Title: Diary of a Philanderer
Author: Anthony M. Wilson
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 9781984538765
Pages: 114
Genre: Fiction
Reviewed by: Katherine Kobito

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Diary of a Philanderer by Anthony Wilson is an excellent rendition of a man’s struggle to find his place in society. It’s in the form of journal entries as it takes you on a journey of a middle-aged man called James. It is a tale filled with romance, education, his military experience and lessons he learned. He learned what not to do the hard way, as we all do, and it is captivating to read another person’s view on what the world feels like for an outsider.

James feels like an outsider because he is an African American male in Chicago and throughout school, even though he was involved in illegal activities, James felt it was important that he do well. Not only did he want to get out of his home and make something of himself and avoid the bad groups of people, he also wanted to impress the ladies. James didn’t have much of a male role-model except for his wonderful step father and wasn’t sure how exactly to proceed when it came to relationships. He just felt it was right if he just managed his time effectively and showed enough love to each partner he had.

The journey he embarks upon is something which is sheer brilliance in the sense he has a way of engaging the reader every step of the way. He is 100% real throughout the entire story and isn’t afraid to show his true self. Anthony Wilson is incredible in his sense of style in his tone and his descriptions are superb. It is a bit risqué when he begins speaking of his encounters with his partners, but it is how James is: blunt and true to himself.

The reason why this story is so unique is it’s not just the style in which it is written but also the lessons James learns is something we can all relate to. When he’s experiencing his first intimate encounter in which he loses his virginity, it is a terrifying moment for the reader, because he seriously has a way of making the reader feel connected.

Anthony M. Wilson is a man of many professions. Not only has he served the United States of America, he’s also a firefighter, a paramedic and a family counselor. He must have a plethora of information at his disposal from his years as a military service member, fighter of fires, saver of lives and counselor of families. His writing shows the compassion and insight Mr. Wilson must have in the way James, the character, is so humble and honest. His specialty in the counseling sessions are to help others overcome the challenges one has regarding stigma, whether it’s because of the skin color or gender. The summary on the back of the book says it well when it says “It provides for you more than a glimpse that society has judged him on and to show that adjusting for survival can place you in undesired social categories.”

Diary of a Philanderer is a book which stands out among the genre by providing a story where only experiencing the moments can bring forth the emotions and thoughts perceived by the author, and shared by his candid writing. This book is highly entertaining while having its own unique written voice and will be remembered by all who read it.