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My Life #2
The '90s: Life on the Road
This is the second book in the (My Life) series. The first book was about my Teenage Years. This book is about more grown-up and adult experiences. Marriage, children, and jobs. After breaking my back and going through major back surgery, I had to spend a year and a half in rehab and physical therapy learning how to walk again. Then I needed a new career and a new adventure. This book will take you down the road to that adventure..Please enjoy
This is the first edition of this book.
This is the first edition of this book.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2018
About the author
T.J. Wray
3 books93 followersT.J. Wray
He is a single dad with two kids who is currently working on his next novel. He owns and operates a tow truck for a living, his kids are his whole world, everything revolves around them. He likes to work out and go fishing or take his kids to a ball game. He also restores old muscle cars in his spare time and enjoys riding his motorcycle. He loves to read books, especially to children.
He is a single dad with two kids who is currently working on his next novel. He owns and operates a tow truck for a living, his kids are his whole world, everything revolves around them. He likes to work out and go fishing or take his kids to a ball game. He also restores old muscle cars in his spare time and enjoys riding his motorcycle. He loves to read books, especially to children.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 12, 2018
My first thought upon reading T.J.Wray's second book is that he should change his middle name to "Resilience". He is someone who having been knocked down so many times, just gets back up and moves forward with the best attitude and outlook on life. This book is a continuation of the story of his life in the 90's based upon his previous book "Our Teenage Years: Growing Up in a Small Town in the 80's". However, this book could stand alone as T.J. fills in the gaps nicely.
His first bout with disaster comes in the form of an on-the-job injury that was described so well, I think I felt the physical pain myself. With an injury of this type, most people would have given up but he picked himself up and became a truck driver. The remainder of the book mostly chronicles his adventures in the world of truck driving which I found absolutely fascinating. The backstory behind becoming a truck driver and what it entails out on the road has given me a new respect and admiration for truck drivers everywhere.
Again, the life lessons from T.J. were interspersed throughout which provided the same reminders of what is important in life and how much of life is really what we make it, as he did in his first book.
T.J. is not just someone who makes lemonade when given lemons, but makes lemonade, lemon chiffon pie, lemon bars, etc. His mantra, "never, ever give up" is repeated several times and his story is a testament to to that mantra.
I look forward to more work from T.J. to provide me with reminders of what's important and to hear about his almost daily adventures.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. However, the above review is honest and unbiased.
His first bout with disaster comes in the form of an on-the-job injury that was described so well, I think I felt the physical pain myself. With an injury of this type, most people would have given up but he picked himself up and became a truck driver. The remainder of the book mostly chronicles his adventures in the world of truck driving which I found absolutely fascinating. The backstory behind becoming a truck driver and what it entails out on the road has given me a new respect and admiration for truck drivers everywhere.
Again, the life lessons from T.J. were interspersed throughout which provided the same reminders of what is important in life and how much of life is really what we make it, as he did in his first book.
T.J. is not just someone who makes lemonade when given lemons, but makes lemonade, lemon chiffon pie, lemon bars, etc. His mantra, "never, ever give up" is repeated several times and his story is a testament to to that mantra.
I look forward to more work from T.J. to provide me with reminders of what's important and to hear about his almost daily adventures.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. However, the above review is honest and unbiased.
December 4, 2018
If you were to think back on your life, first starting out as an adult, what would you remember? Would you have experiences to share? T.J. Wray has taken his life experiences as an adult with a young daughter to care for and written them down in a comfortable, easy speaking way.
This is a brief but true story of his experiences as a trucker, and anything else he could do to shoulder his responsibilities and he tells it in such a way that one knows it comes from his heart. His words aren’t polished or fancy, but his keen sense of humor and determination come through on every page and in every word as he bares another slice of his life to us, the good, the bad and “adult.”
There is no bitterness, no sob story, just the hard facts and his simple truths. I cannot tell you how impressed I am or how T.J. Wray made me feel as if I were sitting right next to him as his story unfolded!
I can’t recommend his books highly enough, for their sincerity and for the fact that he has a reason for writing them that is so heartwarming. Maybe it’s time for some reading from the heart, to get to know another human being who has no airs to put on!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from T.J. Wray!
