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Animals I Want To See: A Memoir of Growing Up in the Projects and Defying the Odds
A lyrical coming-of-age story set in the projects of Toledo, Ohio, Animals I Want to See explores themes of identity, ambition, religion, and friendship—often across racial and social lines—as it spotlights a family of fourteen and tracks a boy’s journey from a child janitor with big dreams to a teenage petty criminal to a student at Yale and Harvard.
On Bronson Street, in the projects of Toledo, Ohio, in a crowded house occupied by a family of fourteen, Tom Seeman starts a very important list. Just as the trash-strewn field in his backyard is home to a treasure-trove of wild animals, Tom’s list, “Animals I Want To See One Day,” is home to dreams of adventure in places far away from the downtrodden neighborhood where he lives. But for all its hardship and crime, Bronson Street is also something of a mythical street, populated by unforgettable people who share food, protect each other, and give surprising gifts of beauty and merriment, proving that the bonds of community and friendship (often across racial and social lines) can bridge any divide and transcend what many of us are taught to believe about each other.
A luminous coming-of-age memoir that shimmers with countless marvels, Animals I Want to See tracks Tom Seeman’s journey from a child janitor with big ambitions to a teenage petty criminal to a student at Yale and Harvard. At once a meditation on finding wonder in unlikely places, an ode to a heroic mother who makes the seemingly impossible possible, and an exploration of what it means to create our own identities, this is a heartwarming, thought-provoking, ultimately uplifting book for all readers.
On Bronson Street, in the projects of Toledo, Ohio, in a crowded house occupied by a family of fourteen, Tom Seeman starts a very important list. Just as the trash-strewn field in his backyard is home to a treasure-trove of wild animals, Tom’s list, “Animals I Want To See One Day,” is home to dreams of adventure in places far away from the downtrodden neighborhood where he lives. But for all its hardship and crime, Bronson Street is also something of a mythical street, populated by unforgettable people who share food, protect each other, and give surprising gifts of beauty and merriment, proving that the bonds of community and friendship (often across racial and social lines) can bridge any divide and transcend what many of us are taught to believe about each other.
A luminous coming-of-age memoir that shimmers with countless marvels, Animals I Want to See tracks Tom Seeman’s journey from a child janitor with big ambitions to a teenage petty criminal to a student at Yale and Harvard. At once a meditation on finding wonder in unlikely places, an ode to a heroic mother who makes the seemingly impossible possible, and an exploration of what it means to create our own identities, this is a heartwarming, thought-provoking, ultimately uplifting book for all readers.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 14, 2024
18 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 30, 2024
ANIMALS I WANT TO SEE: A Memoir of Growing Up in the Projects and Defying the Odds by Tom Seeman
The narration by Brian Hutchison was very well done in this well written inspirational rags-to-riches memoir. I enjoy memoirs and this was engaging from beginning to end. Exploring themes of identity, religion, friendship, dreaming big and aspiring to make it possible.
Seeman was raised in a family of fourteen in 1960s Toledo, Ohio; growing up on welfare and food stamps. Despite the adversities one may face, one can achieve their goals as Seeman shows throughout his memoir. Such an uplifting book and would be an excellent book club choice.
“When Tom Seeman told me the story of his childhood, I immediately said that he should write it all down and share it with the world. I am so glad he did. Animals I Want to See is a terrific and moving memoir about dreaming big and making great things happen."--President Bill Clinton
The narration by Brian Hutchison was very well done in this well written inspirational rags-to-riches memoir. I enjoy memoirs and this was engaging from beginning to end. Exploring themes of identity, religion, friendship, dreaming big and aspiring to make it possible.
Seeman was raised in a family of fourteen in 1960s Toledo, Ohio; growing up on welfare and food stamps. Despite the adversities one may face, one can achieve their goals as Seeman shows throughout his memoir. Such an uplifting book and would be an excellent book club choice.
“When Tom Seeman told me the story of his childhood, I immediately said that he should write it all down and share it with the world. I am so glad he did. Animals I Want to See is a terrific and moving memoir about dreaming big and making great things happen."--President Bill Clinton
August 17, 2024
Great book. This is a coming of age memoir about a young boy who grew up in the projects of Toledo, Ohio. He had a difficult childhood with a mean alcoholic father and 11 siblings. Tom was #5. He had a drive to make it out of the projects. The kids in his family went to Catholic school by doing work at the school in lieu of tuition. Tom took a high school entrance exam and made it to a prestigious Catholic college prep high school. Again, he worked at the school to help pay his tuition. He was also on the football team. From high school, he made it to Yale. He really worked hard and was able to find success in his life while rising out of poverty. Very inspirational!
