The Education of Kevin Powell: A Boy’s Journey into Manhood

Powell, an activist and writer, has a reputation for being honest to a fault, which is the key asset of his no-holds-barred, disturbing memoir of pushing himself from hard times to achievement. Raised by his single mother in a poor neighborhood of Jersey City, N.J., he views his life through the jagged cultural stereotypes assigned to children who have been molded by fatherless families and grinding poverty. This outlook leads to a series of risky situations in school, and his relationships are marred by his “destructive behavior and trigger-happy temper.” Intelligent and ambitious, Powell runs afoul of the law on several occasions, striking out against authority, social rules, and women, influenced by his mother’s statement that he’s “just like his no-good father.” Despite fighting such demons as alcohol and depression, he bravely pushes himself through a Rutgers University education, a controversial stint on MTV’s The Real World, campaigns for Congress, and celebrated interviews with hip-hop entertainers and politicians; ultimately, he makes a redemptive trip throughout Africa, where he embraces his manhood and heritage. Powell’s confessional packs a powerful punch, full of urban realness and raw emotions. (Nov.)