Written from the heart and experiences of Tiriq Callaway, ‘A Diamond In God's Dirt’ takes readers deep into the author’s tumultuous upbringing in a disadvantaged neighborhood, through the bad choices he made yet out the other side of a fierce spiritual awakening. In a volume already hailed ”innately human” by one critic, Callaway inspires readers to get up when they fall, and defy their past for a prosperous future.

Piscataway, NJ -- (SBWire) -- 03/12/2015 --According to society's rulebook, Tiriq Callaway was to become one of the millions of African American men viewed in a false, misrepresentative light, just because he was born into an underprivileged neighborhood. While Callaway doesn't deny that his early years were steeped in bad decisions and poor choices in terms of his attitude, a sudden and life-changing spiritual awakening saw him defy all apparent odds.

Callaway may still be young, but he has a bold story to tell. In 'A Diamond In God's Dirt', he exposes all so that others may emerge victorious from their own demons.

Synopsis:

What distinguishes life from purpose is how one perseveres despite faults, unforeseen circumstances and distressing environments. When left in perplexing situations the ultimatum is to either conform to complacency or individualize to overcome obstacles. In his real life accounts, Tiriq Callaway will take you on a journey through his most endearing childhood moments, growing up in a disadvantaged neighborhood & brave reflections on his family's hard times.

His tenacity & relentless fight to break free from all environmental barriers, struggling to finish college ultimately to graduate with his Master's degree, and embarking on a vast spiritual reawakening is a compelling testament to the real fabric of a man.

"My goal with this book is to prove that, although society often highlights negative images of young black men, they hold as much potential and as many gifts as anyone else," explains Callaway. "In fact, all men and women in any of the world's thousands of cultures have the power to overcome their setbacks and make a huge positive impact within their communities."

Continuing, "I was raised tough, inherited the neighborhood mentality, and paid the price for some decisions I made. Throughout these early years I had a burning desire to break free and show the world who I really was. After my unexpected spiritual awakening, I overcame the stigma attached to me and am now committed to helping others do the same."

While his memoir will be of particular interest to a younger audience, Callaway knows that his work has boundless potential.

"This may be my story, but it's just a microcosm of the struggles and triumphs that everyone faces on a daily basis. Readers are invited to walk alongside me as I grow and evolve, turning challenges into opportunities. By the time they turn the last page, readers will be in a position to get back up and stand tall any time they are knocked down!"

Pre-publications reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. For example, Lisa Cooper from Outskirts Press comments, "What a fantastic memoir you have penned here. You have done a great job capturing your memories and committing them to paper. I must say that I am a firm believer in learning from other people's life experiences. The way you share your stories and wisdoms and present your ideas and findings is great! There is something innately human about the sharing of our stories; it is true that it benefits both the teller and the hearer."

'A Diamond In God's Dirt' is due for release in April/May of 2015.

For more information and updates on publication, follow the author on social media.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/callawaytiriq
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Tiriq_Callaway

About Tiriq R. Callaway
Tiriq R. Callaway has his MSW from Monmouth University and is now seeking to become a licensed practitioner in the social work field. He envisions having his own private practice for disadvantaged youth in the near future.

Callaway is also working on a book about his brother who has cerebral palsy. The author currently lives in Piscataway, New Jersey.