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Made in Detroit | 
| Author: Paul Clemens
Publisher: Anchor
Category: Book
List Price: $13.95
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Avg. Customer Rating:  26 reviews
Sales Rank: 344374
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 256
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.6
ISBN: 1400075963
Dewey Decimal Number: 920
EAN: 9781400075966
ASIN: 1400075963
Publication Date: October 10, 2006
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Product Description
A New York Times Notable Book
A powerfully candid memoir about growing up white in Detroit and the conflicted point of view it produced.
Raised in Detroit during the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s, Paul Clemens saw his family growing steadily isolated from its surroundings: white in a predominately black city, Catholic in an area where churches were closing at a rapid rate, and blue-collar in a steadily declining Rust Belt. As the city continued to collapse—from depopulation, indifference, and the racial antagonism between blacks and whites—Clemens turned to writing and literature as his lifeline, his way of dealing with his contempt for suburban escapees and his frustration with the city proper. Sparing no one—particularly not himself—this is an astonishing examination of race and class relations from a fresh perspective, one forged in a city both desperate and hopeful.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 21 more reviews...
 Painful Read March 16, 2008
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
I am also a white male who is part of the Detroit diaspora. In my case I simply left for better economic possibilities elsewhere. Much like author Clemens I find the city and its dominant African American culture to be a great part of what has shaped my world view for a lifetime.
Unlike author Clemons, I find America's racial barriers to be much greater beyond the boundaries of the city of Detroit, than within the friendlier confines of them. The older I get the more I find myself longing for the place, and the plain speaking warmth of its people. Because I consider the city of Detroit to be my home, I often return to visit.
I wish I could recommend this book. I just can't! I think there is a dark space in Mr. Clemens soul that he is struggling with, but still refuses to confront. Call that dark space anything you like.
 Wonderful Tale of Growing Up in a Crumbling City February 20, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
For the record- I grew up in East Detroit, right over the border from 8 Mile around 8&Kelly.
I'm white, and I had plenty of white relatives who lived in Detroit. I went to an integrated private school on the border between Detroit and the suburbs, and had lots of black acquaintances with whom I got along with really well. I'd say, "I don't consider myself a racist," but the phrase doesn't benefit anyone. The people who would assume I'd say that, and who would judge me based on my skin- they'll presume I'm a racist no matter what I say.
I'm here to say that I love this book- I was given it for fathers day last year, and I only picked it up to read in the past few weeks. I'm just finishing it and I can say without any doubts that this is a wonderful book that really pegs the thoughts and feelings of the author accurately. His thoughts and feelings on growing up in Detroit, and as a minority white in a black majority city are typical of my friends and families experiences.
I love the city, and I love its people; although the majority of Detroiters seem to suffer from a "seige mentality" that leads them to make rather poor political choices. It seems- all you need to be successful as a politican in Detroit is highlight the troubles of the city and point North of 8 Mile indicating the problems were caused by outsiders. Or, at least that's my feeling- and this book captures that sentiment accurately.
White and private schooled in Detroit July 9, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Also being a white kid in a black city, I can relate to this book, as I too was sent to private schools to avoid the "dreaded" public schools in the Motor City.
CONFESSIONS OF A CATHOLIC SCHOOLGIRL by Michelle Kane is another good book set in the city of Detroit, although the main character is from a broken home and not as lucky as Clemens to have both parents to turn to in confusing times.Confessions of a Catholic Schoolgirl
A wonderful personal history, set in a decaying town November 3, 2006
8 out of 10 found this review helpful
When I ordered this book, I thought that it might be about someone closer to my age (64) who grew up in the City of Detroit. It turns out to be a much younger man: one who grew up during the years just after I moved away from Michigan in 1972.
Although this book is somewhat different than what I expected, it turned out to be a thoughtful read. Yes, there is a lot of Detroit history and visits to places I recall, but you do not have had to live in Michigan to enjoy this book. It covers family life, religion, schooling, racial issues and much more. I think that the book does bog down a bit near the end. This is where the author is trying to resolve much of his upbringing and beliefs. Nevertheless, MADE IN DETROIT is very worthwhile. Particularly wonderful is the description of the author's dad and his continuing episodes throughout the book. Reminded me a lot of my old man and many other Detroit relatives and acquaintances of my parents. The occasional glimpses into the personality of Coleman Young (Mayor of Detroit for many years) are quite humorous. Mr. Young was a real genuine character.
 TOO MUCH SELF AGGRANDIZEMENT March 16, 2006
9 out of 19 found this review helpful
If the author had spent more time telling us about Detroit and less time telling us how literate he is then it would have been a lot better book.
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