The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why. -Mark Twain Dr. Cubit's memoir, Fool's Hill: The Meaning Why! As displayed on the front cover, an angry young man is about to climb a hill, which represents the challenge of discovering his meaning why. There is a path to follow; however, the young man cannot see what lies ahead because of the dark clouds. The front cover displays one path, which he must traverse Fool's Hill to discover his meaning why and fulfill his destination in life. The young man is unclothed, indicating that he does not have the necessities or tools to navigate Fool's Hill or the wherewithal to choose what he needs to make the journey. The back cover displays the same young man who is older now after enduring the challenges of climbing Fool's Hill. Along the way, he finds his meaning why. Moreover, because of the lessons learned from his journey, he is fully clothed and prepared. Equipped with tools, on one hand is a doctorate degree, and on the other is a hiking pole to help him avoid trips and falls. In addition, instead of a dark path as displayed on the front cover, the bridge on the back cover represents a straightforward path to fulfilling his meaning why. On the back cover, in the background, are more hills to master. Still, because of overcoming life's challenges and the tools acquired, the hills appear much smaller. Moreover, the scenery displayed on the back cover helps him not to forget that future challenges may exist. The scenery also helps him realize the beauty of his journey and to bestow gratitude for his relationship with God, which helped him overcome the obstacles along his path, in addition to the blessings and serendipities acquired. The man looks beyond and can now use his God-given talents and tools to continue his journey and enhance his meaning why. Ergo, Dr. Cubit's life in the memoir Fool's Hill: The Meaning Why!
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This book expresses the challenges the author faced in life while attempting to fit into constantly changing environments. Throughout the book, the author explains the transitions involving his fool's hill-a concept presented to him by his grandmother. Early in life, the author experienced changing life situations, and he desired to be accepted, which led to mischievousness then gravitated to crime and other rebellious acts.
As a high school dropout, the author volunteered to serve in the United States Marine Corps, and after enlistment, struggles continued. After earning his high school diploma, discharge from the military, and the birth of his son, the author decided to turn his life around but struggled making the transition.
During employment challenges and several money-making ventures, the author earns two associate's degrees, a bachelor's of science, a master's degree, and eventually, a doctorate in education degree from Pepperdine University. Haphazardly, he finds employment that helps troubled individuals, and from communicating the challenges he faced, assisted others in finding their way. Behold, the author discovers and finds his "Why" as stated in the quote by Mark Twain.
Nevertheless, after facing personal challenges including divorce, he detaches from family and finds his love for the outdoors, especially backpacking, which many African Americans don't partake. Several challenging escapades in the wilderness he explains humorously. Eventually, the author reconnects with family. This book differs from others because it describes the challenges an African American male, who isn't a celebrity, faces while transitioning from a troubled inner-city life to one that helps others succeed. Included in the book is much history about the civil rights era and beyond. Many situations explained with a comedic twist.