Book Description
"I have no wish to play the pontificating fool, pretending that I've suddenly come up with the answers to all life's questions. Quite that contrary, I began this book as an exploration, an exercise in self-questing. In other words, I wanted to find out, as I looked back at a long and complicated life, with many twists and turns, how well I've done at measuring up to the values I myself have set."
—Sidney Poitier
In this luminous memoir, a true American icon looks back on his celebrated life and career. His body of work is arguably the most morally significant in cinematic history, and the power and influence of that work are indicative of the character of the man behind the many storied roles. Sidney Poitier here explores these elements of character and personal values to take his own measure—as a man, as a husband and a father, and as an actor.
Poitier credits his parents and his childhood on tiny Cat Island in the Bahamas for equipping him with the unflinching sense of right and wrong and of self-worth that he has never surrendered and that have dramatically shaped his world. "In the kind of place where I grew up," recalls Poitier, "what's coming at you is the sound of the sea and the smell of the wind and momma's voice and the voice of your dad and the craziness of your brothers and sisters...and that's it." Without television, radio, and material distractions to obscure what matters most, he could enjoy the simple things, endure the long commitments, and find true meaning in his life.
Poitier was uncompromising as he pursued a personal and public life that would honor his upbringing and the invaluable legacy of his parents. Just a few years after his introduction to indoor plumbing and the automobile, Poitier broke racial barrier after racial barrier to launch a pioneering acting career. Committed to the notion that what one does for a living articulates to who one is, Poitier played only forceful and affecting characters who said something positive, useful, and lasting about the human condition.
Here is Poitier's own introspective look at what has informed his performances and his life. Poitier explores the nature of sacrifice and commitment, price and humility, rage and forgiveness, and paying the price for artistic integrity. What emerges is a picture of a man in the face of limits—his own and the world's. A triumph of the spirit, The Measure of a Man captures the essential Poitier.
Customer Reviews:
Nice man, wandering story..........2007-10-04
I had to force myself to finish this book, simply because I didn't want to waste my money by leaving it when I was tempted to. It was interesting to realize that an actor whose work I had appreciated came from such a spare beginning, but by halfway through the book, the continuous wandering asides and disclaimers of the author so overwhelmed the narrative that I could barely tolerate it. It seems to me that the story could have been told to greater effect with half the words!
****LOVED IT****.......2007-09-24
Kept me interested...I really enjoyed this book...I couldn't put the book down until I finished reading it!!!!
MEASURE OF A MAN does not measure up.......2007-09-21
Wow, a book about Sidney Poitier. An outstanding actor with a book that just does not give him true justice. The reading tends to be dry and lacks substance. His life struggles could have been the story of any man or woman, black or white. The writing and editing are weak in some sections.
You should rent or buy one of Poitier's movies instead. His movie roles show his true skills.
SPIRITUAL "Of, Relating to, Consisting of, or Affecting the Spirit" MERRIAM-WEBSTER.......2007-08-30
I've always been smitten with Poitier's voice--his diction and control on film, the flow of his words as they travel in and around ideas during interviews--so I read THE MEASURE OF A MAN with an ear for his voice. I wondered, Is it translatable to print? It is, but that means allowing Poitier's thoughts to meander until they find their point, and that his thoughts are less formulated (or formal) and more "in his own words," than they might be if they were written by a biographer. (I read just enough "You know?"s "You hear me when I tell you?"s and "You follow?"s to feel like he was talking to me, but not too many to be annoyed.) I read to imagine what it might be like to have a conversation with Poitier. The book reinforced what I already knew--I'd be as intimidated as heck--but it also gave me the courage to think I'd be able to speak my mind.
As an editor, I read Poitier's book because I wanted to know how he defines a "spiritual" autobiography. Is it a I-Was-A-Sinner-But-I-Found-Jesus-And-Now-I'm-Saved chronology? Is it about how Christianity or another faith influenced his life? Neither. Poitier examines the people, events, circumstances, beliefs, and so on, which have related to, consisted of, or affected his "spirit," and, in doing so, he writes about childhood experiences in the Bahamas, his changing perceptions of his parents, how he adapts to living in the United States, his approach to acting and filmmaking, and his attitude toward fatherhood. He also shares a debate a friend and he had about the Basic Truth of Nature, a debate worth every second of reading it takes to get to.
Is THE MEASURE OF A MAN going to satisfy readers interested only in Poitier's film career? No, but I urge them to read it anyway, if for no other reason than to find out how his "spirit" influenced the films he starred in.
Books.......2007-08-21
I purchased this book for my daughter and she loved it!
She is a teacher and plans to teach this story in her English class fall 2007.
A great story with a great moral.
