HANDBOOK FOR BOYS

In a barbershop, two boys learn what they need to do to grow up to be good men and positively contribute to society. Part psychology, part in-your-face reality, the willingness of this barber to go out of his way to protect the young in his path should be appreciated by young adults. Peter Francis James's narration captures the low-income neighborhood perfectly, with characters that range from preachy old men to drug addicts and slick ex-cons. Myers uses a story mode to help boys sort out their lives and find direction before street life gets them. His message is outright preachy, but lessons can be learned if listeners can get past the sermon and find the wisdom. D.L.M. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 02/ JAN 03]