May 28, 2024
I borrowed this book from a coworker at work. As we live and work in Toledo, where the author grew up. This book is not generally my cup of tea. But I enjoyed seeing Toledo through the author's eyes, and learning about his life. It also made me appreciate all the things I've got and have had in life and the opportunities.
November 23, 2024
Such an engaging story of growing up in a large poor family in the Midwest. With a superhero mom, a selfish and mean father, and 11 siblings, Tom strives to get out of the projects he grew up in. His stories of the little acts of kindness shown to him that allowed him to succeed is really touching.
May 21, 2024
So well-written and inspirational! Book clubs should read this for a meaningful discussion. Also great summer reading — I read it on planes and it made the time fly.
June 25, 2024
I love memoirs, this included. Completely captivating from page one, I found myself curious, engaged and mesmerized by the cadence of this story. Moments of genuine tenderness and raw reality crafted by an author with determination and compassion you can feel and empathize. I really had no idea I would be so moved by this story, literally and physically, giggling, gasping, and in the end crying. I won’t spoil it. Read this fantastic peek into a life of passionate tenacity and well earned success! Only question is if a part two will continue the quest? Loved this book!
July 18, 2024
I am a sucker for a coming of age memoir especially when the majority of it is viewed through the eyes of a child. While not especially poignant or profound- I enjoyed seeing the world through Tom’s eyes. An easy “character” to root for- intelligent, hard-working, introspective and funny.
August 27, 2024
Well, I had to read this since the author and I are both from Toledo. And, as it turns out, we were both raised Catholic, so, we seem to have a lot in common.
In telling his story, I had pictures of so many of the locations and stores mentioned.
I'm glad I read it.
In telling his story, I had pictures of so many of the locations and stores mentioned.
I'm glad I read it.
October 9, 2024
If I could give this memoir ten stars, it would not be enough. This book came as a recommendation in an online group for historic Toledo as the author, Tom Seeman, tells his story of growing up in the projects of the city. I also grew up in Toledo and as Tom is about my age, I wanted to hear his life story of a time and place of which I was intimately familiar. It did not disappoint on any level.
His story of being raised in a family of 14 in poverty was one of perseverance, wonder, curiosity, resilience, pain, seeking, and some great humor. More than once I nodded my head when he talked about local points of interest (Pearson Park, the Toledo Museum of Art, St. Francis De Sales High School, etc.) that I also knew and visited, of walking down alleys coming home from school, the summers spent wandering the streets with friends, and who didn't love a good fried bologna sandwich? There were also points where I laughed out loud and cried a bit as well, his writing is brilliant.
It should also be noted that I listened to the audio version on Audible, the narrator was Brian Hutchinson who was perfect. Sometimes a bad narrator can ruin an otherwise good book. This collaboration of Tom Seeman's writing and Brian Hutchinson's reading was a winning combination.
Big fan, would read anything Tom Seeman wrote, I'm only disappointed that I heard about (and listened to this book) after he had made an author's night of speaking at the Toledo Public Library. I would have loved to have met him.
Highly recommend.
His story of being raised in a family of 14 in poverty was one of perseverance, wonder, curiosity, resilience, pain, seeking, and some great humor. More than once I nodded my head when he talked about local points of interest (Pearson Park, the Toledo Museum of Art, St. Francis De Sales High School, etc.) that I also knew and visited, of walking down alleys coming home from school, the summers spent wandering the streets with friends, and who didn't love a good fried bologna sandwich? There were also points where I laughed out loud and cried a bit as well, his writing is brilliant.
It should also be noted that I listened to the audio version on Audible, the narrator was Brian Hutchinson who was perfect. Sometimes a bad narrator can ruin an otherwise good book. This collaboration of Tom Seeman's writing and Brian Hutchinson's reading was a winning combination.
Big fan, would read anything Tom Seeman wrote, I'm only disappointed that I heard about (and listened to this book) after he had made an author's night of speaking at the Toledo Public Library. I would have loved to have met him.
Highly recommend.
August 22, 2024
I borrowed this from Hoopla to have something to listen to while I did yard work. I have read and listened to a lot of duds lately, and it was so refreshing to read this amazing biography.