Book Description
You would think that a guy who has been on the cover of Men's Health magazine 15 times would be a perfect genetic specimen. And yet Owen McKibbin has been plagued by catastrophic injuries, a potentially crippling birth defect, and a family history of obesity and premature death from heart disease. Owen's message is one of profound hope and personal empowerment. In revealing how he persevered through athletic injuries, he shows readers how they can work past the obstacles in their lives to achieve a level of health and fitness they dreamed about but never imagined possible. Among the features in the book: -The four-part, 16-week Cover Model Workout. This is a 0-to-60 exercise program designed to help any guy build muscle and burn fat. -His unique strategy for avoiding injuries and preventing future ones. The secret: 'integrity days,' wherein he spends one workout a week shoring up the muscles and joints most susceptible to injury. -The Cover Model Diet plan Most of all, Owen shows readers how to approach fitness and exercise as a lifelong habit.
Customer Reviews:
Inspiring Story and Solid Workout and Eating Plan.......2006-10-21
I've got to admit that when I first saw this book in a store, I laughed to myself, "Cover Model Workout, they MUST be joking!".
I thought it was the most ridiculous thing I'd ever seen!
For some reason though, every time I'd see it in that same book store I was becoming more and more curious to see exactly what it was about. For kicks, I decided to look at it here and there and even looked up some reviews on Amazon. There were enough positive reviews to make me try to find out more about it.
Then I decided to see if I could take it out via my local library system. I actually liked it enough to go back to that store and purchase it.
I find Owen's story to be very interesting and inspiring. He definitely had more genetic difficulties to overcome than most people I know (in terms of propensity to heart problems and obesity, not to mention his spine).For a person with all that going against him to achieve a world class physique in spite of that is remarkable. It's easy for us to look at him now and think that it came easy to him, but unless he's completely making this stuff up, he had a lot to overcome. He is also brutally honest about his shortcomings of the past regarding the idiotic things he did in his younger days and how he learned to transcend them as he grew into a more mature person.
As far as the workouts go, I have to admit that it's rare that I follow any particular plan in a book to the letter because I've been working out for a long time (well over twenty years). I have found that using various combinations of disciplines works best for me. I do Pilates and Yoga every day and also weight train twice a week. I do an intense upper body workout on Saturdays and then an intense leg workout on Wednesdays. I use some pretty high intensity techniques so two weight training days is all I need in addition to the daily Pilates and Yoga.
My main interest in a book such as this is for extra motivation (one can never have to much of that) and I always pick up something I can use. I'm sure at some point I'll give some of those workouts a try to mix things up, though with all the Pilates I'm set in the Abs dept.
Anyway, while I can't give you the play by play results from doing this workout program I found the book definitely has a lot of positives. One of the best things about it is that you get to hear from a guy who looks like a human being instead of a "juice monster". I appreciate the fact that he's truly attained his physique naturally and that the strongest supplements he recomends are Whey protein and vitamins. That sort of thing is rare in these days where "so called" natural bodybuilders are using all sorts of crap that are far from natural, perhaps they aren't illegal (yet) but they are far from natural!
Also Owen's approach to eating is more of an overall approach to the subject rather than a specific food program. This makes it infinitely more practical and doable. His approach to nutrition is very similar to Baron Baptiste's in his incredible book "Journey Into Power" which is a book written about Power Yoga (though it's more of a complete healthy lifestyle approach than just a Yoga book). I've kept my weight within five pounds of my target weight for many years thanks go Baron's concepts and Owen's approach is very close.
So, if you can get past the whole deal with the book being called the "Cover Model Workout", I think you'll find there's a lot of good food for thought in this book. It's written in a very conversational tone which I find makes it an enjoyable as well as informative read.
Highly Motivational, but Lacking "Average Joe Photos".......2006-04-28
I use "Body for Life" for technique and motivation; I use "Cover Model Workout" for even more motivation. Since I can't rate this "3.5 stars", I've rounded down to "3 stars"; I feel that books such as "Men's Health Belly-Off Program" and "Body for Life" have significantly raised the bar for health/fitness program books by showing many before-and-after photos of Average Joe's who've followed the program. "Cover Model Workout" mainly shows pictures of Owen McKibbin in perfect shape, who is the centerpiece of the book. If the program works, then the book should be able to present before-and-after photos of Average Joe's, while still presenting Owen McKibben as the developer/inspiration/philosopher behind the program who lends it credibility via his career and accomplishments. I'd like to see a second edition of "Cover Model Workout" with a large number of before-and-after photos of those who followed this program!
Great workout plan.......2005-09-10
Owen McKibbin has obviously accomplished a lot in his life...just his bibliography was an exciting read. More importantly to the function of the book, though, I found great workout advice, too. The concepts he outlines are great. I've been following phase 1 for a few weeks now, and I've seen noticeable results in my physical fitness. I've been lifting for almost 6 years now as it is, and I can say that this program, when executed correctly, MUST give results.
It's OK but there are MUCH better resources..........2005-03-28
I've been using the principles of the "Ab's Diet" and then wanted to bump it up a notch and then purchased BFFM (Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle) online which the Ab's Diet seems to be "based" on - ok, basically they ripped it off. I've gone from 215 to 178 pounds in roughly 5 months with some really nice changes in my physique...I would highly recommend both related programs...the Ab's Diet simply makes BFFM more commercial/palatable plus it gives you some great smoothie recipes.
