Atlanta, GA -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/29/2014 -- There's no way to sugarcoat it; young African American men are under huge pressure to give in to society's negative influences, embrace gang culture that is becoming increasingly glorified and even take the rap for crimes that were not their fault. Patricia Joseph was acutely aware of this when she gave birth to her first child almost three-decades ago, and was committed to raising "thugless" sons. Having achieved her goal with gusto, she is compiling her story and lessons learned into a compelling new book.

'Raising Black Boys to Men: A Mother's Guide to Raising Thugless Sons' should be seen as a tried-and-tested blueprint for raising responsible children. Joseph's journey through raising three sons wasn't without its defeats, but her ultimate success is credited to one simple strategy – the practice of "good, ole-fashioned parenting."

Synopsis:

"Raising Black Boys to Men: A Mother's Guide to Raising Thugless Sons" is a candid book of one mother's journey: her successes, trials, and errors, in raising her three boys, in a society that glorifies thug-life. Author, Patricia Joseph, who successfully navigated the lives of her three sons, through the ever so present negative influences in society, felt compelled to write about her experience in raising thugless sons. Patricia credits much of her success to just "good, ole-fashion child rearing."

In her book, Patricia provides simple anecdotes and tips, to help mothers faced with the challenges of raising Black boys. Patricia cleverly sprinkles humor throughout the book, and provides laughter to the role of parenting. The book is a short, quick-read, which can be read in a few hours. At the end of each chapter, Patricia provides "Mom Tips," which are little nuggets of information, for moms to reference long after reading the book.

All readers will enjoy the heart-felt emotion of Patricia's call-to-action: "Save Our Sons." Also, readers will come to understand the unique challenges African-American mothers' face, with raising their boys. Patricia takes no prisoners, when she writes about the incarceration rates, and illiteracy of young, Black men. At the end of the book, Patricia provides readers with a list of "Recommended Reading," as a supplement to further their knowledge and increase awareness.

"From my own upbringing I was acutely aware that raising African American sons would present its own unique challenges, many of which would be forced on them by the pressures and prejudices of wider society," admits Joseph. "But I was committed to giving them the same chances as everyone else; a responsibility that would ultimately fall on me."

Continuing, "I learned so much that I had to share it. Right now, a mother somewhere is crying over losing her son to a pointless crime, or racked by guilt at an incarceration that could have been avoided. If parents adopt the right strategies early enough, raising thugless sons is 100% possible and life-changing for all."

Since its release, the book has garnered a string of rave reviews. One reader comments, "She takes from the 28 years of experience that she has gained from raising her own sons and uses the triumphs and failures from her own journey to deliver priceless lessons on how to raise black boys into responsible men. I especially loved how she wrote her book; reading it felt like reading one mother's letters to another mother. The fact that she included her personal story made the book more intimate and hence a more endearing read for all mothers."

AJ adds, "Just finished this book and I enjoyed every page. It's a very easy read; I finished in one sitting. I'm not a mother but one day I hope to be and this book provides simple yet helpful advice."

'Raising Black Boys to Men: A Mother's Guide to Raising Thugless Sons', from BookBaby, is available now: http://amzn.to/1xUF9kE

For more information, visit the official website: http://raisingblackboystomen.wordpress.com

About Patricia Joseph
Patricia Joseph is a wife, mother of three sons and a daughter, writer, and web communications specialist. She is committed and passionate about building stronger families. She earned her B.S. in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts, at Amherst.

When she's not developing her writing craft, Patricia spends her time relaxing with hubby, gardening, listening to jazz, or cooking.

An exceptional home cook, vegetarian, and natural lifestyle enthusiast, Patricia loves sharing information and her passion for food and healthy living, on her Eat Well and Live Healthy blog (http://eatandlivehealthy.wordpress.com)