School Security Guard Writes Novel
Jersey Journal Newspaper
Wednesday, October 20, 2010

As children walked through the halls of School 14 over the past 14 years, few knew the story of Clarence Matthews, the 76-year-old Jersey City Board of Education security guard. Now that he has published a novel, that might change.

His first book, entitled "Jacob's Rite of Passage, Vol. 1: Young Jacob," focuses on the youngest of four children from a family of sharecroppers in Fayetteville, N.C. Jacob learns various life lessons, such as "mother-son over-bonding," the observation that a woman can't teach a boy how to be a man.

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Page Turners: A Rich Mystery
Fayetteville Observer
by Meredith Jacobs

Clarence V. Matthews coming-of-age novel, "Jacob's Rite of Passage," is set in Fayetteville during the Great Depression. Peter Manor is the youngest child in a family of sharecroppers and has higher aspirations for his life during a time of social and educational segregation.

Matthews' describes his book as being about "pertinent life truths that involve mother-son overbonding betrayal, abandonment, sexual exploration and misconceptions about manhood."

Matthews lives in New Jersey and has more than 30 years of experience as a real estate agent. Sequels are planned for his book, which is $8.95 and be orderd from online booksellers or at his website, jacobsriteofpassage.com.

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Wealth of Words at Book Festival
Jersey Journal by Rafal Rogoza
September 25 2012

Readers flocked to Van Vorst Park in Jersey City on Saturday to peruse published works by local authors as part of "A Tale of Our City," the Jersey City Free Public Library's fifth annual book festival. The festival serves as a venue of authors of all genres and ages to showcase their works and to bring the texts to life with readings on stage.

Among them were Clarence B. Matthews, 78, of Wade Street, whose recently published "The Man Jacob" is his third book of fiction abut a young African-American boy who leaves behind his life in the South to begin a new life in Jersey City. 

Matthews said the book depicts how families who have nothing can pull together to cope with life's obstacles, adding: "Those families have a lot of love."

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New Jersey Author gives valuable lessons on family values & his personal journey from childhood to manhood in the trilogy entitled,  “Jacob’s Rite of Passage.”

Clarence Matthews, Author & Historian paints a vivid picture of African-American family life that dates from post slavery to the Great Depression.

Jersey City, New Jersey – the media gives a clear snap shot of the decline of functional families, hence communities – in the north & the south. Without the influence of a father in the home or a positive male figure – the question becomes ‘Who will train up the child?’ In  “Jacob’s Rite of Passage,” Clarence Matthews gives an account of a mama’s boy who journeys through life under the guidance of his older brother and discovers: betrayal, abandonment, sexual encounters, racism, and misconceptions of manhood.

A Rite of Passage is defined as a safe, guided transition ushering a child from early stages of adolescence to adulthood.

“Today’s parents are so focused on giving their children what they want, that they fail to give them what they need,” said Clarence Matthews. “What they need is love, direction and discipline.”

Young men need to know their history and be properly mentored in their roles as men and leaders, so they impact positively their immediate spheres of influence – home, church and community.

Clarence felt the urgency to pen the book due to the major disconnect that has taken place in families and communities. It is his hope to shed light on, raise awareness and bring accountability to the members of the village as a whole. His perception of the condition of the village (community) has fostered a campaign entitled, “GET RITE,” with three points of focus: (1) Do the RITE thing (2) Make the RITE move and (3) Convey the RITE message.

“Jacob’s Rite of Passage” volume one is priced at $8.95; volume two is priced at $12.95, and volume three is priced at $11.95. All three, the trilogy, are available for purchase online at www.jacobsriteofpassage.com and via deeClare Publishing, LLC at deeclarepublishing.com.