Now, with that said, I previewed and then returned this book by McKibben & Garrett. It's based on the same principles as the Ab's Diet (Men's Health) and BFFM but it's really thin in terms of useful information compared to the other two sources. Also, while somewhat inspirational, you have to understand that McKibben has been lifting since high school and he has the time to concentrate on his physique so don't expect to look like him at all. The only thing I got out of it were workouts that I could use to change things up while building muscle. I also don't like the Abs Diet's over-reliance on muscle to burn fat over cardio when, in reality, I do agree with McKibben that they should be valued equally because while they burn fat in different ways they compliment each other.
The bottom line is that you should get BFFM and the Ab's Diet and only read McKibben's book if you can get it cheap and/or free. It's a lite version of the other two programs. In fact, if you were to purchase these items get the Ab's Diet first (not because it's better by the way!)...then buy BFFM (the BEST resource on fat loss by far - but it is involved - like getting a graduate degree in fat loss)...and then get McKibben's book if it's offered on the sale rack for next to nothing just for reinforcement/entertainment/limited information.
There's a solid program underneath it all.......2005-02-18
I enjoyed some of the other reviews written here. Yes, it has a copious amount of cheesy cover model shots. I have one of the earlier hardbound versions and it's practically coffee table material with all the glossy pages, etc. And, while his personal story is motivating, the important part is that he's just another normal guy who's had his share of challenges but hasn't quit. That makes him a lot like most of us.
Here's the nuts and bolts - I drilled past the glossy stuff and did what Owen said. I have followed his program (admittedly not very perfectly)for a little over 12 months now. In that time, I have lost over 50 pounds (225 down to 173), have dropped over 6 inches from my waist ( >38" down to 31"), and, most surprisingly, have gotten stronger the entire time.
I followed another program by the same publisher, The Testosterone Advantage Plan, with much less results. They didn't have the same emphasis on cardiovascular. I was very strict with that program, even keeping a comprehensive spreadsheet on everything I ate to follow their caloric metrics. I got much stronger, but my overall health didn't improve, and I never achieved any appreciable definition. I continued to gain weight on that program.
After years of wildly fluctuating weight and a variety of starts and stops with a multitude of exercises (weight-lifting, running, cycling, etc), I've finally found a well-balanced program that stresses common-sense with diet - that works!
The exercise program is well-thought out and includes proper focus on preventing injury. Those who are looking for someone to spoon-feed them a diet plan for each and every meal or snack need to look for another book. Owen provides something every adult really needs - common-sense guidelines for eating, no matter where you are or who you're with. I don't know about you, but I don't want to spend my days eating cheese, olives, bacon and steak for every meal, or having to measure every single item before it goes in my body. I want the freedom to make sensible choices. Just give me some guidelines I can actually live with and stick to.
And, I quit going to the gym before I even started this one. It's all been done on my basement weight set and 12-year-old Nordic Track. This is not a program for bulking up. If you want serious dense and lean muscle in the right proportions with plenty of cuts and separations, this is the real deal. If you want a physique that works on the basketball court or in a suit at work, give this a shot.
Average customer rating:
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Apt.301
Will Anderson
Manufacturer: YewTree Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Philip-Lorca diCorcia
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The Photobook: A History - Volume 2
ASIN: 1933029595 |
Product Description
Will Anderson came to America at the age of twenty-five to follow a career in graphic design with no idea that he would be working as a male fashion model a year later. After living in several different agency accommodations he eventually found himself senior resident and de facto handyman of a hostel-style apartment provided by one of the world s most prestigious modeling agencies. Over a period of six years he lived with more than two hundred and fifty young emerging male models, each aspiring to become one of the few highly paid icons that adorn the world s fashion magazines, billboards and couture catwalks. During this time Will Anderson produced a body of photographs of life in the various apartments. He has used some of these photographs in his book Apt.301, to represent typical aspects of the transient environment in which young male models start their careers. Some of their stories from interviews are included in this book.
Customer Reviews:
Beefcake At Its Best.......2007-09-16
Outstanding large format, this book provides an excellent look back into vintage athletic model photography. Each photo is professionally reproducted with amazing clarity. Page after page of photographs, with their lighting,shadows and props is a magniicent tribute to the artistry that is Bob Mizer. If a memorable pictorial loaded with pictures and not overburdened with text is what you seek - this is the book for you. I highly recommend this publication to any dedicated collector of classic athletic models. Of particular interest is the section dedicated to the 50's and early-mid 60. A must see.
