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

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Summary: A Must Read
Review: Anyone ever wanting a view into the psyche of a black man should pick this up. Michael Datcher speaks openly and honestly about the everyday issues of black men. I thought only I experienced these issues and had these feelings until I read this book. I found myself agreeing, laughing, reminiscing, and so on. I recommend this book to everyone, regardless of race or sex.

Rating:
Summary: Good read
Review: Well writting autobiographical novel. Would have special apeal to any Black man born and/or living in urban California.

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Summary: A most fabulous read! Michael Datcher is fabulolus!
Review: My book club and I are reading this book for this months choice. I just finished it . . . and I'm in love! It's writen beautifully and strategically and will be a great book club conversation book. I highly recommend it! I finished it in one day!

Rating:
Summary: A honest and accurate view into the black man psyche.
Review: At first, I was sure if i wanted to read this book because it was suggested in my book club (i'm the only male) cause i thought it was going to be another stereotypical, E. Lynn Harris-type black love story. I am so glad that i was wrong. This book touched on almost everything i've thought about as a black, heterosexual man growing up in white america. His imagery and word usage made me feel like i was right there on the block growing up with him or in the poetry club listen to him spit his poetry. I HIGHLY recommend black men to read this because we have been through one or all of the things Datcher touches on in this novel. An excellent read!

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Summary: Beautiful Book
Review: I simply fell in love with this book. Beyond being a socially conscious book that every Black man and woman in America should read, the author's use of language and metaphors makes for classic literature.

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Summary: Loved this book!
Review: This may be written from a black man's perspective, but it resonated with me (a white woman) as well. His writing is so emotionally compelling, I wanted to help through his dilemmas. I wanted him to help me through mine as well. Mostly, I just accepted the incredible gift of language and poetry that he shared in this book. My favorite lines are the ones he uses to describe what he needs to be happy. "I'm not looking for a perfect person, I'm looking for a perfect match. A coworker to build my picket fence." I hope we all find that match.

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Summary: Not just Raising Fences, raising consciousness!
Review: This is a thoughtful, insightful peek into a violent world that most of us only know through media snippets. What drew me in as a reader was Datcher's compassion for others, his recognition of his own vulnerability, and his ability to show the human condition with dignity and occasionally humor. I read this book in two days, and I wasn't ready to leave these people. I just wanted to keep living day to day with him and his wife, his friends, and his community. Beautifully written!

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Summary: YEEEESSSS! Thats it!You got it! Michael...........
Review: This is the stuff positive black movies are made up of... Michael maintained his urban flavour without necessary dumbing down the quality of the story. Its a beautiful well-told familiar story, and clearly comes from a vey honest space. A definate must have

Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: I bought this book because of the "Today" show book club. I was very pleased to find a book about an african american male that was as uplifting as this one. I was really impressed with Michael's desire to not be like the stereotypical black male. I really liked his desire to be different, to really try to amount to something. I really recommend this book and I hope the author has another one in the works soon.

Rating:
Summary: Raising Fences is Needed
Review: I have worked with rural youth on an Indian Reservation. I see many patterns with minority children as with Mr. Datcher's book. We need to know the proper insight on helping not documenting. Black America is a reflection and an unfortunant leader in the principles of poverty and confused justice. I feel this book is a good read in the fact it represents all miniority's who face fatherless situations.