A Man Finds His Way

I stumbled upon this book while searching for some good reading material. And much to my surprise I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you're looking to read a sappy love story this isn't it. The author brought to life realistically the emotions of its main charcter (Darius) in his dealing with issues of love, relationships, children, family and racism. Not to mention the dynamite historical references throughout the book. I look forward to future books by Freddie Lee Johnson III.

A Man Finds His Way is about Dr. Darius Collins a history professor who endures much in his plight for life. Dr. Collins is faced with a hurddle of obstacles. He is discarded by his girlfriend Marcy for another man, he's a dvorced father who must deal with his manipulative ex-wife Cookie, whose proclivities land under media scrutiny, he must deal with his incorrigible son Jarrod, who gets himself in a very tight fix, and he also must deal with students harrassing him as an Uncle Tom. It's also unique to read a novel about an African American male who is positive in so many ways, for example he was a leader in the Warrior Passages program for youths, which prepared black males for adulthood. Also I relished in the absolute relationship Dr. Collins had with his mentor Rev. Boxwell and his friend Nash.As with "Bittersweet", I enjoyed every aspect of A Man Finds His Way. This book was funny (especially the dating disasters and Player "the talking bird"), melancholy, encouraging, and most importantly has spiritual principles without being preachy or beating you over the head. I've taken the message of this book as being "FOOD FOR LIFE" not thought. I'm appreciative for Mr. Johnson's writing style, which has extended my vocabulary. It's evident in the writing that Mr. Johnson is a scholar, who happens to actually be a history professor. This is a story of substance and should be read by those who appreciate a good quality read.

The book was excellent written. From the beginning of the book to the end, kept me wanting to know more about the historian, Dr. Collins. He was well described and I could picture Dr. Collins in mind in every sentence that I read concerning how he tought and what he felt. My heart went out to him because he was really a good guy. I was happy that he did meet someone. His ex-wife deserved everything she got. I'm glad his son did a turn around. His friend was very supportive. The only question I have is what ever happen to the talking bird?

Freddie Lee Johnson, sophomore novel, A Man Finds His Way is another winner. The protagonist, Dr. Darius Collins, a history professor at the fictional Erie Pointe University, is faced with a plethora of problems both personal and professional. The character is multi dimensional, and is complimented by an array of secondary characters that keeps him balanced. In this novel he explores Darius' perspective on relationships, parenting and religion, as he journeys to find the right path to follow. Darius is faced with compound issues as most people are. His girlfriend dumps him, his ex-wife is mean spirited, under minds him regarding his son and is having affairs with politicians as she shoots to the top of city government. The black students at the school want to bring a well-known anti-Semite to speak at the school and expect Darius to support them and when he does not he is labeled an "Uncle Tom". His rejection of this could cause his bid for the presidency of the Cleveland Black Historical Society. The worse thing is that his son Jarrod, who he has a tumultuous relationship with, is accused of a crime and becomes a reluctant participant in the judicial system. This book mixes humor, sensitivity and historical facts. The reader really gets to know Dr. Darius Collins and will feel for him and his struggles. At some points you will just want to reach out and help him find the right direction and other times just hold him back from making yet another mistake. This book will make good discussion for any book club. I highly recommend it. JeanetteAPOOO BookClubMotown Review Book Club

I am blown away, FLJ III has done it again. To many times the black man is betrayed as being the villain who leaves the wife and kids not thinking about anyone but himself. Dr. Johnson has done it again, first with "Bittersweet" and now with "A Man Finds His Way". Kudos, Dr. Johnson for yet another story well wrote detailing the Black Man as a person who tries to be a role model for his (child)ren even if the relationship between he and his wife does not work.