Average customer rating:
- A Herculean Accomplishment: The First of its Kind
|
Sexual Abuse of Males: The SAM Model of Theory and Practice
Josef Spiegel
Manufacturer: Brunner-Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Adolescent Psychology
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Similar Items:
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Don't Tell: The Sexual Abuse of Boys
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Family Counseling and Therapy
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Group Treatment for Substance Abuse: A Stages-of-Change Therapy Manual
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Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Obesity: A Clinician's Guide
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Victims No Longer: The Classic Guide for Men Recovering from Sexual Child Abuse
ASIN: 1560324031 |
Book Description
This comprehensive text is one of the first to tackle the grave matter of the sexual abuse of boys, in all its complexity, within a biopsychosocial context and from different vantage points. Based on the life histories of more than one thousand sexually abused boys and adult males with histories of childhood sexual abuse,Sexual Abuse of Males examines the myriad biological, psychological, interpersonal, familial, and social variables that underlie and impact the experience of childhood sexual abuse. Guided by research and informed by practice, this pioneering text presents an extensive review of the literature, a well-grounded theoretical model of abuse dynamics and effects, a systematic model of treatment. This information is further elucidated through compelling case illustrations that highlight the effects of sexual abuse with regard to biological, psychological, and social adaptation, and development.
Customer Reviews:
A Herculean Accomplishment: The First of its Kind.......2003-11-24
"Sexual Abuse of Males: The SAM Model of Theory & Practice", is a book unlike any others on this emerging, sensitive, and complex subject. Although it is primarily written for a professional audience (clinicians and researchers), it is nevertheless a tremendous resource for anyone interested in the subject-including survivors of sexual abuse. Responding to the relative lack of both public and professional knowledge regarding the childhood sexual abuse of males-the recent scandals of Catholic priests' abuse of males not withstanding, this 2003 published book accomplishes, in my view 5 main objectives: 1) Identifies and addresses the societal and professional lack of knowledge, misinformation, bias, myths & erroneous assumptions, and widespread stereotyping concerning sexually abused males, 2)Briefly describes, refers to, and otherwise pulls together many of the more than 500 research reports he cites in a remarkably clear and efficient manner, 3)Outlines the major psychological, emotional, biological, social,
individual, and behavioral short and long-term effects often resulting from this trauma, 4) Briefly discusses some of the major conceptual models regarding sexual abuse of males-arguing for the necessity of a specific model that is not embedded in the models based upon female sexual abuse, and 5) Presents an extremely comprehensive, specific, and well-researched model specific to the unique treatment needs of the male sexual abuse survivor. Lastly, and most importantly the depth and breadth, the thoroughness, and professional care with which this resource has been assembled is both a testament to the author's professional diligence and care regarding this important societal issue, as much as it is a statement of understanding and empathy for survivors, and consequently an invitation for society in general and professionals in particular to open up the pathways of healing, resilience, and hope for male sexual abuse survivors everywhere.
Book Description
Fourteen novels and counting, New York Times bestselling author Omar Tyree returns with What They Want, adding another sexy, scorching novel to his growing list of urban literature.
Successful male model Terrance Mitchell had no plans at all to ever settle down. For what? Being single was freedom, where relationships were binding. Nor did he have any plans for a family, with snotty-nosed kids running around, cramping his style, and eating for free. To hell with all that.
Terrance loved his life as is. He was a well-traveled, good-looking male model in an industry full of insatiable and insecure beautiful women. Women who adored him and were willing to do almost anything to prove it. He liked it that way. And he had become accustomed to it.
Then it happened. One of his beautiful women fell over the cuckoo's nest and shattered his peace of mind. From then on, Terrance could never again lead the blind mice with his flute without feeling guilty about it. He realized that women had a purpose for him. That they had dreams and aspirations that included his participation. Of course, a man in his position, constantly surrounded by beautiful women, would know this already. But just because he knew what women wanted didn't mean he was capable of or willing to give it to them. Nevertheless, Terrance suddenly felt inspired to try.
From an award-winning novelist and storyteller, What They Want is Omar Tyree's most provocative and seductive novel to date.
Customer Reviews:
Great! Great!.......2007-09-07
At first I thought that this character was just going to be a straight hoe throughout the book and he wouldnt see the error of his ways. But he really stops and thinks about what he is doing and how it actually affects the women in his life, he really sees the trees and not just the forest. Omar Tyree is exceptional at story telling and his books are always page turners. I cant put it down and I cant wait for the next one that he brings to the table. Bravo!
Highly Disappointed .......2007-08-22
I know I'm not much of an Omar Tyree fan, and I normally don't even take time to write reviews, but this book was so terrible, I just wanted to warn others, DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME. If you like a book that has ABSOLUTELY no point to it whatsoever, than this is a good book, but the plot had no purpose. All it was about was how many women the main character could sleep with. And don't get me wrong, I love erotica, but this was NOT erotica. If you want sex, stick to Zane, this book just didn't do it for me!
