The Harris Men

Rating:
Summary: Controversy, Controversy
Review: I had heard a lot about this book but was disappointed. From page one until the end, there was nothing but controversy. Brother against brother--brother against wife--brother against girlfriend--brother against dad--brother against the world! Nearly in every chapter, the brothers were either fighting each other or cursing each other out.

The story is told mostly in narratives. The dialogue is a bit offy considering these are African-American men and women speaking. Especially considering the fact that the men had to practically raise themselves after their mother died.

Austin's character did not appeal to me. He just didn't seem like a real black man. He seemed like a foreigner who could not come to grips with American family culture.

The character, Blue, for him to have been a "street hood," and no doubt a school dropout, he spoke entirely too intelligent, although most street hoods are very insightful.

Although Mr. Johnson did a good job with introducing the reader to each scene, it seems as though he's written this book as a screenplay.

I must admit, however, there is some truth to character environment, i.e., my dad left me and my mom, so I think I'll do the same thing to my family.

I'm just giving my honest opinion. But I believe that Mr. Johnson will be very successful in his writing endeavors.

Rating:
Summary: I Can Relate
Review: R.M. Harris hits a homerun. This book enlightens the world to the affects abandonment can have on loved ones. It also shows us that if we empower our self we can over come lifes obstacles. We can achieve inspite of the difficultlies that we may have. Coming up without a good realtionship with my father, I can feel Caleb's pain. This book should be read by all parents, parents to be and anyone that has a relationship with a child/children.

Rating:
Summary: Growing up fatherless...
Review: I really enjoyed this realistic story of a family torn apart by the father's absence and the effect it had on the sons and their relationships as grown men. I could definitely see the author in his characters even though I haven't met him.
As soon as I finished I was ready for the next book!! -ES

Rating:
Summary: Real Men
Review: I loved the Harris Men. They were real with real lives and problems. The writer tells a very compelling story of a family of men, three of which grew up without a father. While there is never a GOOD excuse for leaving you children. The writer tells a story that is all too familiar with men today but he also tries to help the reader understand how it can happen and its effects. I remember reading a review of the book prior to reading it and the reviewed stated that both men and women would learn from it. They do indeed!

RM Johnson has done a very good job on his first novel. As an advid reader I can tell you from experience, we'll be hearing a lot about him in the future if he continues producing good reading as he has done with the Harris Men. I'm planning to read Father Found, his second novel. I'll let you know when I'm finished.