Initially, he was surprised how people flocked to his book signings, carrying photo albums and anxious to reveal stark family secrets, even while a long line of people stood behind them. "They feel comfortable telling me their story because I've divulged so much of my life in the book," he explains. "It's a deep and personal way to connect with people."

Nearly 15 years later, readers continue to reach out to him. "The average shelf life of a book is about six weeks," he says, "but I still receive long handwritten letters from people. A lot of interest is still out there."

One of the reasons for the enduring interest is that his story connects with readers on so many different levels. "The book is not just about race," he says. "It's about alcoholism, families, overcoming obstacles, dealing with poverty, being a teenager, all of those things."