Good Read.......2007-08-22
I was disappointed to read the other reviews but everyone has their own opinion. I feel that this book was very up to date with the current dating world. I am a successful single 24 year old woman living in the Atlanta area (like the character Terence) and that is just the way things are now. The character reminded me of a lot of guys I have met and tried to avoid. If you are not in the dating world then you won't understand this book. I feel this is a great book for intelligent young single black woman who want to know how guys think about you from your first impressions to the way you carry yourself and the things you say. Not saying that all men are the same but they are all very similiar especially the way they feel about women. It gave me alot of tips about what to say and do around a successful single black man. Some people are a little too uptight but what did you expect from a book from Omar Tyree? You might learn a few tricks to use with your partner to tell you the truth.
Dont waste your time.......2007-08-19
this book is all about sex and is totally predictable. thank GOD i checked it out from the library and didnt spend my money on it.
Very Hot Book.............2007-06-10
I really enjoyed this book and I think Tyree is up to his old and very successful tricks of weaving a powerful tale. I would highly suggest this book to others AND I would suggest a new author as well. A Black College Nightmare (link below) takes the same type of story with just as much heat!
A Black College Nightmare (The Black College Lamentations Series)
Book Description
In this debut book, photographer Lalli offers an edgy and alluring look at a new generation of models at play. An intimage and seductive visiton of male beauty and desire, this collection of images marks a new and subversive stage in the developing art of guy portraiture.
Customer Reviews:
VERY INTERESTING.......2007-01-24
This photographer has a GREAT EYE and see's things and men in an interesting way .. you'll enjoy it
Not Much To Get Excited About Here.......2004-09-12
Supposedly the photographer shot these men after they had worked by day as models for fashion ads. They are thus apparently supposed to be being themselves, unposed, etc. If George Bernard Shaw were alive today and saw these boys, I'm not sure that he would say that it's a shame that youth is wasted on young people. With a couple of exceptions there's not a single photograph here that I would even think about purchasing and certainly not hanging on a wall. The lighting is garish, the composition is bad and many of the shots are out of focus. (Deliberately I hope.)
Brad Gooch gushes in his foreward. Yes, the photographs remind you of Larry Clark and Nan Goldin; but these two photographers did it much better and got there first. And how Gooch can call Lalli a "gay Helmut Newton" is beyond me. Paul Cadmus in his afterward makes a lot more sense when he says that these are boys he would not want to know, himself. I couldn't agree more.
To quote a line from Robert Browning, suddenly "I feel chilly and grown old" when I view these photographs.
not as I expected........2003-01-23
By looking at the book cover, I thought that it would have lots of nude pictures, etc. And from the book title, I assumed this is a picture book about those models having fun after dark. But in reality, it is just a book of different male models in different poses. It only has a few nude pictures. Nothing too exciting, I think.
Yum!.......2000-07-22
"Fun ? Game: Male Models After Dark is a fascinating blend of the sexual and the silly, the enticing and the amusing: it's a collection of snaps taken by the uni-named fashion photog Lalli while casting for Calvin Klein; the bodies are mostly sheathed in slight briefs or lightly-draped shirts, and it's not a fount of full-frontal. But it is a colorful eyeful of good-looking goofs, a reminder that models have personalities. - review excerpt from RL at A Different Light Books
contrived.......2000-07-15
what a disappointment. mostly cliched and contrived images that lack emotional and visual impact. what should be provocative images come across as awkward and rehearsed. for the real thing, check out testino!
Product Description
"For What I Hate I Do" is a stunning yet fact-based fictional look at the abysmal and catastrophic lifestyle of protagonist Miguel Morris, whose sexual addictions (underscored by chemical abuse), send him on a downward spiral and bring so much hell on earth that it endangers himself and others. Endorsements, college, money and marriage are lost, marred by bad decisions and unsavory acquaintances, such as those who recruit him to become a sexual predator. Miguel feels betrayed by men and begins victimizing hoodlums and prostitutes. Ultimately, a shocking criminal element evolves that stirs a police and media frenzy for the former model and NCAA track and field champion who trades the opportunity to earn Olympic gold for silver handcuffs instead. Once while seeking redemption, he relapses and completely compromises his Baptist morals by becoming an exotic dancer. A single biblical verse in Roman captures Miguel's struggles: "For What I Hate I Do," which paraphrased means, "I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate."
Customer Reviews:
great read.......2007-08-29
Couldn't put it down. I loved the descriptions and the words used within the book. I felt like I was there with Migual every step of his career and every downfall. i felt his hurt, and honestly i'm looking for the next too books.
another plus... was the listing in the back of the book. they helped me to place each character as i remembered them and to see where they were in his life.
get it... don't hesitate.. just buy it!!
His hidden life .......2007-07-29
Meet Miguel Morris, NCAA track star and Olympic hopeful. At 6'2 with dark chocolate skin and an athletic body, he is very attractive and knows it. He pursues a career in restaurant management and also moonlights as a model. He is married to Latisha, an Asian-African beauty from Jamaica. You can find him hanging out at swanky restaurants with star athletics or private parties with celebrities. He is living the good life for an upwardly mobile African-American male.
