Jacob's Rite of Passage Reviews

When I first started reading the first book in this trilogy, I couldn't put it down. It was so engaging. I felt like I was actually there, and I couldn't wait until the end; but it wasn't the end. I still had two more books to read. I ended up reading the whole trilogy in one day. Whenever I finished a book, I would go straight to the next. And throughout the entire time, I was wondering and thinking to myself, what's going to happen next, and are the characters going to do this or that.

Jacob's Rite of Passage is a very inspirational series. I could often relate myself to the characters. I relate more to Big Brother than Jacob because I am the big brother. Big Brother had to look out for Jacob, and in the same way, I have to look out for Avery, Aaron, Aiden, and Andy. But, when Jacob was younger, he cussed and disobeyed Ma Bets. I did the same when I was younger, except I cussed when I was by myself. The part that stands out the most to me was when Big Brother died. I felt some emotion for Jacob because he had just lost his older brother.

The books are also very educational. They give insight on what it was like to live in the early 20th century. I give this series five stars, six if I could. They are very beneficial to any teenager, especially males because the books are about a male, and he had a lot of the same problems that male teens have today. The books even address things that teenagers think about but don't really talk about. 

The series starts out with Young Jacob, Teen Jacob, then The Man Jacob, and they each have dozens of lessons. I learned a lot of things from them. My favorite part about reading these books was the way I felt emotion for the characters and felt compassion, or anger, or if he's just going to get through it. They were well written.

Alan L.
15 years old

"Thanks for all your hard work. I started reading the book to my mother. We both are enjoying. I read a lot and I can already determine that he writes well. Thanks again."

Cynthia Henderson

"Jacob's Rite of Passage is a book like none other. It provides a refreshing and insightful view of African-American family. It showcases the struggles and victories of a post-slavery African-American family in a new light. It only got more interesting with each page turned. It was such a wonderful book!"

Valerie Taylor-Thomas

Your books are outstanding, I have passed it around to my children and a couple of friends, they too have found your writings a great teaching tool and inspiring for the young men and women in the family. Also our classmates have encouraged each member to read Jacob's Rite of Passage and to purchase it as gifts. We will be having a meeting on January 28th. I will ask how many have read the book and will email you their comments. Thank you.

Betty (class of 1967)

There were four members at the meeting who said they too enjoyed learning about Fayetteville as well as how strong young Jacob grew up to be, and he teaches all of us how to stay focused and determined to succeed in life regardless of the stumbling blocks. My hope is that you will soon write another. Your writings have encouraged my daughter to write a book about herself.

Betty (follow-up)

Clarence, I must say all three were enjoyable readings. The first, "Jacob Rite of Passage" brought to mind how many children were raised years ago, the oldest looking out for the younger siblings. "Teen Jacob, " spoke of how many teenage boys try to take over the role of an adult in many cases. "The Man Jacob" showed the progress of growth that lead into adulthood. I no longer have the books, because I passed them on to others. I'm proud to say I know someone who can express the feelings of so many in various stages of life. Keep up the gift that God gave you.

Jackie Felder

The Taylor-Thomas family would like to thank everyone for all their love and support. We are extremely proud of Brittany and her accomplishment. "It takes a village to raise a child," and this village should be very proud. We could not have done this alone. The love and support that Brittany has received from everyone will assist her in this next chapter in her life. Again Thank You!!

Valerie Taylor

“This book and the passage story is a must read! It captures some of the growing-up, real life experiences in the early life of Jacob. It reminds us of our Rite of Passage that we do not share often enough. We need to share more of these valuable experiences with our family and friends. This book leaves you wanting and waiting to read more. The author, Clarence Matthews did an excellent job with “School Days.”

Rev. Joseph L. Jones, Sr.
Senior Pastor
Monumental Baptist Church
Jersey City, NJ