Review of Hard Knocks: Memoir of a Small Moment

[Charles Jeremiah]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Hard Knocks: Memoir of a Small Moment" by Ray Lopez.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The life of a young man who faced addictions, afflictions, and learned bad habits from the unlikeliest places, Hard Knocks: Memoir of a Small Moment by Ray Lopez is a book about Raymond and his journey to God. Raymond was born on September 1st, 1959, and has been a Catholic since, but his story shows he didn't know God much then. Raymond grew up with his parents, his older sister, Theresa, and his other siblings. As a kid, with his friends (Tommy and Francis), Raymond played a lot, but he began thinking of himself as a weakling and mouse when Tommy punched him, and he couldn't do anything back. Raymond's bully story initiates at this moment.

Raymond's life continues with stories of racism, drugs, sexual adventures, and jail time. The author (Raymond Lopez) censors the names of some characters by using only the first letter of their name, with a Mr. in front of it. Like Mr. R, who introduced him to pills and drug addiction. How did Raymond survive his life of misdirection? How did he set himself free from his reckless way of living?

Hard Knocks: Memoir of a Small Moment is a simple non-fiction book in which the author shares his life experiences with readers hoping they would not make the same mistakes he did. This book comprises 27 chapters and about 160 pages. There is a unique style of presentation. Each chapter begins with one line of capitalized words and ends with a picture and a passage from the Bible. The narration is interesting. This book, Hard Knocks: Memoir of a Small Moment, is professionally edited. There are no grammatical or punctuation errors.

In this story, I like Raymond's dad. He was always there for his family and did the best he could. This book shows that things may always be as it seems, like when Mr. R, a priest, asks Raymond if he fantasizes about his mom. Some people are weird. Another addiction in the books I found creative was the poems the author added from time to time. There is nothing I dislike about this book.

I rate this book, Hard Knocks: Memoir of a Small Moment, by Ray Lopez four out of four stars. I learned a few lessons from Raymond's life that would help me. The entire writing was unique and straightforward. It is bound to teach readers about the effects of bullying and racism in society. I recommend this book to young adults trying to make the right choices in life and to black kids going through hard times.

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Hard Knocks: Memoir of a Small Moment
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[Judy O]

Most children despite growing in a Christian home do not abide by it. I would like to know how Raymond was set on the right path. Interesting review.

[Chimereucheya Okoroafo]

Memoirs aren't really one of my favorite book. Ray's story doesn't seen so bad at the beginning. His major issue seemed to be fear and peer pressure. You did a wonderful job writing this review. Good job.

[Wash William]

I love reading memoirs of people who have encountred a lot. And it's so easy to relate to because of its realistic ability. This book is an amazing one and I am going to create chance for it.

[Charless Agbata]

Ray:s life story did contain allot of adversities
I will love to know his fate at last. Congrats on your published review

[Ruth Omonegho]

This is a wonderful handout for those that are addicted to one thing or the other. This book contain wisdom that they can adopt to be free from their addiction.

[Maduabuchi Okwiya N Eze]

Ray's story is sure a lesson to many souls out there who are struggling with addiction and bad influences. There are always hard truths we must face in this life, no matter how strange, out-of-place, or weird they may appear: like Mr. R, a priest, introducing Ray to pills and drugs. How on earth do we explain this! They are, no doubts, lots of practical lessons to learn from this book.

[Amandaruth Ama]

I like the unique style of presentation of this book. I suppose those pictures made the book fum and interesting to read. I love reading book with pictures in them.
I enjoyed reading this review. You have analysed it so well. Kudos!

[PinkRose572]

This is quite a disturbing story. I can imagine the hard times Ray Lopez experienced as a young man. I suggest relevant authorities and institutions enact more strict rules and regulations against bullying and any other forms of child abuse, since these affect negatively a child's mental and physical development, among others. Parents should also be mindful of the kind of adults their children spend time with. We can see in this book the negative influences of people like Mr. R, a priest, on Ray.

[Glory_C]

This book is life-changing and should be shared among teenagers and youths alike, so they won't make the same mistakes the author made. Nice review!

[Gabriele Mattia Leonardo]

Hard Knocks: Memoir of a Small Moment by Ray Lopez is a very realistic and relatable story. Many of us have found ourselves in situations like this and this makes it more understandable.

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

I love your details about the book. It captures me. Raymond's story is exceptional and deserved a large readership. I'm pretty sure a lot will be moved by his story. I want to be one of them. Thanks for the recommendation.