Jersey City, NJ Authors Publish Former Gang Member's Story

October 30, 2015 - "And Yet He Lived?," a new book by Cornelius L. Barker, MA. and Claudette J. Searchwell, MA., has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.

This book chronicles the life of David Alexander, from his lack of parental love and being a social outcast from his peers to the desire to join a gang and getting out of such lifestyle. He experiences physical and mental abuse at the hands of the same people who are supposed to be nurturing and protecting him. The horrific treatment by the adults in his life is enough to turn any child into a cold-blooded and cold-hearted menace. Feeling unwanted and unloved by his father and unwelcomed by his siblings, he becomes easily captivated by the "Conti-Boys," a neighborhood street gang.

When David is about to be inducted into the gang, many adults, including teachers, counselors and his father, misunderstood him - - - often punishing him unfairly. David tries repeatedly to prove to his family and school how intelligent he is and how naturally talented he is but meets with disapproval and discouragement. For the most part, David is in search for acceptance and recognition.

This book goes on to demonstrate how the presence of one or two caring adults in a child's life can have a profound and lasting effect of helping that child turn his life around. With the patient encouragement of a new found friend, David realizes that being successful in life does not mean having a lot of material things. He realizes that a good education is more valuable and will be his forever. It is something no person will ever take from him.

Cornelius L. Barker, MA. and Claudette J. Searchwell, MA. vividly wrote a compelling story edited by Christina C. Polychronis, MA., that can be used as an instructional device to aid students in building a mastery of reading comprehension and vocabulary enhancement. The storyline is one that will definitely grab young readers' interest. Barker, Searchwell and Polychronis understand very well that to get students to read, you need to provide them with something of interest that he or she can identify with. The book provides young readers with a character that is lifelike and believable. "And Yet He Lived?" colorfully tells the story that any school-aged child can relate to regarding feeling accepted and recognized regardless of an urban or suburban atmosphere.

"And Yet He Lived?" is a 192-page paperback with a retail price of $15.00. The ISBN is 978-1-4809-1911-2. It was published by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For more information, or to request a review copy, please go to our virtual pressroom at www.dorrancepressroom.com or our online bookstore at www.dorrancebookstore.com.