Hal English's Blog
June 27, 2014
Behind the Ivy Walls-My Life Story
I am so pleased to write my first blog post. My goal is to offer you a little insight into what my book is about and hopefully encourage you to read it.
Behind the Ivy Walls is the story of my life. For years, I contemplated whether I should write this book. Finally I decided to do it. To me, this book was a "labor of love". I am so glad my children and wife encouraged me to write it. I thank them for their support.
In my book I share how I spent my childhood years growing up in a beautiful English Manor in Trenton, New Jersey during the 1950’s. A historic home, which was covered with "ivy". Back in the day, ivy was thought to represent a state of wealth. However, to me it covered the sadness and terror inside the home’s walls.
I share how I endured years of mental and physical abuse from a man who I THOUGHT was my father. This man was in charge of the New Jersey State Asylum, now known as the Trenton Psychiatric Hospital. I go on to share how during my teens I ended up homeless searching for food from a garbage can. But through perseverance and determination I realized I had to change my life. And I did.
Later on, I discovered I was secretly adopted and began a journey to search for my real father. During this journey I discovered one surprising deception after another . . . which culminated in a secret so powerful that it was buried for more than fifty years.
My book touches upon many areas that I believe resound with situations and challenges people have experienced. It also illustrates what Trenton, New Jersey was like back in the day. Especially, Chambersburg a warm and loving section of Trenton, which changed by life forever.
I encourage you to read Behind the Ivy Walls. I assure you will not be able to put it down. Please post a review. I would love to hear from you. Thank you!
Best Regards,
Hal English
Behind the Ivy Walls is the story of my life. For years, I contemplated whether I should write this book. Finally I decided to do it. To me, this book was a "labor of love". I am so glad my children and wife encouraged me to write it. I thank them for their support.
In my book I share how I spent my childhood years growing up in a beautiful English Manor in Trenton, New Jersey during the 1950’s. A historic home, which was covered with "ivy". Back in the day, ivy was thought to represent a state of wealth. However, to me it covered the sadness and terror inside the home’s walls.
I share how I endured years of mental and physical abuse from a man who I THOUGHT was my father. This man was in charge of the New Jersey State Asylum, now known as the Trenton Psychiatric Hospital. I go on to share how during my teens I ended up homeless searching for food from a garbage can. But through perseverance and determination I realized I had to change my life. And I did.
Later on, I discovered I was secretly adopted and began a journey to search for my real father. During this journey I discovered one surprising deception after another . . . which culminated in a secret so powerful that it was buried for more than fifty years.
My book touches upon many areas that I believe resound with situations and challenges people have experienced. It also illustrates what Trenton, New Jersey was like back in the day. Especially, Chambersburg a warm and loving section of Trenton, which changed by life forever.
I encourage you to read Behind the Ivy Walls. I assure you will not be able to put it down. Please post a review. I would love to hear from you. Thank you!
Best Regards,
Hal English