Tom is a kid growing up in a poor family with too many kids and an alcoholic father. He loves to read, learn new things, work hard, and cares about people and animals with his whole heart. The gratitude he expressed over so many difficult situations. His ability to glean meaning and positivity from adversity was inspiring. He is a person who throws himself into every single thing he does, no matter how big or small.
I loved reading about his dedication to his religion while philosophically challenging leaders in his church. He shares the beautiful and tender connection he shared with his mother, who poured love into her children and modeled resilience.
It is a wonderful story.
Tom is a kid growing up in a poor family with too many kids and an alcoholic father. He loves to read, learn new things, work hard, and cares about people and animals with his whole heart. The gratitude he expressed over so many difficult situations. His ability to glean meaning and positivity from adversity was inspiring. He is a person who throws himself into every single thing he does, no matter how big or small.
I loved reading about his dedication to his religion while philosophically challenging leaders in his church. He shares the beautiful and tender connection he shared with his mother, who poured love into her children and modeled resilience.
It is a wonderful story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2024
This memoir was incredible. I wasn't a fan of the narrator at first (for the audiobook) but some of his nuances were to fit Tom's personality.
What an amazing story of a kid on the path to poverty that worked his ass off to get everything he truly deserved.
LOVED.
What an amazing story of a kid on the path to poverty that worked his ass off to get everything he truly deserved.
LOVED.
May 21, 2024
A book all 8th graders should read!
June 10, 2024
Businessman and world traveler Tom Seeman has created a self-portrait that will enthrall and impress. ANIMALS I WANT TO SEE chronicles his rise from searing, depressing poverty to notable success, through determination, faith and the development of inner strength.
This stirring memoir opens when Tom’s family, which would swell to 12 children, is able to leave their tiny, crowded quarters in the slums of Toledo, Ohio. Tom envisions a mansion, and though the new house is as run-down as the old one and is in a comparably shoddy Toledo neighborhood, it is a blessing. The place is big, so no longer would he have to bump elbows with his siblings and sleep in a crowded bed. Tom is able to makes friends with Black children who accept him as they learn his true, open-minded nature. His father is cynical and often inebriated, so the beacon of hope in his early life is his mother, to whom this book is dedicated.
Virginia Seeman is an artist without time or funds to pursue her talents. But she sees the positives in every situation and has arranged to have Tom attend a private, church-based school. In fourth grade, asked to write about his parents, he cites his mother as always being there for him and his father as “an example of what I don’t want to be.” For someone so young, it is a striking moment of truth that opens new inner paths in his zeal for self-improvement.
Tom’s first pet is a snake, which bites him, and other companions include “a yellow-spotted salamander, a bullfrog, and a groundhog” --- whatever is available in his shabby surroundings. In school and in church, he bonds respectfully with various priests, while his profound questioning of religious truths sometimes jars and sometimes deepens those relationships. By the time he nears high school graduation, his dream is to go to an Ivy League college. He scores a perfect 800 on his LSAT and is accepted to Yale University.
Tom Seeman’s story will amaze readers, as it is rare for anyone raised in such deprivation to rise far above those circumstances. In an opening segment, he recalls a time when he was 13 years old. He and some pals, both white and Black, are hurling Halloween pumpkins off a bridge onto the traffic below. His decision to abandon this dangerous prank and run home reflects the depth of his innate wish to “live a purposeful life.” His memories are recorded with a rational serving of pride, humor and frank self-examination.
ANIMALS I WANT TO SEE offers a fresh take on the American dream and concludes with some encounters with rare animals in his travels abroad and a brief summation of his current life. This includes “helping as many children as possible” by creating scholarship programs for “underserved kids” in Toledo --- the kind of young people he understands so well through vivid personal experience.
Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott
This stirring memoir opens when Tom’s family, which would swell to 12 children, is able to leave their tiny, crowded quarters in the slums of Toledo, Ohio. Tom envisions a mansion, and though the new house is as run-down as the old one and is in a comparably shoddy Toledo neighborhood, it is a blessing. The place is big, so no longer would he have to bump elbows with his siblings and sleep in a crowded bed. Tom is able to makes friends with Black children who accept him as they learn his true, open-minded nature. His father is cynical and often inebriated, so the beacon of hope in his early life is his mother, to whom this book is dedicated.
