The Edge of Dawn

A memorable retrospective that looks at a past that intrigues, inspires and motivates, Brett’s The Edge of Dawn paints a poignant portrait of an often difficult, but eventually triumphant life, bringing into focus the ultimate importance of persistence and self-love.

Growing up in the 1960s, a black male being raised by a single mother, Brett recalls his young life, eagerly and honestly delving into his experiences while growing up and living in Maine during one the most turbulent and history-making decades, the 1960s. He also recollects the prominent historical aspects and atmosphere of his formative years, looking at the many compelling events of the time such as race relations, the March on Washington, NAACP, The Voting Act of 1965, The Civil Rights bill 1964, The Poor Peoples March on Washington in 1968, and much more.

Furthering his intriguing life story, author Brett also brings into focus the stunning as well as the heartwarming experiences of his formative years. He looks back fondly at the good times of his life, especially his childhood with a keen eye with memories that warm the heart such as the milkman dropping off eggs and milk, going to restaurants with family, or visiting a favorite doughnut shop, as well as meeting friends. However, there is also the dark side of his life, the mischievous, the hurtful, traumatic and often unfair experiences that in some instances altered his life to near ruin, Brett’s story truly spins the heart, emotionally.

Additionally, as author Brett explores the darker events of his life, he unearths painful events that altered his life permanently; such as his brother setting fire to his back consequently leading to painful long-term recovery. Not to mention having to spend considerable time incarcerated for a crime that he did not commit. As well as spousal abandonment and instances of racism that cost him jobs and the comfortable life that he worked hard for, topped off with the ultimate insult through it all being a severe lack of support, love, or concern from his own mother. However, although faced with the many challenges of his life, throughout all the trials and tribulations, he stayed true to his desires and learned to stand on his own feet and make a happy, comfortable life for himself which sets a great example for others that may find themselves in similar seemingly hopeless positions.

Comprehensively, The Edge of Dawn by author Brett turned out to be a biography that was simultaneously enjoyable and thought-provoking. It demonstrated self-love in action by the author withstanding the many hardships he faced without much love and support, ultimately, he garnered enough love for himself to continue to rise from the ashes of unfortunate circumstances each time he came to near ruin and somehow rebuild his life. Although the book requires some minor editing, it was a great read and I especially enjoyed the author’s commentary at the end of the book, which included great motivational insights about life gleaned by the author.

- Pacific Book Review

"The thing I like about me was I never gave up. I was always positive. That was and still is my outlook."

The author can recall pleasant times from his childhood in a black neighborhood in a small town in Maine. Yet he suffered trauma, twice sustaining serious burns, rejected by his mother who favored his older brothers, and then, in high school, jailed after being falsely accused of theft. Though he had credible witnesses, he was found guilty and spent several months in jail and rehab. Determined to get ahead and to own a house, he took various jobs, getting promoted more than once but also being fired, and once being accused by a white co-worker of harassment. After a stroke, he was unable to pay his mortgage. Through his continued efforts, navigating complex social systems, and getting help from several organizations, he was finally able to pay for his home and receive assistance to which he was entitled. Feeling free at last, his next goals include traveling through America by train and plane.

Brett writes forcefully, explaining but not complaining about the many times he suffered unfair treatment, almost certainly based on his race. He makes the reader aware of the atmosphere of his youth—segregated schools, a military draft that disproportionately targeted black men to fight in Viet Nam, and the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.—leading at last to a time when a black man could become the US President. He carefully details the circumstances he endured in his work life, the disparities between his high level of competence and the envy or bias of destructive co-workers, and his unwavering resolve to try again and again to succeed. The author takes great pride in his achievement of owning his own home after his childhood in poverty. He completes his memoir with exhortations to others to persevere and learn to make good decisions and strong choices for themselves, as he has done.

- The US Review of Books