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Joshua William Clauer, the punter, has worked as a prison guard, a parole officer, and with returning prisoners through Madison Area Urban Ministry (dba Just Dane). He ultimately found his calling in working with pre-teen (mostly African American) boys helping them avoid gang involvement. Football has been one of the keys to helping his boys overcome the challenges they too often face. Born as “the boy with a bad heart,” Joshua has surmounted his own obstacles as well. He knows the pathways.
Judith Gwinn Adrian, co-author. Joshua and I became a team, organizing and writing his memoir, mostly via Zoom meetings, during Covid-19. In addition to all else, my knowledge of football has been kicked up many notches. Thanks Joshua! In recent years, I have written and/or co-written eight books (including In Warm Blood: Prison and Privilege, Hurt and Heart, with the artist who created the Bears’ image in this book). Each of the books has been its own adventure. There is more detailed information at judithadrian.com.
Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite
Some biographies can touch you in ways you wouldn’t have imagined. Walking the Line: There is No Time for Hate by Joshua William Clauer and Judith Gwinn Adrian is one of those. Although written to inspire teens and pre-teens to reject the gang lifestyle, this book does much more. I found it raw, real, and utterly mesmerizing. In the story of a man who worked for the betterment of the lives of others, both young and adults, there’s something for us all to learn. Clauer shares the highs and lows of his life in frank terms interspersed with down-to-earth wisdom born of experience. Through it all shines a message of love and compassion. A glossary of terms adds to the reader’s understanding. Several photographs are included.
In Walking the Line, Joshua William Clauer and Judith Gwinn Adrian give us not only the story of an inspirational life but a blueprint for confronting some of the problems we face on the streets and in the homes of America today. Written in the first person, the narrative is conversational in tone yet well-organized and flowing. The discussion on the role of materialism, greed, jealousy, and music as enticements to teen criminality was insightful. Throwing money at the problem will never be enough, Clauer warns, because personal relationships are required. Racism is stupid, he tells us, and “there is no time for hate.” In the end, he asks, “So what does it mean to be a man?” and he answers his question with simplicity and clarity. Highly recommended.