Now meet Miguel Morris, undercover homosexual and crack addict. His good looks not only attract females, he is also a magnet for males. Harboring a strong temptation and nasty addiction he can't shake, he resorts to shameless acts and demeaning hustles to feed his sicknesses. You can find him crawling through the local gay bars or loitering in crack houses. Living a double life is leading him down a path of destruction that will take him places he never imagined he'd ever be.
FOR WHAT I HATE I DO is the first book in a trilogy that parallels author M. W. Moore's life. The author candidly shares the inner-turmoil and self-hatred the protagonist had concerning his "down-low" lifestyle. The character development was on point as the author takes readers on the journey with Miguel during his highs and lows. The book was well written but could use content editing. Several of the scenes are rather explicit and may not appeal to all, but it is an actual depiction of this lifestyle. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment to see how the next phase of Miguel's life turns out.
Reviewed by Paula Henderson
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Inspiring people of color to overcome hurdles .......2007-05-23
"FWIHID" is a must-read for any person dealing with sexuality, especially men of color. We must learn to be ourselves unconditionally. I embrace novels about men of color who deal with the same issues that I deal with daily. Thank God I was never introduced to the drug lifestyle, however. Accolades to Mr. Moore for being able to tell his story, and for changing his lifestyle. Hopefully your book will be a catalyst for others to express their struggles about sexuality issues and the isolation that come with it. I can't wait to read the second book. Thanks to the editor for introducing this body of work to me. And, again, to the author for his courage. Be blessed and keep telling our stories!!!
Can't wait for the sequel to come out!.......2007-04-19
I can say I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Moore He is a down to earth individual and I can say that whatever he was going through as his character, he has definitly gotten his demon's under control now. I can't wait to read the next book!
An incredible story - execution doesn't always work.......2007-03-30
OK. I hate to be a naysayer :-), but the book gets two stars because of its technical execution. It gets four stars for its honest look at self-destructive behavior. As a first (and self-published novel - good for him), Mr. Moore is to be congratulated for sharing a part of his life with us. Let's set aside the writing; the often careless editing; the jarring shifts in tone and points-of-view; a timeline that's not always logical; and scenes created or manipulated to move the story. But, let's move past all that because, clearly, that is not the point here.
It's rare I would use such a word, but harrowing is how I would describe the last third of this fact-based novel. Self-destructive behavior has never been so ugly and so obvious. In many ways, it is not a pretty novel. The sex scenes, while somewhat graphic, were not gratuitous for the sake of shock value. They were what they were. They provided insight into his personality and motivations - he wasn't a nice person, had low self-esteem and he used men (and woman) for his own ego trip. And he justifies his errant behavior - "it's their fault I'm doing this." My experience and exposure to crack addicts is nil, but the scene where he's having sex and he's feeding the other guy crack was just ugly and sad. I cringed just reading it.
Other than the issue of DL men, I would not compare Mr. Moore with E. Lynn Harris. Mr. Harris's novels are filled with stately homes, lush interiors, and understated elegance; his stock and trade is the bourgeois crowd. Mr. Moore's settings are almost the exact opposite, and he slightly opens the door to world of a crack addict. I read INVISIBLE LIFE and I vaguely recall a character that had an addiction and then became HIV-positive, but Mr. Harris handled that sequence swiftly and without much nuance or color. In his book, Mr. Moore doesn't hide the ugliness; it's awash in dark and muddy colors: blacks, grays, and browns; a depressing array of characters and locales with very few splashes of color and not much hope. This is a character study of low self-esteem and addictive behavior that spiraled completely out of control. I found myself shaking my head and wondering: how did this individual become so damaged? Did his formative years predispose him to this? The novel opens at the start of his sophomore or junior year in high school and (I'm guessing) it concludes in his mid- to late 30's.
I think saddest thing in this incredible tale was his inability to be content or happy or to "just be" as a gay man. That is the pivotal issue of the story. I think his life would have been vastly different had he recognized and accepted who he was during his early development. Denial is a great place to be, but ultimately, one pays a price. Would he still have had the addictive behaviors if he had accepted himself as a gay man? I'll leave that to Mr. Moore and professional therapists as I am not in a position to offer an opinion. But, accepting who you are goes a long toward honest self-assessment, happiness, and fulfillment. What's the genesis of such behavior and how does one regain control? And, does one really ever recover? In Mr. Moore's case, I sincerely hope so. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Book Description
"Hardy proves Black love is just as dizzying and gratifying when boy meets boy,"-Vibe
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At the end of If Only for One Nite, Raheim Rivers' and Mitchell Crawford's love had been tested by ghosts of the past; now it will be tested by the very real spectre of AIDS. As Raheim juggles his increasingly hectic schedule as a supermodel, he is rocked by the news that one of his idols, NWA founder Eazy-E, has AIDS. Raheim gets tested, but keeps it a secret. Meanwhile life swirls on around him, as his son struggles with his new school, his ex-wife announces her impending marriage, and Mitchell becomes increasingly concerned by Raheim's withdrawal.
