Infertile Ground

In this charming memoir, Michael L. Patton shares stories of innocence and horror of his challenging boyhood in an alcoholic family and his determination and struggle to overcome. Born into a family with a father who was a functioning alcoholic, holding a job during the week and terrorizing his family on the weekend, the author tells of his struggles to make sense of this world. He instinctively searches for guidance outside of the chaos for positive mentors, promising himself that life will be different, all while witnessing physical and mental abuse at home. Interspersed with sweet stories of childhood innocence are the sudden outbursts of abuse and violence that defined his world. The author paints a heartwarming and horrifying picture and, in the end, shares hard-earned lessons of life for others.