Never did I expect a memoir about such a difficult subject to be a book that I did not want to put down. Kenneth Rogers with his whole heart describes his journey from trusting child through his abuse to struggling teen and adult still coping with his past. Reading this book caused me to look at the values we all form about what sexual abuse is--Yes males can be raped. Anytime there is a difference in the ability to with full knowledge consent or when those people involved are not on the same level of maturity or power (i.e. workplace harassment) full consent is not given. The growth Kenny struggles through, while common for everyone is complicated by his abuse. That he becomes a teacher and inspires his students shows his great strength.

This is a must read novel. Kenneth Rogers Jr takes us on a brutal but honest journey. We meet him as an innocent trusting child who becomes the victim of sexual abuse. As the story continues we see how the abuse has permeated his life and lives just under the surface as he becomes a confused teen and how he masks it as an astute college student and must come face to face with it as a frightened but loving father and husband. Mr. Rogers beautifully mixes his heart wrenching experience with his true talent to write an expressive story. In the end we are witness to his ability to overcome the stigma and imposed shame to become the man he always hoped to be.

We have all read memoirs that feel forced, that drag us through years of childhood monotony, silly anecdotes, and frivolous mishaps. Raped Black Male is no such memoir. At its core it addresses both the shaping of the individual and the molding of a society. We are constantly reminded, as readers, that the individual is in a perpetual battle with our own inner demons just as much as we are with the crushing expectations that the broader community we exist within places upon us. When reading, you'll find yourself rooting for the protagonist - he's instantly your friend, you'll turn page after page captivated to know how his life unfolds.

I feel honored to have been able to read this memoire. Such a raw, honest and open account of life with a secret such as being the victim or childhood incestual rape and a stunning account of what it means to become a survivor. Readers should expect to cry...laugh...and question their own moral development in such a way to inspire change in our world. Well done Kenny, you deserve a standing ovation. A great lesson tucked in this book is the ability to see the good in all people, to learn from all people...regardless of their actions. That is a true gift that few possess.

I LOVED it! Kenny brings you in and you get a true sense of his battles. I was blown away by his honesty and ability to weave his reality with humor. Read this book. It talks about life in the most raw way.