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Hardy masterfully draws his fascinating and very human characters into the ferment of urgent societal issues. He has created a powerfully real look at the issues facing young people of all sexual persuasions, particularly young black men who are disproportionately at risk for AIDS. As the date for disclosure of his test results draws near, Raheim's fear and the stigma of the disease push him towards conflicting decisions.
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James Earl Hardy is the author of the best selling books B-Boy Blues, 2nd Time Around, and If Only for One Nite,, as well as a biography of Spike Lee and a portrait of Boyz II Men. Hardy's writings have appeared in The Washington Post, OUT, Essence, The Advocate, Essence, Newsweek, Entertainment Weekly, and Vibe. Born and raised in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, he currently resides in Gramercy Park in Manhattan.
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Customer Reviews:
Not as jood as it could be!.......2002-09-12
This book was a let down. There is a severe lack of character development, and the character interaction is too bland. Mr. Hardy has spoiled us with the previous three books in the series but this book seems to have been written hastily.
Reality Byte.......2002-06-16
As a rabid fan of JEH's B-boy series I was grateful for this book. However, unlike the previous books JEH attacked this story with an obviously singular intent: to introduce the reality of HIV into the highly sexed B-boy series. The format is set in a semi-diary format as told by Jamaican model, Raheim with each chapter representing a day and time surrounding the death of rapper Easy-E. JEH wrote this like a man fullfilling a contractual obligation: But, not a contract with a publisher; moreover, a contract with a... black audience that has had to deal with the plague of HIV/AIDS wiping out friends and family for over a decade now. As a reader of the entire series I felt grateful for the subject but cheated that JEH introduced HIV at the expense of his previous creative sexual tensions, the angst between Raheim and Lil' Bit, the colorful array of friends that surrounded them, and the depth of exploration of issues from the two main characters. Raheim and Lil' Bit come from different backgrounds and I learn alot witnessing the two of them attack issues from their own perspectives and come to mutual conclusions. In this story Lil' Bit's perspective is completely watered down to nearly non-existent. What about the opinions and thoughts of their friends? The meeting of Raheim and his father in this story is pure award-worthy ARTWORK. As a reader who dates a tall Jamaican brutha on the downlow the overall story dynamics ring true and do provide a look from inside another's skin. The book should be required reading for understanding the battles of rascism, family, disease, and sexuality in the life of men of African descent.
Lazy James.......2002-06-04
I looked forward to reading this book because I so enjoyed the other three books but this book was not nearly as good as the first three. I don't know why James wrote this book it was a counterpoint to this otherwise brilliant success. I hope that Mr. Hardy just had a bad day I hope this is not the kind of work he plans to continue to produce if it is he has lost a fan.
Black gay life in the age of AIDS.......2002-03-27
"The Day Eazy-E Died," the novel by James Earl Hardy, brings to life the issues faced by African-American gay men living in an age where AIDS has had such a devastating impact. The story is told in the first-person by Raheim Rivers, a Black gay man who is starting to hit it big as an actor and model.
"Eazy-E," which takes place in 1995, deals with many issues: AIDS and the anxiety over HIV testing; gay love between African-American men; gay fatherhood; images of black men in the media; attitudes about homosexuality and AIDS in the Black community; and the sociological impact of the O.J. Simpson murder trial. In a broader sense, it deals with such universal issues as family ties, honesty and personal fidelity.
The book is flavored with a lot of African-American pop-culture references: Al Sharpton, the documentary "Hoop Dreams," the film "Malcolm X," the TV series "Living Single," etc. Hardy has an intriguing way of rendering African-American vernacular speech; thus he joins a long list of literary artists who have taken on this challenge. He presents a rich assortment of characters.
According to the acknowledgment section of the book, "Eazy-E" is "yet another chapter" in the lives of the book's characters (i.e. the book is part of a series). I haven't read Hardy's other books, and at times I felt that "Eazy-E" seemed to rely too heavily on the assumption that the reader was already familiar with the characters' back stories. So it might be better to read Hardy's previous novels before jumping into "Eazy-E." Still, for an attentive reader this might work as a stand-alone book.
Steady on.......2002-02-26
In 1995, as rapper Eazy-E succumbds to AIDS, Raheim and Mitchell strive to be true to each other and to themselves. Raheim goes for an HIV test, his son fights racism at school, and his former girlfriend finds a new man. Even though it seems that Hardy had a checklist of issues to go over, this gorgeous love story stands out for its honest portrayals. Since this was the first by Hardy I'd read, I was thoroughly surprised and drawn into the story. The language was a bit challenging for me at first, but it got easier. I'm definitely interested now to read it from the beginning.
