More Than Blood is a powerful memoir that blends personal narrative, ancestral discovery, and cultural reflection. Written by Phillip Kevin DuBriel, a descendant of the legendary Metoyer family of Cane River, Louisiana, this book explores themes of identity, adoption, family legacy, and faith through the lens of a modern Black man reclaiming his roots.
Spanning sixteen emotionally rich chapters, the author traces his lineage through both his mother and father—uniting bloodlines, spiritual bonds, and cultural inheritance. From the historical soil of Isle Brevelle and St. Augustine Catholic Church to the intimate memories of a grandmother’s kitchen and a father’s quiet strength, More Than Blood is a testament to what defines family beyond DNA.
This is not just a story of where the author comes from—it's a story of who he becomes. Alongside reflections on twinship, discipline, humor, manhood, and mentorship, DuBriel weaves the modern journey of self-discovery with the generational legacy of the Metoyer name.
At its heart, More Than Blood is a deeply personal yet universal call to honor our past, speak our truth, and carry forward the stories that shaped us.
More Than Blood
More Than Blood
A Memoir of Adoption, Faith, and Transformation
Product Details
Format Options:
- Hardback - $40.00
- Paperback - $20.00
- eBook - $9.99
- Audiobook - $25.00
Publisher: Maham the Mentor Books LLC
Author: Phillip Kevin DuBriel (Maham the Mentor)About This Book
More Than Blood is a powerful memoir that chronicles one man's journey from abandonment to belonging, from incarceration to transformation, and from survival to purpose. This is the true story of Phillip Kevin DuBriel—a story of resilience, redemption, and the power of family that transcends biology.
Orphaned at just 6 months old, Phillip's life took him through foster care, adoption into the historic Metoyer-DuBriel family, gang involvement, and 15 years of incarceration. But this isn't just a story of struggle—it's a testament to the transformative power of faith, education, and the belief that your past doesn't define your future.
What You'll Experience:
- The raw truth of foster care and the search for belonging
- Adoption into a family with deep historical roots
- The descent into gang life and incarceration
- The turning point that changed everything
- Transformation through faith and education
- From Special Ed student to Baylor University honors graduate
- Building a life of purpose and impact
- The meaning of family beyond blood
This memoir will challenge you, inspire you, and remind you that no matter where you start, transformation is possible.
Why Read More Than Blood?
✓ Deeply Personal - Raw, honest, and unflinchingly real
✓ Inspirational Journey - From rock bottom to remarkable achievement
✓ Historical Significance - Connected to the legacy of Nicolas Augustin Metoyer
✓ Universal Themes - Identity, belonging, redemption, and purpose
✓ Proof of Possibility - Living evidence that transformation is realPerfect For:
- Anyone who's ever felt like they don't belong
- Adoptive families and those touched by adoption
- People overcoming difficult pasts
- Readers interested in stories of redemption and transformation
- Those seeking inspiration during challenging times
- Book clubs focused on memoir and personal growth
- Educators and mentors working with at-risk youth
- Anyone who believes in second chances
The Story Behind the Story
Phillip Kevin DuBriel was born April 29, 1977, in Los Angeles, California. Orphaned at 6 months old, he entered the foster care system before being adopted by the DuBriel family—direct descendants of Nicolas Augustin Metoyer, founder of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Melrose, Louisiana.
Despite this rich heritage, Phillip's journey took him through:
- Special Education classes
- Gang involvement
- 15 years of incarceration
But in the darkest place, something shifted. Through faith, education, and determination, Phillip transformed his life:
- Earned multiple degrees and certifications
- Graduated from Baylor University's Hankamer School of Business
- Became the first Black winner of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program Business Plan Competition
- Built a successful publishing company
- Became a certified speaker and mentor
More Than Blood is the story of how he did it—and why family, faith, and education made all the difference.
What Readers Are Saying
"This book will change how you see redemption and second chances."
"Raw, powerful, and deeply moving. A must-read."
"Phillip's story proves that where you start doesn't determine where you finish."