Posted by Ryder Islington, author of Ultimate Justice, A Trey Fontaine Mystery, and coming in the spring of 2015: Ultimate Game, A Trey Fontaine Mystery
It’s my pleasure to introduce you to author Drexel Deal, who has written a book about young men who end up in gangs, and in prison, and how the absence of a father figure multiplies this phenomenon. Below you’ll also find links to two short videos as well as access to a free chapter, and also a way to get a FREE E-COPY of the book.
And now, meet Drexel Deal:
Guest Post: On Fathers and Sons
Have you ever wondered why some students find it difficult to focus on their school work, even though they have the potential to do better? Do you want to know what is the major home condition that produces at risk youth? Do you want to know what is the major condition that gives birth to violent street gangs? Have you ever tried to figure out, how prisons convert youngsters into remorseless monsters?
The answers and more for the above behaviors, can be found in my book entitled: The Fight of My Life is Wrapped up in My Father. This book is a candid and riveting portrait about the birth of the Rebellion Raiders, which was the largest street gang ever in the history of The Bahamas. Why were so many young men and myself drawn to this gang? How did we go from innocence to menacing and from youngsters to monsters?
As you would discover in your reading, this book go way beyond me just sharing my testimony; rather, it’s an experience of a life time. With more than 12 years of researching and studying why young people go astray, this book possess a vast data base of real life stories or teachable moments that is second to none. They will provide your blog readers with a reference base of proven solutions in addressing problematic youth, that are all base on Biblical principles. These stories not only entertain and fascinate the reader, but they also sharpen existing skills which is the true purpose of storytelling!
Thus, the central theme of this book is prevention, by making parents and others aware of the many real life pit falls and ditches that await a problematic child: some of which are impossible to climb out from. My book takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride, where I wrap the lessons, the warnings and the principles in short entertaining and unforgettable stories.
I guess this is why the former Assistant Commissioner of Police Hulan Hanna, of the Royal Bahamas Police Force can say that my story is: “Wonderful, fascinating and one that resonates with young people.”
You can read chapter one free at this link:
http://www.drexeldeal.com/read-chapter-1-free.html
Keep reading to learn how to receive a free e-copy of
The Fight of My Life is Wrapped up in My Father
What makes my book so unique?
When I set out to write my first book I was not interested in writing about my life on the streets. Rather, I was interested in learning, why did I and so many other thousands of young men went astray? Thus I have been fortunate to sit down with individuals who were once my rivals, these are individuals whom I shot before and those I attempted to shoot. I have also sat down with those who shot me and those who attempted to kill me: one of them I even dub to be the godfather of
street gangs in The Bahamas. However, during my interviews with these individuals even though blind, I discovered that we all shared the same upbringing, the same home conditions and the same abandonment/ rejection by our fathers.
More importantly, I continue to discover through my research and interviews with gang leaders, drug dealers and death row inmates that we were all preventable. We were the disconnected children who rebelled, even though we lived in different areas and were apart of different gangs: we all were the first generation of the rebellions in The Bahamas.
I have also been fortunate to interview educators such as Mr. Charles Chuck Mackey [former VP and respected coach of R. M. Bailey Senior High School.] As well as Mrs. Vinita Curtis now deceased, a former primary school teacher for more than 28 years. Not to mention, one of the top school psychologists in The Bahamas, Ms. Daynette Gardiner from the Lyford Cay School. A long with police officers, youth pastors and psychologists.
See why a lot of people are talking about this candid youtube interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD3nbkto9cI
Have you ever wondered what are the REAL ROOT causes for violent
crimes? Please see this telling YouTube video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYc55xyP2Nk
To receive a free copy of:
The Fight of My Life is Wrapped up in My Father
contact author Drexel Deal: drexeldeal@gmail.com
You can also learn more about Drexel at his website: www.drexeldeal.com
Testimonials and Reviews:
Good morning Mr. Deal:
I purchased your book at Chapter one about a month ago and although I
have not had time to complete it, I can tell you it is one of the most
honest, insightful and empowering books that I have ever read.
I would love to arrange for you to come and speak to our youth at
The Red Cross After-care centre on Blue Hill Road if you had the time
to do so.
Many thanks,
Shelagh
Shelagh Pritchard
Chairperson of Lignum Vitae Centre
info@lignumvitaebahamas.org
Monday, September 29th 2014
Good day Mr. Drexel Deal:
This book The Fight of My Life Is Wrapped up in My Father is indeed
a well written, comprehensive, and intriguing composition. I truly
enjoyed reading this book and it was extremely hard for me to put it
down. This book definitely gave me much better prospective regarding
delinquent and violent teens. Mr. Deal you were very good in providing
the historical background of gangs in Nassau, Bahamas as well as the
importation of illegal firearms. I liked your style of writing and how
you presented the information in a clear and meticulous manner with
solid references and great research.
I would recommend this book especially to male teenagers as well as
parents to give them a better understanding of why teens rebel at
times and the actions one would need to take to provide crucial
assistance in such times.
I truly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for your next book.
When are you releasing the second part of this book?
Thanks much and keep up the good work and may the Lord God Almighty
keep you safe and bless you immensely in Jesus name Amen!
Javon Johnson/ lionheartauto@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 13th 2014
Hello Mr. Deal.
I finally got around to purchasing your book online and spent my
evening reading it to the end.
Your book also finally explained to me the shift I noticed in this
society in the early 90s. I graduated high school in 1988 and in the
early 90s began seeing young men with grimaces on their faces acting
the fool, most likely because they were strapped. I remember the
incident you talk about which occurred at Junkanoo. I was there.
The Junkanoo incident is memorable because it was the first time that
my eyes were opened to the menace of the gang culture. At the time I
didn’t know what or who the Rebellions were but I remember the shock
and fear that went through the crowd. My friends and I ended up
leaving that part of the parade route all together. When I read your
account of that night, I get chills because I and my friends didn’t
realize the danger.
I became a stenographer in 1996 and as I sat in court listening to
case after case against young men from over the hill communities, I
couldn’t figure out for the life of me why so many of our young men
were entering and remaining in the system. They were so young. They
seemed to revel in the fact that they caught a case. Some days in
court one young man would have up to 30 armed robbery cases against
him. During the breaks, I would talk with them. I realized that they
weren’t necessarily evil people, just lost and caught up in thugging.
I didn’t kid myself though because I knew that if they had the
opportunity I would and could be a target.
You are correct that what we experienced and are experiencing as a
nation is due to absent fathers and tolerant, poor mothers creating
lives for children where abuse and deprivation take a toll on the
psyche of the children. But what I wanted to point out to you is that
our young ladies are angry too, and for the very same reason that our
young men are angry – absent fathers, poor struggling mothers who lack
the skills to raise fully socialized children. Poverty is a major
factor. But so is the poor decision making of our females.
There must be a solution, of course, and my prayer is that the women
of this country get the message that they have the power to change
allot of what is wrong.
Be at peace.
Odecca Gibson
Senior Staff Attorney at Bahamar
Friday, July 11th 2014
ogibson@bahamar.com
Hello Drexel,
Awesome. A riveting story of Real Life. I am touched by just reading
what you shared. It’s a compelling book that you just can’t stop
reading. A must read for All: young and old, male and female. You need
to tell the world this story.
Colyn Major
College counselor at the College of The Bahamas
cmajor@cob.edu.bs
Friday, August 8th 2014
Hi Mr. Deal,
I purchase a copy of your book which I think should be made available
to reach all of the young men/women in all of the schools in The
Bahamas. It is quite inspiring!!
Wishing you much success in all of your endeavours. I recently (3
weeks ago) lost my mother (who was both mother and father) to me and
my siblings.
May God continue to richly bless you and your family!
Lynne Hanna
Executive Assistant at Clipper Group [Management] Ltd.
lvh@clipper-group.com
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014
Mr. Deal
I am a prison sergeant and when you came up to the prison a few months
ago to present your book. You were being led by Mr. Carlos Reid. I was
told who you were and when you left I was given your book by Miss
Sweeting the education officer at the prison. I open the book and
begin to read it and could not put it down for some reason. You got my
attention from the start from your first robbery to you finding out
your father was not your real father, you also talk about the
Rebellions and when you went to Junkanoo with the brothers. Some parts
of the book you had me in stitches but most of all you open my eyes to
the real world. God Bless you Mr. Deal and I hope others get the
chance to read the book because I can’t wait on the next one to be publish.
Sergeant Gregory Williams, of Her Majesty Prison
Tuesday, June 3rd 2014
Gregorywilliams06@hotmail.com
This last review comes from an American inmate from Her Majesty Prison, who has since been released…
Dear Mr. Deal,
My name is Kenneth Wayne Smith and I have just now finished
reading your very insightful book, The Fight of My Life Is Wrapped Up
In My Father.
I am presently remanded in H.M.P Fox Hill South Wing Cell H-12.
My journey which led me to be here is different than yours, although a
gun and some very poor decisions by me put me here. I am a Yachty as
I am referred to here who was traveling through the Bahamas out to
fulfill a lifelong dream. I did not declare my weapon when clearing
customs as I was traveling with one for the first time and just plain
forgot I had it.
The series of events that unfolded in Nassau began
with a domestic issue with my girl who suffers from Bi-Polar disease.
During one of her episodes she hailed the police, informed them of my
weapon onboard and sent my life spiraling out of control. My personal
nightmare is how I describe it.
But this is not the reason for my letter.
God tells us everything happens for a reason. Well I believe he
does. And although I believe and pray and try to live by the Golden
Rules, I am not as well versed in the Bible as you seem to be. Life
is a journey and I will learn along the way. My reason for writing is
to thank you for sharing your experiences in life and giving me
insight into the Bahamian culture and the reasons children are drawn
to the gang mentality. I agree with your analogies completely.
As I am sure you well know this place. I guess we can call it a
place but certainly not a place I would ever want to return to. Yet I
am compelled to try and make a difference in the lives of my fellow
inmates. It’s extremely hard to ignore the inhumanity that goes on
here, especially for someone who is from a middle class family who
grew up in the Boston, MA., USA area with a complete family unit and
also at the age of 57.
I will say the boating life has somewhat prepared me to deal with
the small confined areas maybe better than most. The secret for me so
far is to block out my outside life (very difficult) and live in my
surroundings but most importantly reading. So after 26 days here I
believe I have found the path to receiving books for myself but most
importantly some of the other inmates.
It started when my lawyer brought me a book while I waited in the holding
cell for court at Central Police Station. When I returned to Fox Hill Prison
It was taken away and I was told my lawyer should know better than to give me
a book. Nothing comes in unless it clears proper channels. LOL.
Anyway, I asked the P.O. again nicely. He looked it over and handed
it back to me. That book lasted me 3 days and supplied me with 3 days
of “Roadtime”, the term used here for Freedom. I noticed during my
time in the Court holding cell 2 or 3 inmates had shown interest in
what I was reading.
One was clearly illiterate but fortunately this
book had some pictures and a map so I showed him where the adventure
took place then showed him the pictures. He later wanted to share his
lunch with me. I have found the Bahamians I have met since being
remanded are very giving souls willing to share what they have with
me, a white boy from Boston, and it has been most appreciated for this
“Fish out of Water”, as a guard referred to me.
I started my quest to get books to read not just for me but for
everyone who wanted to read as I had been continually asked if they
could read my book when I was done. I passed it down the Block and
after 2 weeks I have received 2 thank yous.
I then started to ask the officers for another book, anything I
said, “Sure, see what I can do”. Days went by. I continued to ask at
any opportunity. Not easy when locked down 23 1/2 hrs a day, 4 days a
week and 24 hrs a day, 3 days a week, except on holiday you get an
extra lockdown day.
Then at exercise I asked the officers outside at
their desk, 3 or 4 higher up officers, if there was a library. “Oh
sure”, “Could I get a book?”, “What kind of book?”, “History,
non-fiction, adventure, anything”. I was overheard by the officer in
charge of the library. “I will get you a book, what cell are you in?”
“H-12”. So that afternoon a book shows up but it was some book about
gang members without fathers, written by someone called Drexel Deal?
Well so much for history, non-fiction, adventure. But I said I will
read anything right! So read it I did and it was everything I asked
for. Although not the adventure story I was seeking but none the less
a good read written from a true experience. The next day I thanked
the officer and also asked if he had read the book? The answer was,
no, but they all talked about how you were here and such. So I told
them about what I had read and shared some of the quotes you used.
My favorite is the Nelson Mandella quote about the judging of nations by
their prisons. Another was Jesse Jackson’s, of children needing your
presence more than presents. They all looked around and agreed then
one asked “where can I get copy of that book”? I told him he could
swing by H-12 and I would lend him my copy. We laughed. Then I told
them I believed the officer in charge of the library said you left some
copies behind.
I then went on to share how there was much interest around the block of
books and would it be possible for some of the other guys to get a book.
“Hmmm? We’ll see”. About 3 hours later, 3 large boxes of books
showed up at our cell. “You can pick first White Boy, sign the book” – O.k.
Then another guy in my cell stepped up to select a book. And so it went down
the line, cell after cell as each cell signed out a book.
I smiled and prayed this becomes the norm and the books are treated properly.
My cellmate has been telling me all day what a good book he chose and which
chapter he was on. I smiled again, happy for him. I will pass your book onto
the officer and hope he reads it too!
So maybe I have found my calling for now to help Fox Hill turn
out a more literate, open minded, better educated person. Maybe one
of these books will open up the mind of a lost soul and show them
there is a better way to go about life then to sit and rot in Fox
Hill.
Put their past behind them and create a brighter future for
their families, their sons & daughters and themselves. And, hopefully
we can end this curse of the broken family unit and turn things around
so we may all benefit and learn to live together as free, proud,
citizens watching our children grow to men in a safe, happy
environment.
God Bless,
Kenneth Wayne Smith
Cell H-12 Fox Hill
University of Yamacraw
P. S. I would of e-mailed this, but the internet is down here.
Ho-Ho-Ho! Looking forward to Book 2.
I was born in the Midwest on a dairy farm outside a small town. I had a love of art from a young age; drew and wrote stories about the farm. My upbringing was conservative and religious and it took a long time to overcome it. I served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam war and was honorably discharged in 1971. I then attended the University of Calfornia and received a degree in Studio Art in 1976. I painted for many years and have paintings in many private collections primarily on the West Coast of the US. I retired and finally had some time for writing; Match Play is my first novel and it will be released later this year or in early 2014. I live in the South Western United States with my wife Ann of twelve years.
Charles Salzberg is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Esquire, New York magazine, Elle, Good Housekeeping, The New York Times Book Review, The New York Times, GQ and other periodicals. He is the author of over 20 non-fiction books and several novels, including Swann’s Last Song, which was nominated for a Shamus Award for Best First PI Novel, and the sequel, Swann Dives In. He also has taught been a Visiting Professor of Magazine at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, and taught writing at Sarah Lawrence College, the Writer’s Voice, and the New York Writers Workshop, where he is a Founding Member.
Alex Hughes, the author of the award-winning Mindspace Investigations series from Roc, has lived in the Atlanta area since the age of eight. She is a graduate of the prestigious Odyssey Writing Workshop, and a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America and the International Thriller Writers. Her short fiction has been published in several markets including EveryDay Fiction, Thunder on the Battlefield and White Cat Magazine. She is an avid cook and foodie, a trivia buff, and a science geek, and loves to talk about neuroscience, the Food Network, and writing craft—but not necessarily all at the same time! You can visit her at
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