Series: My Life - Book 2
Publication Date: December 1, 2018
Publisher: T.J. Wray
Genre: Memoirs
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
This is a brief but true story of his experiences as a trucker, and anything else he could do to shoulder his responsibilities and he tells it in such a way that one knows it comes from his heart. His words aren’t polished or fancy, but his keen sense of humor and determination come through on every page and in every word as he bares another slice of his life to us, the good, the bad and “adult.”
There is no bitterness, no sob story, just the hard facts and his simple truths. I cannot tell you how impressed I am or how T.J. Wray made me feel as if I were sitting right next to him as his story unfolded!
I can’t recommend his books highly enough, for their sincerity and for the fact that he has a reason for writing them that is so heartwarming. Maybe it’s time for some reading from the heart, to get to know another human being who has no airs to put on!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from T.J. Wray!
Series: My Life - Book 2
Publication Date: December 1, 2018
Publisher: T.J. Wray
Genre: Memoirs
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 23, 2018
This book is (free) right now on Kindle Unlimited and .99 on Kindle..Merry Christmas Everybody
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L2CNBFV
February 1, 2019
First, I'll let you know that I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway.
I had read the first book from T.J. Wray a few months ago. There was no way I could pass up this follow up.
No, T.J. is not a professional writer. He is a real-life, hard working, family oriented man who has experienced a lot in his life.
His first book chronicled his teenage years in a small town in Oklahoma in the 1980's. I grew up in a small town in Oklahoma in the 1980's too. I felt kinship in his experiences and enjoyed every page.
With this book, we move to the 1990's and his early adulthood. We learn about some of his early jobs and how an injury nearly derailed his life. However, this man is resilient and determined. Although his path after the 1980's is very different from mine, his tale still resonates with me. He is genuine and honest in every subject. Maybe this isn't polished, or "fine" literature, but it is REAL and true.
Thanks T.J. for telling your story!
I had read the first book from T.J. Wray a few months ago. There was no way I could pass up this follow up.
No, T.J. is not a professional writer. He is a real-life, hard working, family oriented man who has experienced a lot in his life.
His first book chronicled his teenage years in a small town in Oklahoma in the 1980's. I grew up in a small town in Oklahoma in the 1980's too. I felt kinship in his experiences and enjoyed every page.
With this book, we move to the 1990's and his early adulthood. We learn about some of his early jobs and how an injury nearly derailed his life. However, this man is resilient and determined. Although his path after the 1980's is very different from mine, his tale still resonates with me. He is genuine and honest in every subject. Maybe this isn't polished, or "fine" literature, but it is REAL and true.
Thanks T.J. for telling your story!
January 10, 2019
On The Road
Probably the best book I've read about driving across America. Enjoyed it from the very beginning from where he was a car Mechanic and went to school to become a trucker.
The author writes with great humor and keeps you turning the pages. Eager for his next book.
Probably the best book I've read about driving across America. Enjoyed it from the very beginning from where he was a car Mechanic and went to school to become a trucker.
The author writes with great humor and keeps you turning the pages. Eager for his next book.
March 3, 2020
This book was just what I needed at the time – a straightforward biography, with no fantasy, politics, violence or crime – but with a lot of travel and way of life with which I was unfamiliar.
T.J Wray writes about his life on the road as big truck driver, delivering all kinds of goods all across America. The book starts with him having an accident at work, becoming disabled and having to give up on college and his intended career in auto mechanics. He gets his CDL license and begins his new peripatetic life.
He introduces the trucks he drives – some sound downright luxurious – and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of specific loads (e.g. baby’s nappies great in good weather, hell in the snow and ice). Along the way he gives out advice to new truckers (and to other drivers) on how to avoid problems that he encountered. Throughout, the camaraderie and support of his fellow truckers is lauded, and the importance of having a great dispatcher to plan your journeys to make the pick-up/drop-off/pick-ups as seamless as possible.
It is really clear that the author loved his time as a long-haul truck driver:
“I challenge you guys right now! If you’re a young man like I was, and college didn't work out, or the military didn't work out. Or you’re whatever career hasn't worked out the way you planned. Or maybe you're like I was and an accident has left you partially disabled, and you can no longer do manual labor like you used to. Or maybe you’re just tired of what you’re doing and it's time for a change. I challenge you to take a long look at over the road truck driving. It will give you a chance to see the entire country of America and make a good living while doing so.”
But eventually he decided to settle down in one town, so he could see his family more often.
