Michael Datcher’s Raising Fences was the next Black Male author who blew me away. Reading his story felt familiar as if we knew each other. That feeling mainly was created because we are about the same age and share many of the same cultural references. Datcher, like Nathan McCall gave voice to his inner thoughts and feelings. Not just the defensive or angry feelings that are easiest to express but the softer, more vulnerable feelings like yearnings. It’s easy to read about how an author or character would like a new car or some other material possession but reading about the inner workings of the heart and soul is something totally different. With Raising Fences Michael Datcher delivered. His story about growing up in LA, yearning for his father or a father, resonates with the poignancy with which he was able to write. Most girls are taught to dream of being a wife and mother. However, it is quite different and, in a way, special, to read the words of a man who dreamed of being a husband and father. It is quite special indeed to read the words of one who could write of his dreams and struggles in the face of all the obstacles his socioeconomic status has in place that makes such dreams a long-shot. Raising Fences was a beautiful read from a gifted storyteller, telling the story of his life, his hopes and his dreams. When I finished reading the book, my heart felt light. Don’t just take my word for how good of a book this is, buy it! Or, borrow it from the library or from someone who owns it. Or “liberate” it from someone’s bookshelf to be definitely returned at a future date. Kindle or eBook seems not be an option unfortunately...