Hill Harper's (Dr. Sheldon Hawkes) first book, Letters to a Young Brother, hits shelves on Thursday, April 20th, aiming to be a guide to young men working their way to adulthood.

In an e-mail about the book, Harper reveals that the concept was initially turned down by one of the first publishers he went to with the concept. "In one of my book pitch meetings with another publisher, I was told point-blank, 'Hill, please don't write a book for this population, we want to do a book with you, but please not this book, you are proposing a book for a population that doesn't read,'" Harper reveals. Harper disagreed with that assessment and eventually found a home for the book with Gotham Books, a division of Penguin Putnam, one of the largest publishing houses in the world.

With the book, Harper seeks to provide a voice for young men of all races. "Many of our young men today lack mentors, role models, and suitable males in their lives that can provide answers to their questions," Harper notes. "My book is written as a mentorship on paper, from the perspective of an 'older brother' rather than that of a judgmental 'elder.'"

Early reviews of the book have come back positive. In the April 15th issue of Booklist Magazine, reviewer Vernon Ford writes that Harper "offers similar inspiration to young men clamoring for advice and encouragement at a time when popular culture offers little positive direction." Ford goes on to note the universal appeal of the book: "Although aimed at young black men, this book, with its contemporary language and approach, should have appeal for youth of both sexes and all races."

Letters to a Young Brother is available for pre-order at Amazon.com. Harper's letter can be found in this thread at Talk CSI!

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