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Summary: Phenomenal Journey
Review: Michael Datcher's "Raising Fences" is an overwhelmingly brilliant landmark on the African-American literary map. With a fresh voice and inimitable style, Datcher steers readers' minds through the murky terrain of life for brothers in America. The true beauty of this concise, poetic masterpiece is that it captures the essence of a societal aha moment familiar to African-Americans: From Ph.D. to GED, the struggle for equality continues.The communal Black Experience envelops Mr. Datcher from Indiana to California, with great tidbits and revelations along the way. This is definitely a must read, a keepsake for bookshelves across the country.
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Summary: Absolutely heartfelt
Review: This story was written well. Poetic and honest, genuine good writing. Michael Datcher writes bravely about women, men and the issues that bond us...children even when we don't want to be bonded. Looking forward to his next work.
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Summary: Datcher Heading For Best-seller List!
Review: Michael Datcher's clean, crisp narrative touches Black Americans where their souls live. This book offers a refreshing view of Black manhood and the Black family. The vivid pictures he creates in his story move like the book is playing on the big screen. How about it HBO? A story that shines the light on amazing men who love and cherish their families and women. We certainly could use more of these kind of films to even out the ones that portray Black men in a negative light. The flavor of Datcher's writing is unique, new and appealing to frustrated audiences. In music terms, this one is going platinum. And keep em' coming brother Mike! Blessings, Ta'Shia Asanti, In the Black Magazine
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Summary: A VERY MOVING STORY!!!
Review: RAISING FENCES is a breathtaking account of one black man's (Michael Datcher) journey from childhood to the remarkable man he is today. Told with such truth and emotion, RAISING FENCES depicts Mr. Datcher's experience being parented by an adoptive mother, who definately sets a solid foundation for his growth into manhood, and moves through a forest of obstacles that ultimately leads him into lifelong decisions about and for his future. This book is not only about family, friends, relationships, love and deception...... but also about growth and identity. Exceptionally written and poetically told, RAISING FENCES is a book for ALL to read so much so, you will be left intoxicated with words of wisdom!
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Summary: A must read!
Review: I can't say enough good things about this book. Michael Datcher is painfully honest, while giving us his story with humor, insight and hope. I urge you to read this book and pass it on to the men in your life who need uplifting, or just want to read a man's story told in a man's voice.
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Summary: "A go getter"
Review: this book is a; to me that you would never think a man would write ,and yes i did mean it when i said that the book is a go getter.And I think anybody that reads this review should really consider reading this book.And i am willing to read another book by Michael Datcher.
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Summary: A well-written sketch of urban black life.
Review: Excellent! Well-written! I couldn't put it down. Having grown up in Long Beach, I began to relive that urban area. Looking forward to more work by this insightful black author.
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Summary: A mixed bag
Review: I found this book to be a mixed bag. At times too corny and over-emotional (the poetry), at times too vulgar and graphic for my taste (like the way his goatee smelled after sex) but a true masterpiece of what it means to be a black man in America these days. It was a great learning experience that will only teach tolerance and understanding in between all races. I am of Latin origin and feel that our feelings and challenges as a culture are often misunderstood. Overall, I thought it was an average book, but a must-read to increase the understanding of the reality of the African-American community in the America.
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Summary: Breathtaking
Review: I was chapter or two into this book before I realized it was non-fiction. Michael Datcher's style is so vivid and fluid I thought "Raising Fences" was a story he'd spun from his imagination. Once I realized it was a memoir, I was that much more intrigued by his story. Datcher takes the reader through some of the defining moments in his life. His tale may not be much different than many other men, but he bravely lays himself wide open for his readers in a way that must have been painful but also necessary. His life-long ache for a father, his stuttering speech impediment, his painful spiritual soul-searching (which leads him to join a cult-like religion), and his damaging experience with a dishonest woman are all shared with honesty and grit. Happily, Datcher's story ends on a high note, and by the time you reach the end of this book you'll want to cry tears of joy for him. Read this book. You won't be disappointed. I admire the hell out of Datcher for having the heart to write this book.
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Summary: My Flip Side of Love Revealed
Review: When I first purchased this book, I wondered if the title would live up to its claim - "A Black Man's Love Story". I have always been an avid reader of African American romance novels and all contemporary African American male authors have not disappointed thus far. From E. Jerome Dickey to Colin Channer, I have grown to appreciate the emotional upheaval African American men go through dealing with their loves on a daily basis. I was delighted to find Michael Datcher experiencing a lot of the same things in his life that I have come across in mine. His eloquence in writing about his lack of a relationship with his Father and his desire to be a better husband for his spouse helped me realize my husband deals with a lot of baggage that I bring to our table. I am awed by the love for his wife Mr. Datcher so openly shares with the reader. It sounds like he has found a way to raise his fences. My husband and I continue to raise ours. Thanks for sharing what's in your heart and soul with me.
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