A Different Kind of Preacher tells the story of Clarence Lee, a Negro male, who grew up in a small country town in Mississippi in the 1940s. Raised by his devoutly religious great-grandmother and later, by his now married mother, Clarence faces the challenges of poverty, education, racism, abandonment by his biological father and integration into his mother's already established family. His life proves the old adage, "It's not how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up." This inspiring story of perseverance teaches the value of believing in yourself and the power of the love and support of others.

Clarence Lee earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and a Master's Degree in Social Work. For forty years, he worked as a social worker for the County of Los Angeles, including experience training foster care parents and other social work staff. As a member of the adjunct faculty at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, Clarence taught Sociology 1 and Marriage in the Family for ten years. Now retired, Clarence has taken time to write his memoirs, a life story he felt compelled to tell. He hopes his “coming of age” story can inspire others to achieve their goals and overcome their obstacles. In the final analysis, he believes life's key test is making peace with yourself and others.