Customer Reviews

From the Hood to the Hill: A Story of Overcoming

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"From the Hood to the Hill: A Story of Overcoming" speaks volumes of the importance of mothers:Black preaches the gospel of matriarchal appreciation as he describes the strength and wisdom imparted to him by his mother and wife. He provides carefully written insight concerning the singular importance of God in the life of the human being who yearns for success. This is the best "self-help" book that I have read. It is a must read for students. Indeed, it is a wonderful example of African American autobiography. And just to think--his foreparents were enslaved Africans, and he prayed himself out of the ghetto. What a story; indeed, what a compelling story.

I just finish reading "From The Hood to the Hill" and felt like I was listening to Dr. Black. His book is written in the same style that he preaches and all I can say is I picked the book up at a book signing and in two days had finished it. I purchased copies for every person I could think of as a mentor in my own life for his story is full of giving those deserving their flowers. Dr. Black's book was one of pride for me because he shares stories that African American/Black whatever name we choose to use and Americans as a whole need to discuss. Many of the events in his life are mirrors to many of us, yet we don't have the floor to express. I gave my employer and co-workers one and it opened the door to many conversations that have been left unsaid. This book is a great gift giver also for youth who need a little boost..it was a long climb to the Hill but well worth the journey. It's a must for any reader's collection. This is not just a great African American story but a great American Story.

I bought this book a week or so back and have been reading it with my 7 & 8 year old daughters. I'm inspiried, motivated and learning to "expect the unexpected" from the God that has no bias. What I'm so impressed with, is how it inspires my daughters as well, who always "expect to be blessed in a very special way by God". Although the book uses highly educated vernacular-the kids are still blessed by it...and so am I.

Thanks Dr. Black and Shalom.

If the reader of this fascinating memoir is expecting a lot of razzle-dazzle they will be disappointed on that front and will have to readjust their expectations to reality. Barry C. Black, with his Seventh-day Adventist roots, is not a "Fire and Brimstone Preacher, " a fiery Rev. Wright excoriating his country for it's many sins or even a Jessie Jackson-type with his long poetic sentences that resemble an eloquent rap as the words tumble from his mouth like a beautiful rhyming waterfall of a song. Since this book doesn't include any samples of Black's sermons the reader won't be able to detect from this memoir his actual style of preaching a sermon.
That's not really important for this book anyway. Barry Black obviously considers himself more of a pastor or Shepard for his flock. This book is written in a straightforward, simple, articulate, matter-of-fact style that rings of the truth. The current U.S. Senate Chaplain (the 66th) comes across as the very proper, dignified, career naval officer and devoted minister that one would expect. He was the eldest son of a single mother of eight children named Pearline. She was a God-fearing woman, who worked as a domestic, who managed to instill her strong faith in the power of God into each of her children even though they were living in dreadful public housing in Baltimore, where rats the size of an "adult's shoe" once sent all the kids running and jumping into their parent's bed. The author came home from school more than once "bruised and bleeding from unsolicited altercations with neighborhood hoodlums," including "one fight when someone hit me in the head with a baseball bat."
After being shown the path he should take in life by God's always-right GPS system, Black chose both the ministry and then became a career navy chaplain. Black was in fact occasionally frustrated in his goals and dreams by racism, but each time it occurred he prayed for God to continue to guide his path around whatever obstacle seemed to be blocking his pursuit of God's work. His steady hand and ability to get things done resulted in him rising to the rank of a two-star, Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. Naturally his career was highlighted by one "first" for an African-American after another.
The book is filled with examples of how his faith in God propelled him forward even if he didn't desire it or expect it. "On Sept. 11, 200l he was aboard the "USS Georgia" a ballistic missile submarine based in Washington State." When the terrorists struck the Twin Towers and Pentagon, and early, muddled reports were that as many as 50,000 Americans might have been killed, the sub went on nuclear alert. Because his visit to the sub was classified, many people thought that he'd been killed while in the Pentagon. He provides the readers his thoughts at that very dangerous time in history.
Another of the many incidents related in the book was when he received a phone call from Senator Kennedy asking for his help. It appeared that John F. Kennedy's son had been killed in a plane crash and Kennedy wanted his help to conduct the "burial at sea." That's a very touching story since President JFK was one of Black's childhood heroes. The ceremony could not be conducted on the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy, but it was considered before being ruled impossible schedule-wise.
As interesting as these two events were, I found some of his stories of conducting his ministry in the U.S. Senate just as fascinating. One of his Bible Study classes was "For Senators Only." "Sitting in my study group were men and women I'd seen providing sage advice on TV news programs, and now they waited for me to speak. People who had hobnobbed with royalty and presidents now waited to hear an inner-city prophet deliver biblical instructions. Though no match for these great minds in many other subjects, I knew my Bible. And they responded, asking pointed questions, reading from their Bibles, and talking about their personal spiritual pilgrimages." Discussions about whether such Bible classes should even be permitted in the Capital and the separation of church and state were also conducted. "The senate chaplaincy has existed since 1789, and a 2004 Supreme Court upheld its constitutionality, citing history and tradition as factors."
This is a very inspiring story. And lest the reader forget, it all happened prior to the historic election of Obama as President of the USA. It's a wonderful example of how hard work and a trust in God can literally move mountains. It's a good read, even if not written in any kind of fancy, dramatic, or embellished style. Admiral Black's writing evokes a quiet strength and an inner peace. It definitely rings true.

This book was such an inspiration, we ordered extras to give as gifts.
We just got a thank you note today, stating, "Thank you for the book. It is a good read and has re-energized my own will and desire to write. Thank you."

I would recommend it to anyone wanting encouragement to reach high, no matter where you are in life.

A very inspirational book!! Well written! I don't have words to give enough accolades to Dr. Black's writing. It is an easy read, written as though he is standing before you having a conversation. The reason i said this is a "must read for men" is that my son (who normally only reads books/article related to his career field) actually loaned me his copy. I found it so inspiring that I strongly recommend it for ALL but especially for young men who feel the pressures of "how to make a successful" life in America today.
I have never written a review before but I feel so strongly about the uplifting benefits of this book that I felt compelled to write this one.

This book was well written. Content was realistic and humourous. It gave me hope that I can also overcome if I believe. I really enjoyed reading the book. Chaplain Black did an excellent job with this book and I am looking forward to read other books in the future.

Should be required reading for all children who believe they can't achieve because of less than ideal circumstances.

"From The Hood To The Hill" is a compelling autobiography -- one I found difficult to put down. As I read about the road of uncertainty Chaplain Black traveled from poverty to triumph, I was inspired with a newfound thirst to do more for our children. As he so eloquently stated between the pages of this amazing book, I was renewed with a newfound belief to 'make a difference' in the lives of people we should all cherish. I readied myself to 'leave my [your] mark' on a country we should all love. I could not agree more with Chaplain Black when he wrote, "...Reading is a royal road to mental fitness; and worship inspires and energizes; keeping us spiritually fit. Neither should be neglected."
Thank you Chaplain Black for sharing your story;

E.D. Arrington

This book really gave me insights into how to get ahead without clawing at others. there is a peacefulness about the author , his strength coming from only that God place in him.