What People Are Saying About Raynor Books

A Historian Walks Among Us

“I thought I knew the answer to the 'Why'. I did not know I would receive so much more depth and breadth of understanding of the 'Why' as I read your memoir. You walked us down memory lane and took us over pathways that were familiar and some not so familiar to me. You helped us better understand why some people end up where they are. We may have a world that wants to ignore it, but racism can change the trajectory of a person's life.  At the same time, you helped us see one's humble beginnings can still take them to distant countries and extraordinary experiences.  I have been around you regularly when you were on Campus — I did not know I was in the presence of a great historian and multilingual colleague. You were blazingly open and transparent to share what we might define as the good, bad, and ugly of your life. I thank you for sharing the times when you changed your mind on long held beliefs. The unexamined life.....   I found myself highlighting, underlining and writing comments in the margins and nodding so many times. As I finished reading your memoir, I made a mental note to self — "allow more room in your mind and heart for the Native American adage of which Bill spoke." Finally, thank you for the privilege of being mentioned in your book.  The times you spent with my son in those formative years were life shaping and affirming in ways that transcended 'just' teaching him about basketball. I appreciate you even more after reading 'Why Black Men Nod at Each Other'.”

I read your book. It would take a thesis to really explain how much it appealed to me and how much it made me think about my own journey. Suffice to say here that I had no idea about your issues with addiction. I say that to you in hopes that it helps you in some way. Of course being in the basketball business during that time in both of our lives, it was a situation where we all knew each other. Either from our collegiate playing days or just the camaraderie of the African American coaches in the business. At no time did I ever hear of your unfortunate addiction. Having said that…I am both elated and proud of you for the way you handled your illness and for having the courage to reveal it now in your memoir. Congratulations Bill on your honest,personal and insightful reflection on your life and your career as a coach and educator. My road,although somewhat similar,was different in a lot of ways but I was able to relate to every aspect of your book.That I believe is why as your title indicates Why Black Men Nod At Each Other. Ever since I saw you play in the Dartmouth vs Vermont freshman game in Hanover in 1970 I have been impressed with you. After reading your book my opinion of you has soared higher that it ever has been. Great job Bill.

Rich Reading

During this reading you really felt like you were there with him as he carried you through his story, It's a page turner for sure. I wasn't born yet during Coach's adolescents and it gives me a sense of history and excitement to hear about streets and corners that i walk today and what used to be of it. It also shows how much change there is in the city which i find interest to learn about. My biggest takeaway from this reading is the amount and courage, bravery and endurance it takes to be US!

Wonderful trip of adventures and humorous stories

Excellent account of a gifted educator and coach with global experiences and keen insight and perspective on the value of sports and education.

“Go to Amazon and pick up Billy Raynor’s “Why Black Men Nod At Each Other (some lessons and observations on life).” Raynor, a state champ at Catholic Memorial under coach Ronnie Perry Sr., is New England basketball royalty. He played at Dartmouth and has coached at Holy Cross, Brown, Harvard, Mass. Bay, and Framingham State.”

Excellent Recounting of

Time and Place

Bill Raynor has written a clear and compelling personal history of the second half of the twentieth century. His story beautifully captures both the times as well as places of his life, including Greater Boston and the Hanover Plain.

Why Black Men Nod at Each Other

I really enjoyed your new book: "Why Black Men Nod at Each Other".

It is very readable & interesting memoir. It saddened me as to how difficult your personal experiences were growing up in Roxbury and your life after high school; however, I am proud of you for your many social and academic achievements and efforts around helping people and working to educate people on social injustice. Congratulations on writing a bold, courageous, candid and thoughtful book.

Insight into Bill's interactions

Having worked with Bill for a few years when he was coaching at MassBay Community College, I had the opportunity to see how he interacted with his players, spoke to them, the lessons he tried to teach. The variety of supports he provided them. They were not the interactions I was used to seeing from a coach towards their players.

Reading 'Why Black Men Nod At Each Other' provided a look into Bill's life experiences. These experiences guided him in the care and support he provided to all.

First of all Thank you for the acknowledgement. In the words of Miles Davis "Don't fear mistakes, there are none". Why Blackmen nod at each other is well written. You provided a vivid picture of life in the projects of in Boston in the 60's. Your descriptions brought back memories of my life in the Cathedrel projects and the roach infestation. I think the projects were built to house roaches(smile) By allowing your readers into your life story is not only courageous, risky it is also brave. I can go on with many positive attributes about your book I will say you have done one helluva job. Well done my brother.

Just Wow

Bill has written a really important book. He writes on universal themes from his own very personal perspective. Because the book covers his truly interesting life, and because he shares a great deal of himself, it's a page-turner. But it's much more than that. It's a meditation on life, society, spirituality, and yes race; that really got me thinking.

Thank you Bill, for taking me on your journey.

Profound

I really enjoyed your new book: "Why Black Men Nod at Each Other".

It is very readable & interesting memoir. It saddened me as to how difficult your personal experiences were growing up in Roxbury and your life after high school; however, I am proud of you for your many social and academic achievements and efforts around helping people and working to educate people on social injustice. Congratulations on writing a bold, courageous, candid and thoughtful book.