Book Description
Young, intelligent, and handsome, Alan Helms left a brutal midwestern childhood for New York City in 1955. Denied a Rhodes scholarship because of his sexual orientation, he soon became an object of desire in a gay underground scene frequented by, among many others, Noel Coward, Leonard Bernstein, and Marlene Dietrich. In this unusually vivid and sensitive account, Helms describes the business of being a sex object and its psychological and physical toll.
"Riveting."- New York Times Book Review
"Extraordinary and elegantly written. A record of a gay world that has virtually disappeared over the past twenty-five years of liberation and fifteen years of AIDS." -Boston Globe
"A beautifully written memoir. Helms sped through the celebrity-packed fast lanes, but he has learned how to stand back and get some perspective." -Los Angeles Times
"Sublimely funny, engaging, pathetic, highly literary, and painful to read. Helms seems like a gay Everyman whose quest for self-knowledge, respect, and contentment in this contemptuous world mirrors that of many other marginalized people." -Bloomsbury Review
Alan Helms is professor of literature at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.
Customer Reviews:
Lyrical and moving.......2007-09-10
As someone who has read a good deal of gay literature I alighted upon this book with a great deal of anticipation and was not disappointed.
I have a keen interest in many of the people mentioned by Alan Helms yet found myself becoming very interested in him. As far as dishing the dirt (who isn't interested in a bit of juicy gossip) well there's not much of it, it's very restrained. Yet I found myself grateful for the lack of it, in an age where things are stripped bare and nothing is left unsaid, it was suddenly refreshing not to be regaled with someone's intimate bedroom habits.
I found it a lyrical book, for example "the whole world focussed in the cone of light from a reading lamp as the words moved forward on the page, the fabric of knowledge rising in the expectant silence" melodious prose indeed.
Touching on the subject of name dropping - well it's hard to know what else he could do, this is a memoir of someone unknown to much of the public, but his fame for the rest of us lay in the people he associated with, not much point writing the whole book about the boy next door.
It will surprise some when I say I found it humble, certainly those for whom there are too many references to his beauty. This is deliberate, setting the scene nicely ready to turn the tables on himself and us and make us experience the despair of losing youth, beauty, body and hair (things that he has relied on so heavily) - never sparing, he acknowledges his faults, the fact that he lied, that he has stolen, that he has a dark side (haven't we all).
It is a skilfully crafted, accomplished book - the death of his mother is very moving - international boy prostitute turned professor, you couldn't make it up - I so hoped that in the end he might find true love but remembered that this is real life - not the movies.
Perhaps the only criticism was the lack of photographs; they are always helpful in drawing the reader that little bit closer.
At this point I would like to add that I am a straight, middle aged woman and realise that the subject matter of this book is not for everyone which is to be regretted as it is brave and at times, beautiful. Having finished it my one regret is that I will never meet Mr Helms.
More self-indulgence.......2007-09-07
What an exercise in self-indulgence. I am so tired of reading the writing of people who "had it all" (and can't wait to tell everyone) - led a glamorous life, extremely good-looking, a body to die for, a sex life to rival that of a rabbit, courted and wanted by everyone, etc., etc., etc...and then complain about how unhappy they were - page after page. Poor thing.
Give me your (past) life for just 15 minutes, and you would NEVER hear a peep of complaint out of me. 200+ pages of "I had it all, but woe is me" is too much.
Fabulous reading.......2005-07-13
Excellent, excellent book!!!!!!!!! I really enjoyed it SO much and was so sorry it came to an end. Let people say what they want to about him, but it was an interesting, fascinating story and I was extremely touched by it and recommend this book to all.
Perfection - What's it really like?.......2005-02-10
Finally a book that dares to discuss what being an object is like. We put people on pedestals so high that anything they do is subject to judgement. A sneeze or a burp is cause for us to re-evaluate their worth of our desire. This indepth look at what a man of intellignce went through as a object is wonderfully frank, sweet, unusual, hopefull and well worth a read. Nervous envious types should open their minds and let this experience overwelm them. Everyone can learn something from Alan Helms
Past out of the Present.......2004-03-16
I don't want to give away the ending, but most readers can tell that this memoir is about re-assessing the past - using some insight gained later in life to review and accept what was bewildering in the rush of living it. This raises it above autobiography and makes it a work of art searching for meaning. Those who thought the book an exercise in name-dropping have totally missed the point. For those readers searching for some sense out of life, this can be a valuable and moving experience. Although certainly not limited to this audience, it will have special relevance for gay men in one form of recovery or the other. You will feel as if you are reading your own story - and that is a gift. The fact that it is also beautifully written and captures a history now lost only adds value.
Books:
- The Message Remix 2.0: The Bible In contemporary Language
- The Message Remix 2.0: The Bible In contemporary Language
- The New Complete Joy of Home Brewing
- The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (20 Volume Set
- The Photoshop Book for Digital Photographers
- The Photoshop Elements 5 Book for Digital Photographers (VOICES)
- The Power of Myth
- The Red Hat Society Cookbook
- The Reptile Room (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 2)
- The Sea of Trolls
Books Index
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