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“CAN I CALL YOU SOLDIER?” If you are unfamiliar with the written works of Harold D. Davis, his June 2005 release should be a wonderful calling card of his talent to ‘make it plain’. Entitled: “Can I Call You Soldier? A Primer For Involvement”, Dr. Davis proves in a very convincing manner that the issues of manhood are the issues of life; and that books FOR men, BY men on RELIVANT topics will get the attention of the brotherhood. The book is published by KJAC Publishing, PO Box 111, Champaign, Illinois, 61824. Website address is www.kjac-publishing.com. Or, call 1-800-268-5861 for ordering information and to check on some of the other books available. It is hard to believe that such a small work could pack such a needed ‘punch’ on issues of importance to men, young and old. At the end of each of its ten chapters, Davis has included a checklist, designed to help the reader to take their own inventory in determining whether or not one has met the challenge--or needs more time. It can be read in a single afternoon, and covers such topics as: ‘Live So People Will Follow You’, and ‘What’s God Got To Do With It?’ In Davis’ view, its not that men are not involved in reaching out to the next generation of men; they have been ‘marginalized’ in what they have to offer young men. While dealing with the issues of fatherless homes is important--especially in dealing with young (and not-so-young) men--the true challenge is to encourage all men to get involved in society where they are. A society, I hasten to add, is becoming increasingly female-centered. Davis, who is an Assistant Pastor and builder of mentoring programs for his local school district, believes that the church needs to ‘step up’ to the challenges of addressing the issues of manhood in order to show and encourage men that the church is aware, biblically sound, and not leaving them behind. One of the chapters that stands out is the matter of men of other races dealing with young Black men in our communities. The chapter ‘White Men/Black Boys’ is not written an ‘us versus them’ item, but explores the issue from a realistic standpoint of race relations. The biblical view is stressed throughout the chapter and the work. “Can I Call You Soldier” by Harold D. Davis is going to be making the rounds by word of mouth later this year. It will be worth it for the reader to pick up a few copies of this work and introduce it to a few young men that they may know. It is written by a man who understands the issues of manhood, and has broken them down so other men may understand them and benefit from his wisdom. If you know someone who needs a real ‘man to man’ conversation in his life, THIS is the book to get the conversation going. Mike Ramey On Line Book Reviews |