Virginia Seeman is an artist without time or funds to pursue her talents. But she sees the positives in every situation and has arranged to have Tom attend a private, church-based school. In fourth grade, asked to write about his parents, he cites his mother as always being there for him and his father as “an example of what I don’t want to be.” For someone so young, it is a striking moment of truth that opens new inner paths in his zeal for self-improvement.
Tom’s first pet is a snake, which bites him, and other companions include “a yellow-spotted salamander, a bullfrog, and a groundhog” --- whatever is available in his shabby surroundings. In school and in church, he bonds respectfully with various priests, while his profound questioning of religious truths sometimes jars and sometimes deepens those relationships. By the time he nears high school graduation, his dream is to go to an Ivy League college. He scores a perfect 800 on his LSAT and is accepted to Yale University.
Tom Seeman’s story will amaze readers, as it is rare for anyone raised in such deprivation to rise far above those circumstances. In an opening segment, he recalls a time when he was 13 years old. He and some pals, both white and Black, are hurling Halloween pumpkins off a bridge onto the traffic below. His decision to abandon this dangerous prank and run home reflects the depth of his innate wish to “live a purposeful life.” His memories are recorded with a rational serving of pride, humor and frank self-examination.
ANIMALS I WANT TO SEE offers a fresh take on the American dream and concludes with some encounters with rare animals in his travels abroad and a brief summation of his current life. This includes “helping as many children as possible” by creating scholarship programs for “underserved kids” in Toledo --- the kind of young people he understands so well through vivid personal experience.
Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott
May 24, 2024
“Animals I Want to See” by Tom Seeman is an exceptional memoir chronicling Tom’s upbringing in Toledo, Ohio, in welfare housing. I’d highly recommend this read to anyone looking for a hopeful book that chronicles an under-voiced perspective of the American experience.
Tom begins by introducing us to his family of 12 and the house in which he spent his childhood. Tom explains the list of animals he’d like to see once he grows up - as his world expands, we see this list follow suit.
There are two elements of the memoir that have stayed with me the most. The first is Tom’s ability to capture the tone and perspective appropriate to the age of the narration. When he is nine, the syntax sounds like that I’d envision of a nine year old. These simpler ideas and sentences make the use of first person narration a strong choice, as it lets the reader “grow up” with the narrator as he expands his vocabulary and perspective.
The second element I found particularly poignant was Tom’s vivid imagery. This begins with a description of the field beyond the backyard of his home. You can picture the expansive grassy area with a single bare tree. As Tom grows up, you learn that this field wasn’t nearly as expansive or green as you were originally led to believe. Aided by the increasing complexity of the narration, you realize that you were in the imagination of the nine year old- a perspective that is more informed by wonder and storybooks than reality.
“Animals l’d Like to See” reminds me of “Educated” by Tara Westover. While Tom’s family does not espouse religious fanaticism like Westover’s, they both write in such a way that allows the reader to empathize with their overarching experiences - abusive fathers and childhoods where the odds are stacked decidedly against them. Yet despite the gravity of the subject, awe still underlies Tom’s writing, leaving the reader rooting for him to one day see his ever-growing list of animals. I’d be curious to hear which species he has added lately.
Tom begins by introducing us to his family of 12 and the house in which he spent his childhood. Tom explains the list of animals he’d like to see once he grows up - as his world expands, we see this list follow suit.
There are two elements of the memoir that have stayed with me the most. The first is Tom’s ability to capture the tone and perspective appropriate to the age of the narration. When he is nine, the syntax sounds like that I’d envision of a nine year old. These simpler ideas and sentences make the use of first person narration a strong choice, as it lets the reader “grow up” with the narrator as he expands his vocabulary and perspective.
The second element I found particularly poignant was Tom’s vivid imagery. This begins with a description of the field beyond the backyard of his home. You can picture the expansive grassy area with a single bare tree. As Tom grows up, you learn that this field wasn’t nearly as expansive or green as you were originally led to believe. Aided by the increasing complexity of the narration, you realize that you were in the imagination of the nine year old- a perspective that is more informed by wonder and storybooks than reality.
“Animals l’d Like to See” reminds me of “Educated” by Tara Westover. While Tom’s family does not espouse religious fanaticism like Westover’s, they both write in such a way that allows the reader to empathize with their overarching experiences - abusive fathers and childhoods where the odds are stacked decidedly against them. Yet despite the gravity of the subject, awe still underlies Tom’s writing, leaving the reader rooting for him to one day see his ever-growing list of animals. I’d be curious to hear which species he has added lately.
