Letters to Young Black Men: Advice and Encouragement for a Difficult Journey

I do a chapel service in a Juvenile Detention Center in the Bronx, and this book is the first book that I have found that I feel would be VERY helpful to the boys. The reason is - it is broken down in a very simple fashion that is super easy to read, designed for one that may have a short attention span and doesn't typically read a lot, and is very practical and directive as to why and how to get onto a good path. I am so grateful to this author for creating such a wonderful loving tool so full of wisdom. It has no hint of being condescending, which I also love.

Dear Mr. Whyte, First and foremost I would like to thank you for walking the journey that you are on. I was in Wal-Mart looking for a gift for a co-worker. I was going to purchase a spiritual book for her. While looking through the aisles, I came across your book Letters to young black men. I am an adamant reader, and I am trying to move my son in this direction. We just recently relocated to another state after an end to my marriage. My son has been having some discipline and focus issues since the move. I have been seeking out different possible mentor programs for him, but so far I have not come up with anything. Well, I saw your book and my son just came to mind. I began to read some of the letters and chapter titles and immediately made the purchase. I am going to give him the book as a Christmas gift to hopefully add to the interest of reading it. The purpose of my email is to see if you have any suggestion on possible mentor programs in the Greenville, SC area. My son is 12 years old and very smart. He was in the magnet school program before the relocation. I work with him all the time and make frequent visits to the school to try and stay on top of things, however I want to ensure I am doing all I can to help my son succeed. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated! Thank you again, and God bless!

Mr. Whyte I just finished reading your book, "LETTERS TO YOUNG BLACK MEN" and I am writing to commend you and thank you for writing it. I am making a list of folks that will be getting your book as a Christmas gift. And that includes my own two sons. Thank you for the manner/style that it was written in; personable, real, to the point, and with obvious love. I imagine that this writing style will easily be accepted from a male point of view. From a female point of view, it really touched my heart. I have a son who is currently in prison, 16 years, but will be coming home soon. Your book, along with a few others, i.e; the BIBLE, will give instruction and help to get him re-started in the right direction Thank you again and God bless.

I picked up this book in a gas station somewhere between North Carolina and Virginia. (It must have been on the border of Virginia/North Carolina because the line was very long for the lotto!) I have a 19-year old away at school. He was brought up in the church and quite honestly he likes going to church. We've never add problems getting him to participate in church activities. So I feel he has the religious roots to stand on. However, being away from home, I know he is being challenged in his church attendance. More importantly I want him to "know the Lord" not just attend church. Flipping through the book at the store aroused enough of my interest to purchase it. I read it first before giving it to my son and was even more impressed. That's when I ordered 10 more to give to my husband, pastor, nephews, cousins, and brother-in-law being deployed to Kuwait. I gave the book to my son the week before his Spring Break and told him I expected him to read it once, twice or as many times as necessary over Spring Break to get the message. And I would be quizzing him to be sure he read it. He truly surprised me and called to tell me he was almost done with it the week I gave it to him. My note inside the book said to him to pass it on to a friend if it benefited him. He said he had highlighted so much of the book, he wanted to keep his and could I send him 2 more to give to his room mates. (Yesterday he wanted 2 more for others who saw him reading it.) I have not heard from my nephews that I gave it to. They may need a little more encouragement to read it, but that's why I gave it to them. They truly need "encouragement for a difficult journey". Every Black young man that I know I want to share this with them and their parents. Some co-workers asked for some too. I teach Sunday School, ages 8-11 and I will use the section entitled, "Things I wished someone had told me at age 12" with my class. I sent one book to a previous Sunday School student who is now incarcerated. The book was returned with a note that books could only be given to inmates if they were shipped directly from the printer or a bookstore. It would truly be a blessing to get this book into the prison.

This book is an inspirational work for the reader. It explores the three aspects of life that causes conflicts and problems in the life of young men. The spiritual, mental, and emotional aspects of life that for so long has gone unaddressed are delved into in detail. Although the book talks about young black men, this is a lesson for all young men.