summary: Read often and pass on to others!
Review: I love this book! As a woman, I did cringe during certain parts, but my heart opened as McCall reflects back on the wrong things he has done and shows where his mind was then and where it is now. It is definitely a journey from a confused boy then to a REAL MAN today. The fact that he was so screwed up, yet grew up and is now an educated black man trying to help others out is very motivational and gives me hope for today's confused boys. :) Also, I was working in a newsroom when I first read this book a few years ago and COMPLETELY identified with the drama he went through in the later half of the book. Overall, McCall is an excellent writer, and his personal story was very, very interesting!
Rating:
Summary: Very Enlightening
Review: I read this book many years ago. It is an excellent written story of McCall's life. This book in its own way helped me to better understand the Black Man. McCall has opened his soul in this story the good and the bad. Right down to his relationship with his childrens mother. I was very enlightened by his story. Men aren't normally open enough to show you this part of them. I highly recommend all black women reading it.
Rating: 
Summary: Hard Head to Good Sense
Review: Although I was going to put down the book during the first quarter, because of the vulgarity, I became absorbed in his transition into "a butterfly". It was interesting to see how the writer, McCall, had me anxiously wanting to completely see how he handled his next moves and decisions. His life reflects how, unfortunately, some very young men's course of action lead. TV and environment influenced, no doubt. His wanting to Holler, I can relate to as a Black woman. Just as you're believing everything will be smooth, a rocky mountain stands before us to climb. Interesting outcome and reading.
Rating:
Summary: REAL
Review: So McCall isn't exactly a role model for black youth. He keeps it REAL! He isn't telling people to follow in his footsteps; on the contrary, he is giving warning. I think people are offended because he isn't ashamed. But what is the point in shame? There is only the truth, and the gift of lessons...McCall is speaking out about his truth, his reality, with no sugar-coating, with no glorification. He is telling you his story, and whether you like the content or not, it's what really happened. So instead of scolding him, lets congratulate him on his honesty. It is my belief that McCall wrote this with the best intentions in mind. I just wish there were more kids out there that could actually read; it's those who can't or won't who would probably most benefit from this autobiography.
Rating:
Summary: Very Powerful
Review: I am not an African American. None the less I found this book extremely powerful. Did Nathan McCall make all the right decisions in his life? Hell, no. He even made some very bad ones. However, the emotions behind his story sound very real to me. Its very difficult growing up a minority in a Middle Class neighborhood where you are badly outnumbered. As a grade school student, Mr. McCall was badly outnumbered by his peers and teachers and this clearly shaped him into an angry young man. This book goes to show that young people need critical role models and all avenues during their growing up period of their lives. Teachers, principal, parents, children, police officers and more should all be constantly educated to the evils of prejudice versus Blacks, Jews, Spanish, Asian,and all other minorities. This memoir gives a very accurate account of what can happen when the evils of society corrupt our youth specifically minorities. Fortunately, Mr. McCall found some productive resources in society today. You may not agree with alot of what Mr. McCall did as a youth or even as an adult, but he addresses issues that are very critical in our world today. Therefore, he has given us a very valuable gift with this autobiography.
Rating:
Summary: Kudos to Nathan McCall!-Fresh-Real-Vivid!
Review: I read this book in 1996, and I will never forget it. This is the only book that has ever made me feel as though I was experiencing some of the feelings right along with the characters. This is realism at its best! Reading this book was as though Mr. McCall was sitting next to me telling his story in person. YOU GO BOY!
Rating: 
Summary: Thug as Thug Can Be!
Review: I read this book in 1995 at the suggestion of a friend. It was only the second novel I've ever read. I wasn't impressed by the writings of a life style chosen just to fit in with the rest of street trash. At every point in his life, McCall had a chance to do the right thing. Instead he chose to live the life style that he writes about in order to fit in with the crowd. At any given time, he could have walked the straight and narrow. When I see the amount of energy he put into being the worst he could be, he could just as well put that same amount of energy into being the best he could be. The one point that really sticks out in my mind is that he readily admits that he had decent role models in his step father and mother. I'm not from an urban area, and even in small town USA, this same type of character can be found. So what's the big deal about him finally getting his mind set straight so that he could become a contributing member of society. He still doesn't impress me with how he's handling his child. Has he become a REAL father yet? So do I sit down and write a book to admonish my life style and make a buck? If you're African American, you've got a story to tell also.
Rating:
Summary: A Book Written By A Very Disturbed Man
Review: While I found this book to be eminently readable, I became moreand more disgusted with the author as I read deeper and deeper intothe story.Yes, life is hard for those who grow up in the projects. Yes, there is institutional racism that makes it particularly hard for a young black man to attain success in America. Nevertheless, that is not an excuse for theft, gang violence, and rape. On top of all that, McCall remains unrepentant to the end. He blames society for the crimes he committed, and he refuses to accept responsibility for his own life. A prime example of this is the children he fathers out of wedlock. For some reason he thinks that these women get pregnant just to manipulate him, which provides yet another convenient excuse for failure to support the child. Heaven forbid that these women actually expect the father of their children to provide child support! Nathan McCall's book does make a very important social statement, but sadly much of it gets lost in the ego of this very disturbed man.
Rating:
Summary: Wow
Review: Makes Me Wanna Holler is a book that every man and woman of every color and ethnic background should read. If you are interested in race and ethnic relations- read it. If you are not interested in race and ethnic relations- read it and you will be. The book is sometimes painful to read, but you will find yourself engrossed in the story of this black man's life. Mr. McCall's struggle to understand the social context of the black experience in American society is at the same time tragic, and eye-opening. This book should be required reading at the high school level...but in today's society, that will never happen.
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