Book is a coming of age & maturity story. Johnnie Dent is the son of father who was a former athiest police detective and single mother who battled alcoholism. The book chronicles 3 decades from age 3 to early 30's.
The period known as the 60's sparked several revolutions in America. It was the era of religious expression, communes, protests, long hair and sexual free will. But when the external liberties that the 60's introduced began to diminish, the 70's would begin a time period of pseudo-celebration for the freedoms that were "obtained." While America celebrated, the youth of the next generation were left home alone to face their own struggles. Johnnie Dent takes us on an astonishing personal journey while sharing with us three decades of his own life. He allows us to reexamine the social dilemmas of domestic violence, single parenting, teenage pregnancy, youth violence, drug trafficking, police brutality, the penal system and even religious intolerance.
He provides us with a refreshing retrospective and introspective of what real life in America is like to be poor, ignorant, black and male. However, while he illustrates for us these startling facts that we seemingly overlook in everyday life, he also demonstrates that any person can transform the negative patterns of their lifestyles by beginning a new walk layered with faith.
Excerpt
"I had no idea when I was getting out of prison. I remembered the judge began counting at five years and stopped at twenty-five. It was the "deal" that I had been offered in exchange fot the prosecution dropping one count of felonius assault on a peace officer. Physically, there was no way that I could have done what they said I did. I knew that I didn't deserve prison. Prison was the survival of the fittest; the battle between the weak and the strong. Wheteher I was physically able to or not hough, my new surroundinds persuade me to get stronger... quickly.
Professional Reviews
College Professor- Diane Meros
Johnnie Dent has written a shocking account of what it was like to grow up poor, black and male in a racially charged era. His honesty and integrity are evident in his desire to help to break the cycles of abuse that many of our youth face. He gives a good insight into the world of drugs,gangs and spousal abuse. This is a good book for anyone who works with underprivileged youth.
The Second Coming of Richard Wright
Arana Lynch-Writer the Call & Post:
"Johnnie Dent Jr. may
have the answers to
Cleveland’s gang violence,
absentee parents and many
social problems plaguing
the Black community in his
book Sugar Boy.”
Generating a better society
Jarrod Zickefoose- Editor Sun Press:
He said he took a bullet in '88 from a gang member.
"The doctor told me I was going to die," Dent said.
He also said an aunt physically abused him.
But through all of this, Dent had forces pulling him the other way. He had books for one. He loved to read and said kids would pick on him because of it.
He also had his mother, a woman of strong faith.
So along with what could have destroyed him, Dent inherited what would ultimately save him.
My memories as an immigrant professional woman in Ottawa, Canada 47 years ago. A new life after having survived the liberal war of a new country Bangladesh on December 16, 1971.
Jack Kelly was a child performer, son of New York model, Nan Kelly, brother of actress, Nancy Kelly, brother-in-law of actor Edmond O'Brien and cinematographer Fred Jackman, Jr. On TV, from 1957 until 1962, he was James Garner's brother on the show,
