God Gave Me Some Bad Advice [Paperback]

Byron Harmon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2008

Too often, the stories of many men of color's lives today are full of waste, violence, struggle, and self-destruction. But there are many men who grow up in challenging circumstances, with all odds against them, and still find success. God Gave Me Some Bad Advice tells of one such success story. Byron Harmon is still a young man, not yet 40. His story is a powerful and compelling example of how many of the traditional verities of American life—God, family, country—provide touchstones that can bolster every individual growing up in this country. Today the executive producer of the nation's largest local morning news show on WCBS in New York, and the author of three novels, Byron Harmon looks back to tell his story with warmth, generosity, humor, and grace. God Gave Me Some Bad Advice is a touching coming-of-age story and a breakthrough addition to this rising writer's body of work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“In this memoir, [Byron] Harmon, a senior executive producer at CNN International, reveals how he followed in his father's footsteps by gambling, smoking, and using drugs but managed to turn his life around and succeed against the odds.” — Library Journal

“A well written story which touches all emotions, Harmon has a way of putting one in the middle of his stories. This memoir should be read by boys and men of all races.” — Toni Bonita, RAWSISTAZ.com

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Agate Bolden (September 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932841342
• ISBN-13: 978-1932841343
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,836,291 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Full Circle, April 30, 2009

By 

The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

This review is from: God Gave Me Some Bad Advice (Paperback)

Hebrews 11:1 states; "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen." GOD GAVE ME SOME BAD ADVICE by Byron Harmon is a story which is defined by this scripture. Life was no bed of roses growing up in Lake Charles, Louisiana during a time when drugs, killings, rapes, arson and murder were daily occurrences. Walking with Harmon through his life was not an easy task, but one I thoroughly enjoyed. His family unit, though muddled was his source of strengt as well as his undoing.

Watching as he transitioned from a smart little boy, to an angry teenager, to a soldier in Desert Storm, to bagging groceries and job hopping as a veteran, to best selling author was astonishing. This is a well written story of a boy becoming a man while overcoming the hard knocks of life. Harmon says this is his life as he remembers it, and what an amazing memory. Details pull you into the halls of Washington Marion High School, juke joints, Bear's, the desert of the Gulf War, and the various news rooms. A well written story which touches all emotions, Harmon has a way of putting one in the middle of his stories. This memoir should be read by boys and men of all races between the ages of fourteen and fifty.

I enjoyed revisiting Ft. Riley, Kansas, and Rhein Mein, Germany, places I had been stationed in the early 70's as a military dependent.

Reviewed by ToniBonita
of The RAWSISTAZ (tm) Reviewers

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Coming Of Age, January 2, 2009

By 

Priscilla C. Johnson "bookmaniac" (Baltimore, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: God Gave Me Some Bad Advice (Paperback)

Amazon Rating: 3.5

Byron Harmon was a smart kid. Everything came easily for him and he did not have to work hard. In God Gave Me Some Bad Advice, Harmon describes what it was like growing up in the `80s. Raised by a military father and a stay-at-mom, Harmon was raised in the midst of the drug and rap era. He had one thing in mind - having fun. The book was divided into three sections; wild teenage years, military life and adulthood. Harmon's description of his life in the military included a very vivid recollection of Desert Storm. Harmon also had to face the harsh reality of life after the military with no career path or means of taking care of himself.

Harmon was very open and honest with his description of his life. He talked about his fears, hopes, dreams, and disappointments. He discussed his years as a homeless vet as well as accomplishments at a local television station that eventually lead to his successful career. I found Harmon's story to be very interesting. There were some sections that were graphic while others moved slowly. However, this is his story. I would recommend this book to young men.

Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub