Men of the House: A B-Boy Blues Novel

So I just finished Men of the House a few days ago but the phenomenal James Earl Hardy and it was amazing! I laughed, I cried, I got angry, and I healed some past hurts. Without question, the two scenes from the book that made me angry were the ones that involved Errol and his father Raheim. Watching Errol give in to peer pressure was hard (read the book if you want to know what he ends up doing and watching Raheim put his hands on Errol for giving in to peer pressure was even harder (if you've read the other seven books in the B-Boy series you already know how close Pooquie is to his Li'l Brotha Man). Mitchell, on the other hand, is still one of the most endearing Black SGL (that's same-gender-loving) men ever placed on the page. He is now a father and a husband. He is stronger than what his pet name (Little Bit) might suggest. It was so "jood" to see him play both father to Errol and Destiny and even "jooder" to see him play husband to Raheim (that Christmas kiss is one for the ages). Honorable Mentions: Sunshine (aka Crystal aka Errol's mother) still shines, Angel (aka Uncle A aka Raheim's last homeboi) is still an "angel", and Gene, BD, and Babyface are STILL the Three Muskateers! Always there to save the day! I personally want to thank Mr. Hardy for this book! I will be on the lookout for many many more stories to come! Errol held his own in this one. Who, I wonder, might be next? I always wanted a book about Mr. Montgomery "Montee" Simms (wink).

I have been a huge fan of the B-Boy Blues series since reading B-Boy Blues in 1996. I have bought all of James Earl Hardy's books within and out of the series. I had to purchase Men of the House since it was the latest addition to the love story of Mitchell "Little Bit" Crawford and Raheim "Pooquie" Rivers we have grown up with. Men of the House centers on the coming of age story of Raheim Errol Rivers III., the fifteen-year-old son of Raheim. Errol has best friends, Sid and Roe, and attends Brooklyn Tech. He has a college-age girlfriend, Max. Errol is dealing with attitudes and views from his opinionated maternal grandmother, Gloria. She despises Mitchell and Raheim's Same Gender Loving relationship and Errol and Max's May-December relationship. Errol is secure in who he is as a teen growing up with his kid sister, Destiny "Baby Doll" Crawford-Rivers in a Same Gender Loving household. I loved his stance and advocacy for Same Gender Loving relationships and families as a straight Black male teen. His story is a testimony against arguments made by people who feel children raised in these households will turn out Same Gender Loving. My best friend Ra Shawn told me how Errol has a sexual side to him, so you know I had to read on to see how Errol expressed himself sexually. I was surprised by two major developments in Errol's coming-of-age journey. I will not kiss nor tell with spoilers for those who have not read it. I love reading YA novels and this one deserves to be seen as one. I recommend this book for parents, caregivers, and librarians. Blood does not make a family. Love does!

I have read the entire series of books.I was excited to read this new chapter in the lives of these beloved characters. Mr Hardy places the reader in a pivotal point in time where a dynamic shift is happening and the plot does not disappoint. Reading this made me fall in love all ver again. A quick read and hood one at that.

James never disappoints. He is Master weaver of amazing tales that reflect the type of representation needed for SGL men of color. This gorgeous look into the world of Lil' Brotha Man is SO refreshing, & beautifully done. I literally finished it in 2 days (my attempt at pacing myself). Thank you for another great book to add to the collection.

Once again this phenomenal writer made me tear through another book lol. I tried to slow myself down but it wasn't happening. This book was a easy read which brought me back to the lives of the characters the in previous books and left me in awe of how they have all grown. Can't wait for the next one,

I've been waiting for years to catch up with the B-Boy Blues family. The story flowed so well and brought back so many great memories. Errol has grown up now and is still a wonderful big brother to Destiny. And just to see Raheim and Mitchell back together made my day. I'm still hoping to see this story on the big screen one day.

I enjoy this genre of literature. I had a copy of this book many years ago and either loaned it out (never to be seen again) or I somehow lost it in a move. Great to have it back in my library.

I enjoyed this book so much! it was nice to have a novel centered around Little Brotha Man aka Errol and seeing his maturation, struggle with girls, and navigating a home life with two dads. Errol's story can even serve as a blueprint of how we can influence friends into different viewpoints and open mindedness. Another home run by Hardy!

I only discovered B-Boy Blues a few months ago and immediately fell for the characters and their story. Checking in with them more than a decade later was wonderful. A tender and hopeful tale that will warm your heart. Thanks again Mr. Hardy.