I'm finally a Man

A Husband's Journey to Manhood

Non-Fiction - Memoir
117 Pages
Reviewed on 05/05/2013
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Author Biography

Demetrius Irick born and raised in Orangeburg South Carolina. Born in July 1973, Demetrius at the age of 16 became fascinated by the street life. He began to hang with the hustlers and dealers where he began experimenting with weed, alcohol and cocaine. Caught up in this lifestyle, he lost himself to the streets and by age 21 he was in prison.
After serving 4 years in prison, He returned to society determined to make a drastic change in his life to avoid being a repeat offender. While, in prison Demetrius found a relationship with God, which enabled him to transform his view of life.
Today, Demetrius recently left an executive role as the District Manager of a well-established retail chain in order to open his own publishing company. Demetrius & his wife Jacqueline formed DeeJak's Publishing Company after overcoming obstacles in getting his first book published. The book entitled “I’m Finally a Man, A Husband’s Journey to Manhood” co- authored with his wife continues to be an inspirational book to encourage its readers to exceed their own dreams. The book has received rave reviews and continues to be the tool that inspires its readers.
Demetrius volunteers at the local county jail, where He mentors to other incarcerated men about the power of Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ and His transforming power. Demetrius is married and have two beautiful daughters, which are his daily motivation.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Demetrius & Jacqueline Irick are the co-authors of "I'm Finally a Man: A Husband's Journey to Manhood". It is written from both their perspectives, starting with Demetrius's account of his life as a boy and a young man. He was raised in the south during the 1980s in an area where discrimination was still very much alive. Demetrius was a bright and accomplished student who ran into trouble as he was growing up. The hard liquor he and his friends would drink before dances or going out caused personality changes in Irick which made him violent and abusive. A four-year stretch in jail for assaulting the police officers who had arrested him was a sobering and life-changing experience. Another such life-changer was meeting Jacqueline, who had been raised in New York and had very different ideas on the relations between men and women and the role of a husband and father.

The Iricks are both frank and forthright in this inspirational memoir. Demetrius is a brave man indeed who recounts the mistakes and missteps of his youth in the hope that others will benefit from his experience. His story shows how hard work and perseverance can win out over the challenges an ex-con faces finding employment. From the first embarrassing managerial position in McDonald's to his current position as an executive, Irick's story shows what can be done if you have the ambition and drive. Jacqueline's story is equally compelling as she discusses the importance of family, in-laws and, most importantly, communication. I highly recommend it.

Lit Amri

There was little room for growth in the small town of Orangeburg, SC, and chances to be somebody worthwhile was almost zero. Demetrius Irick told his story about his involvement with drugs, crime and alcoholism to escape his unproductive life. Four years of jail time finally knocked some senses into him and he started to change for the better. He went back to society as a determined man wanting to live up to his positive potential. He started with the jump start of his career, and now his a District Manager of the North Carolina and South Carolina regions as well as an active member of his church. Married and blessed with two beautiful daughters, Demetrius didn't let his dark past drag him down but learned from it instead.

Demerick and Jacqueline Irick engages readers wonderfully with Demerick's journey. Young male readers, especially the ones who are going through the same struggle as Demerick will discover that dreams can come true if they really want them to. "I'm Finally a Man" gives enough, clear guidelines on how to achieve a beautiful, amazing life. Inspiration is the backbone of this beautifully written, intimate memoir. It will make you want to stay on course on whatever path of life that you want to follow. I was Demerick Irick for awhile, his journey was my journey until I finished reading the book. And what a journey it was and I am forever grateful for the life lessons that I gained.