Format: Book

Target Audience: Black fathers, general population

Description: Although the author's own father fit the stereotype of black men as absent, negligent fathers, he counters the negative image of black fathers.  He interviewed black men about their experiences with their fathers.  Pitts examines how their troubled history with their fathers has impacted their ability to father their own children.  He also explores the painful legacy of low marriage rates among blacks, the dominance of female-headed households, and the broader impact of racism on black families.  This book provides a look at efforts by black men to stop the destructive cycles that many of them have known in their lives.

• It's a collection of experiences of black fathers in their fatherhood role.  The main idea is about black fathers trying to overcome the barriers in the way of being an involved father.
• There isn't a lot of research in the book or "parenting tips" or anything like that, mostly real-life stories and examples of black fathers' experiences with fatherhood.
• I would recommend this book for young never-married black men, especially because it speaks in a language that most can understand.
• It provides for the reader critical, relatable events and allows for one to think "I'm not alone in this." 
• It allows us to read expert opinions from another's observation, always reminding us to pay careful attention to what is best or harmful to the child.
• It is a good resource for young black men who have had a poor relationship or no relationship with their fathers.
• Also lets us look at why we do some of the things we do as parents/fathers in our issues, baggage, or healing our own wounds.
• Many of the issues were dealt with in a psychologically appropriate manner.
• This book is more about enlightenment than fathering suggestions and techniques.  I feel it is more geared toward guidance and understanding to assist African-American fathers in enhancing and achieving a desire to become successful parents.
• The material does promote respect for never-married fathers, their children, and the children's mother.  The book takes a fairly objective approach to many controversial issues.
• It gets to the core of African-American men and fathering while promoting/advocating effective change.
• I took from this a long look at myself: what kind of father I had, what kind of child I was, what kind of father I am, and what kind of father I want to be.
• The book is easy to read.  It flows well and the language is friendly.
• The author does explain culture-related words and situations.
• I found the book extremely helpful in overcoming some of the barriers and obstacles that African-American men/fathers tend to face and accept as par for the course.  I would highly recommend this book to all my clients, present and future.

ISBN: 1563525011

Copyright Date: 1999

Publisher Information:
Longstreet
Atlanta, GA

Cost: $22.00

Reviewers: Tracy Bryant, Brett Dayton, Richard Presberry

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