January 26, 2025
Animals I Want to See by Tom Seeman is one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read about growing up in tough circumstances. Tom was the 5th of 12 children. His mother had 12 children in 15 years and lived in the projects in Toledo, Ohio. His mother was a devout Catholic and his father was an abusive drunk who worked as a taxi dispatcher. His father hated his life, his wife and children and when he was home, he constantly smoked, drank and criticized his family. When a grade school teacher asked her students to tell her what was the greatest thing their parents had given them, Tom replied that his father set an example of what he did not want to be. Tom’s mother was ambitious for her children and managed to get them into a private Catholic school. (Tom had to work summers as a janitor at the school.) Tom’s mother spent her days cooking, cleaning and caring for the younger children. She took 1 hour on Sundays to relax and read romance novels. Because they lived in the projects, they weren’t allowed to have pets. Tom loved animals and created a list – Animals I Want to See – and constantly added to it hoping to be able to travel someday to see the animals he read about. Tom was determined to be a success in life and made lists and promises to himself in order to succeed. He promised himself that he would never drink and would not marry too early. He had several supportive teachers, coaches and priests. Tom works hard, studies diligently and makes it into Yale.
If you were a fan of Educated or The Glass Castle, you will enjoy Animals I Want to See. It is such an inspirational story of a young boy who was determined to succeed!
If you were a fan of Educated or The Glass Castle, you will enjoy Animals I Want to See. It is such an inspirational story of a young boy who was determined to succeed!
August 28, 2024
"This is a lyrical, tender, and insightful memoir about a boy who grew up in a family of fourteen in the projects of Toledo, Ohio. He journeyed from being a child janitor with big dreams to a teenage petty criminal and eventually became a student at Yale and Harvard. The author describes his wonderful mother, whose resilience and kindness shaped his life and shielded him from his alcoholic father's abuse. He also touches on his life-changing scholarship to a private high school and the small act of kindness that transformed his life.
This is an insightful coming-of-age story about how we interpret success, competition, meritocracy, and community. I appreciate how the book explores themes such as identity, ambition, religion, and friendship. The book contains accounts of grit, determination, inspiration, random acts of kindness, and success. It also delves into how everyday moments and decisions shape who we are.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...
This is an insightful coming-of-age story about how we interpret success, competition, meritocracy, and community. I appreciate how the book explores themes such as identity, ambition, religion, and friendship. The book contains accounts of grit, determination, inspiration, random acts of kindness, and success. It also delves into how everyday moments and decisions shape who we are.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...
October 6, 2025
This memoir was recommended by a fellow reader who had ties to the Toledo area. (She found the included "map" of that city intriguing).
Tom is the star of this tale, which is at times humorous, appalling, and heroic. As with many auto biographies/memoirs, I was amazed at Tom's remarkable recall of events, even at an early age. He does admit in the Afterwards/Acknowledgments that he relied on his siblings for memories and insights. He also gives his mother this praise: "without my mother, who these pages show, gave everything to her children (there were 13 births), this book and my life as I know it likely wouldn't exist."
The family lived in the projects of Toledo. Even though his father had a job, his drinking and disregard for parental responsibilities for constant family instability.
In addition to his mother and siblings, Tom finds support and friendships among his neighbors , teachers and friends.
The readers will appreciate the author's observations about "life, love, and the power we have to liberate ourselves from inherited boundaries".
Tom is the star of this tale, which is at times humorous, appalling, and heroic. As with many auto biographies/memoirs, I was amazed at Tom's remarkable recall of events, even at an early age. He does admit in the Afterwards/Acknowledgments that he relied on his siblings for memories and insights. He also gives his mother this praise: "without my mother, who these pages show, gave everything to her children (there were 13 births), this book and my life as I know it likely wouldn't exist."
The family lived in the projects of Toledo. Even though his father had a job, his drinking and disregard for parental responsibilities for constant family instability.
In addition to his mother and siblings, Tom finds support and friendships among his neighbors , teachers and friends.
The readers will appreciate the author's observations about "life, love, and the power we have to liberate ourselves from inherited boundaries".
August 2, 2024
I really did not know much about this book, just that it took place in Toledo where I grew up. It was such an amazing story of a young man with so many dreams. And a mother who loved her children and suffered so much but never seemed to let it get her down when it came to caring for 12 children. I loved the characters in the book especially the good neighbors, the coaches, the teachers and priests who gave this child a lift. I can imagine listening to this story on a family trip in our old station wagon and the lessons we could have learned. This is a book to share with preteens and older children, actually anyone who is alive and wants to make a kinder world.
