Guilty until proven innocent. That’s all I’ve ever faced in life. From the open opportunities of Norfolk, Virginia to the closed minded sceneries of Ardmore, Oklahoma. My 27-year-old career path of life details the journey of a confident introvert challenging the extrovert privileges of the world that changes every day as if it was the weather. There has never been a big enough courtroom for the … the trials and tribulations that I have witnessed in life. The biggest enemy can be within, while the troubled pain can be self-inflicted. Until you read my story, your thoughts of me will forever hold me, the defendant, guilty!
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4 Stars
Man vs Himself: To Be The Man, You Have To Meet The Man, is an autobiographical account of the author’s life- and his insightful debut novel. I must admit that my curiosity was piked when this book crossed my path. I wanted to know how Kaston Williams managed to turn his life around. And so, I found myself one-clicking and diving in to ‘meet the man’- hearing his story in his words- and found an honest, ‘warts and all’ look at his life.
The story chronicles his transition from nerd to thug- at a very early age. How tragic circumstances right from early childhood, as well as a little teenage rebellion, led to becoming a gang-banger, fighting, gang violence, drug dealing, discovering sex at a very young age, liquor, losing himself in the ‘party’ lifestyle, as well as his ‘run-ins’ with the law.
I got the feeling that he got a little lost in all the ‘trappings’ and attention which came with this type of lifestyle. You could think that Mr. Williams may just be grandstanding, or even glorifying his escapades- but that’s not the case. His story has a two-fold purpose; to show that changing direction mid-course is entirely possible- thus motivating and inspiring younger people to never stop dreaming or trying to follow their dreams of a better life and that a life of crime doesn’t have to be the only answer out there; whilst also breaking stereotypes by speaking up.
Through the story we follow him from early childhood, age 6- through his teenage years and into adulthood- through his criminality, adventures, loneliness, homelessness, battles with himself and depression, feelings of abandonment, hard times, fatherhood, cheating, regrets, ambitions, relationships, family, highs and lows, embracing education, self-awareness, and CHANGE.
Through it all we get to hear how circumstances shaped him into the man he is today. For better or worse- the events in his life have now put him in the unique position of being able to inspire and educate. Leading by example. Whilst also giving us his views on many and varied topics- from technology, to social media, the importance of a good image, drugs, law enforcement, accountability, self-awareness, how labels are detrimental, employment, change, parole, child support, responsibility, double standards, family, looking for and being open to opportunity, battling adversity, also teaching others that ‘anything is possible’ if you put your mind to it…. and more.
This book may be short in length, but it isn’t lacking in content. I always take note (handwritten) when I am reading, to help when it comes to writing a review. With this book I took so many notes, far more than a lot of much longer novels I’ve read- because there was just so much I wanted to include in my review. Mr. Williams imparts his experiences, thoughts, and memories with courage and passion. Whilst I may not have had the same experiences, his story is nothing if not thought provoking- imparting important lessons whether you may agree with him or not.
I think this story could have been even better and had even more of an impact, if it had just a little more editing/tweaking. Whilst these issues didn’t detract from my appreciation of this story- the punctuation issues and a few wrong words disrupted the flow- and took away from this book hitting it’s full potential.
But, I feel Mr. Williams is only just finding his ‘voice’- and feel he has a lot to offer- I think this book was just ‘skimming the surface’ of his potential as a writer. So, I would definitely be interested in reading more of his thoughts in the future.
Respect! and thank you, Mr. Williams.