Didn't really finish this one. It was due at the library and I just wasn't compelled to finish. I LOVED Madonnas of Echo Parkbut wasn't as enthralled by this one.

For the love of a father.

I really enjoyed this book. As others have noted, it's bit harrowing at times. Hell, I'd go so far as to say that it's often disturbing. But it's also a brutally honest look back at the author's fucked up childhood. I enjoyed the writing style, and I'm glad I took the time to read it.

Initially, I wasn't much taken with this memoir, having read several with similar "crazy family" narratives. But this GROWS on you--and fast--and becomes its own unique thing, and finishes with exceptional power and pathos. Strongly recommended, and I am going back for his first book.

I was more interested in the idea of this story than the story itself. It sounds unique -- Brando is raised as an American Indian only to find out as a preteen that he's actually Mexican -- but the foundation of the story is simply the cruel emotional abuse Skyhorse endured. I cringed while I read this book - the scenes are painful. I didn't mind the style of writing, but I feel like Skyhorse wrote the book more for himself than an audience. It was hard to stay hooked to this book, especially when relief or release didn't seem to come for the author in adulthood.

I'd give this 4.5 stars.

I want to give the author a hug