May 21, 2024
I was captured by this amazing, true story. It paints a vivid picture of childhood in the projects. The main character, seeking the positive feedback he’s not getting at home, somehow develops a series of positive traits upon which he builds over the years. Combined with kindness and encouragement from teachers and others, he develops the core skills to succeed in life. At multiple points, it could have turned out differently. What a remarkable story, beautifully crafted and written. Thank you to the author for sharing it.
June 5, 2024
This book was great! Very well written story about family, belonging, religion, and what it means to be "successful". I tore through this book in 4 days, and at the end I found myself wishing I got to hear more of Mr. Seeman's story. My brother played lacrosse with Mr. Seeman's son, and I went to college with two of his daughters, so it was really interesting to hear this story from someone I have met before! It makes you want to engage with others around you to learn their stories in more detail.
June 30, 2024
I loved this book! Having grown up in Toledo, I enjoyed the walk down memory lane. Tom Seeman attended the same Catholic High School that my brother attended. I wonder if they knew each other? (plot twist - THEY DO) This book was so well written. I listened to it on Hoopla, mostly with my husband, as we ran errands around Toledo. We both found ourselves laughing and then later reminiscing about our own childhood similarities. I HIGHLY recommend you read this book...especially if you grew up in the Toledo area.
June 25, 2024
I really liked this book, and the story of growing up in poverty in a large family living in the projects, as they were called. An alcoholic father who was completely unlikeable at least provided Tom with two things - a vow he kept to never drink alcohol and to not be like his father. His intelligence, athleticism, and determination got him through school, including Yale. Impressive.
Read
June 26, 2024Slow rise to its mild climax. Near the end you are increasingly rooting for the moment when the author acknowledges his own pride in making it out.
It’s an easy listen (available on Hoopla) and if you were raised in a low income neighborhood, or experienced a parent with substance abuse, you will recognize parts of yourself in this childhood story.
It’s an easy listen (available on Hoopla) and if you were raised in a low income neighborhood, or experienced a parent with substance abuse, you will recognize parts of yourself in this childhood story.
June 29, 2024
This memoir told of Tom Seeman’s disfunctional poverty stricken childhood growing up in a family of twelve children. Due to his hard work and motivation, he eventually graduated from Yale and earned a law degree. It reminded me of a family related to me that grew every year. I listened to the audiobook but the narrator was terrible. Was that you, Tom? I didn’t look.
March 29, 2025
Coming of age stories will always tug at my heart strings and leave me feeling hopeful, proud & full of tears. This book told me a captivating and heartbreaking story all from start to finish. There were several key points that I empathized and felt connection with. I loved reading every page of this book.
June 6, 2025
A feel good book!
Having been born and reared in Toledo, I just loved this book! I was familiar with the author's neighborhoods, schools, and stores. Tom is a real "poor boy makes it good" story. It's an inspirational tale of how anyone, with enough drive and fortitude can dream big and realize his dreams.
Having been born and reared in Toledo, I just loved this book! I was familiar with the author's neighborhoods, schools, and stores. Tom is a real "poor boy makes it good" story. It's an inspirational tale of how anyone, with enough drive and fortitude can dream big and realize his dreams.
August 27, 2025
Memoirs are not typically my thing although this was chosen by my book club. I really enjoyed this book and thought his stories were fascinating. I have already recommended this to others. I will say I assumed the author was narrating the book and was surprised he did not. The book really came to life and will stick with me for a long time to come.
November 24, 2025
I loved this memoir. Tom grew up in a challenging environment and with a horrible father but he had such a positive outlook, nevertheless. His wonder, curiosity, and goodness took him far in life. Love was present in his family, school, and community even with the hardships. I found the book to be engaging from the first page to the last.
February 20, 2025
a phenomenal memoir that sticks with you long after you turn the last page.
HIGHLY recommend.
full review is here:
https://goldintheclouds-faith.blogspo...
HIGHLY recommend.
full review is here:
https://goldintheclouds-faith.blogspo...
July 14, 2025
Fun to listen about my hometown and even some familiar names. Similar experiences to stories my dad told of growing up. My dad grew up in the same part of town and I half expected to hear names of some of my family or friends, but Dad was a quite a few years older than the author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews