Customer Reviews

God Gave Me Some Bad Advice

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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

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