The Rev. Run's family values

Joseph Simmons has grown up. Simmons, the rap pioneer "Run" of Run-DMC, has been married three times — now he's the Rev. Run, a minister. Of course, if you watch MTV on Wednesday nights, I don't have to tell you this; that's when his reality show, "Run's House," airs.

But if you don't, the Rev. Run still wants to reach you. Hence his new book, "Take Back Your Family: A Challenge to America's Parents." The Rev. Run wanted to "put together a book for people who never saw the show," as he explains in a podcast from publisher Penguin. The podcast intro could use a little Simmons-style production, but it's a quick, interesting listen. The Rev. Run goes on to say:

I didn't know that people were really starving for family that much, or an example of family that much. So that's why I put this book together.... This book is to generate interest in the world for people to go home and enjoy their family, and see that they're missing a great treasure that is right under their nose.

The Rev. Run considers the show part of his ministry. "My ministry is family," he says. Chances are that the parents he wants to reach aren't watching MTV at 10 o'clock at night — or if they are, they might just be the perfect readership for his book.

— Carolyn Kellogg

Photo credit: Run-DMC publicity photo by Arista Records