Made in Detroit: A South of 8-Mile Memoir

I grew up a mile away from Paul Clemens. My family and I fled the area years before, and I'm probably 12-14 years older than him. I say fled because it was quickly becoming a drug zone. Went to the same high school. Mr. Clemens lays bare his feelings, opinions and attitudes, unabashedly. For people to call him racist is mystifying. Because he doesn't subscribe to "white guilt"? Because he observes malapropism without apology? It takes a big set of guts to give an opinion that is real. Some of the reviews I read make him out to be an elitist snob. I would encourage anyone interested in one of the more unique areas of the midwest to read this book. The experience is there for you to immerse yourself in. His prose is sparse and unflinching and spot on. That's more than I can say for much of the dreck out there today, including a few of the reviews I've read, namely from erudite professor.

For the record- I grew up in East Detroit, right over the border from 8 Mile around 8 & Kelly. I'm white, and I had plenty of white relatives who lived in Detroit. I went to an integrated private school on the border between Detroit and the suburbs, and had lots of black acquaintances with whom I got along with really well. I'd say, "I don't consider myself a racist," but the phrase doesn't benefit anyone. The people who would assume I'd say that, and who would judge me based on my skin- they'll presume I'm a racist no matter what I say. I'm here to say that I love this book- I was given it for fathers day last year, and I only picked it up to read in the past few weeks. I'm just finishing it and I can say without any doubts that this is a wonderful book that really pegs the thoughts and feelings of the author accurately. His thoughts and feelings on growing up in Detroit, and as a minority white in a black majority city are typical of my friends and families experiences. I love the city, and I love its people; although the majority of Detroiters seem to suffer from a "seige mentality" that leads them to make rather poor political choices. It seems- all you need to be successful as a politican in Detroit is highlight the troubles of the city and point North of 8 Mile indicating the problems were caused by outsiders. Or, at least that's my feeling- and this book captures that sentiment accurately.

When I ordered this book, I thought that it might be about someone closer to my age (64) who grew up in the City of Detroit. It turns out to be a much younger man: one who grew up during the years just after I moved away from Michigan in 1972. Although this book is somewhat different than what I expected, it turned out to be a thoughtful read. Yes, there is a lot of Detroit history and visits to places I recall, but you do not have had to live in Michigan to enjoy this book. It covers family life, religion, schooling, racial issues and much more. I think that the book does bog down a bit near the end. This is where the author is trying to resolve much of his upbringing and beliefs. Nevertheless, MADE IN DETROIT is very worthwhile. Particularly wonderful is the description of the author's dad and his continuing episodes throughout the book. Reminded me a lot of my old man and many other Detroit relatives and acquaintances of my parents. The occasional glimpses into the personality of Coleman Young (Mayor of Detroit for many years) are quite humorous. Mr. Young was a real genuine character.

I read this book in a marathon sitting. I had a hard time believing that this is a first time author- the prose is gorgeous and suprisingly emotional. If you have read the reviews in the Times, or the Wall Street Journal, or even the reviews here, you already know the general storyline. Above all, this book is going to be remembered for its honesty- it is tremendously politically incorrect given the earnestness of the times, and utterly refreshing. I wonder at the reviewer before me- did we read the same book? Calling his father a "redneck" is highly suprising. The character is one of the most noble and endearing that I have come across in a long time. If he were a redneck, then I doubt he would have taken such care in instilling a sound moral character in his son. And criticizing the book because the author can't reconcile his feelings of race is just missing the point of the story- The inner struggle is what the book is about, and I doubt, faced with his expriences, that very few of us would be able to reconcile in the "happy ending" it seems she was looking for. And dissing the author for living in the suburbs? For the record, I live in the city. And when I have children, I will be leaving. Just like the author- it is not the P.C. thing to do, but as a parent (which, the author also is) it is the responsible thing to do. The schools are a disaster. Unless you live here, you should not judge.

Clemens book is an unflinchingly honest look at race relations in Detroit--not always a pretty subject. It is beautifully written, achingly true, often humorous, and always intriguing. We wrestle along with Clemens on how to live without prejudice, and like him, sometimes lose the battle. But waging the battle at all is noteworthy and especially relevant now in light of the Guld Coast disaster. This is a terrific book for anyone who lives in an urban area, grew up in the seventies or loves good writing.