After reading this book, you will never look at large trucks on the motorways the same way again, and will hopefully have more consideration for the person behind the wheel:
“So, the next time you get up on the highway and get behind a big truck, and you get all mad and bent out of shape because he's too big and moving too slow. And he’s blocking your view of the mall, or wherever you’re headed. Just remember, that poor guy is at work 24/7. He probably hasn't been home to see his wife and kids in weeks and weeks. Or had a day off in a month. And he's just trying to do his job, and deliver the very stuff that you’re in a (big fire) hurry to get to the mall and buy. So please, cut him a little slack and maybe the world would be a better place for all of us...”
The book finishes with the author’s attempt to become a patented inventor, and the pitfalls that he fell into. And finally, a series of pictures of very impressive road bridges to whet your appetite for road travel.
An enjoyable read – not just for petrol-heads
T.J Wray writes about his life on the road as big truck driver, delivering all kinds of goods all across America. The book starts with him having an accident at work, becoming disabled and having to give up on college and his intended career in auto mechanics. He gets his CDL license and begins his new peripatetic life.
He introduces the trucks he drives – some sound downright luxurious – and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of specific loads (e.g. baby’s nappies great in good weather, hell in the snow and ice). Along the way he gives out advice to new truckers (and to other drivers) on how to avoid problems that he encountered. Throughout, the camaraderie and support of his fellow truckers is lauded, and the importance of having a great dispatcher to plan your journeys to make the pick-up/drop-off/pick-ups as seamless as possible.
It is really clear that the author loved his time as a long-haul truck driver:
“I challenge you guys right now! If you’re a young man like I was, and college didn't work out, or the military didn't work out. Or you’re whatever career hasn't worked out the way you planned. Or maybe you're like I was and an accident has left you partially disabled, and you can no longer do manual labor like you used to. Or maybe you’re just tired of what you’re doing and it's time for a change. I challenge you to take a long look at over the road truck driving. It will give you a chance to see the entire country of America and make a good living while doing so.”
But eventually he decided to settle down in one town, so he could see his family more often.
After reading this book, you will never look at large trucks on the motorways the same way again, and will hopefully have more consideration for the person behind the wheel:
“So, the next time you get up on the highway and get behind a big truck, and you get all mad and bent out of shape because he's too big and moving too slow. And he’s blocking your view of the mall, or wherever you’re headed. Just remember, that poor guy is at work 24/7. He probably hasn't been home to see his wife and kids in weeks and weeks. Or had a day off in a month. And he's just trying to do his job, and deliver the very stuff that you’re in a (big fire) hurry to get to the mall and buy. So please, cut him a little slack and maybe the world would be a better place for all of us...”
The book finishes with the author’s attempt to become a patented inventor, and the pitfalls that he fell into. And finally, a series of pictures of very impressive road bridges to whet your appetite for road travel.
An enjoyable read – not just for petrol-heads
December 15, 2018
Title: The 90's Life on the Road
Author: T. J. Wray
Publisher: T.J.W.
Series: My Life Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The 90's Life on the Road" by T. J. Wray
My Thoughts....
This was another interesting read about the author T. J Wray and I will say he indeed has had quite a interesting life as he shares with the reader what had gone on in his life during the 90's. T.J's first novel had been 'Our Teen Years: Growing up in a Small Town in the 80's, I enjoyed this read "The 90's Life on the Road" as this author touches on what he went through during the 90's starting out when he was 23 and working at a Buick dealership in Oklahoma City.
Just to touch a little on T.J's chapters..I took from this good read....Now, to get the whole story you will have to pick up "The 90's Life on the Road" to get this entire good story.
1. Back Again...On one dreadful Saturday morning everything changed when T.J. had broken his back in three places and pinched a nerve going to his left leg, crushed two disk in his back and ruptured a third disk.On top of all of this he had no insurance due to working part time. Later to be told he had 55% disability in his back and would not be able to lift anything over 15 pounds for the rest of his life...75 % use of his left leg and back....Wow!
However, T. J. didn't let this keep him down...
2. So he wouldn't be a auto mechanic anymore... he moved on and became a delivery truck driver getting his [B] CDL license where he became a bus driver.... later he thought of going to truck driving school and getting a class {A] CDL license and that is just what he did....another adventure. It seemed it was always what's next for T.J?
After passing his test working for PAM trucking he became one of their drivers from Arkansas. He finally gets his own truck from the company and T. J. was off traveling!
3. On The Road Again...I enjoy reading about how T.J. dealt with the hardest part of being a truck driver...which was the loneliness and its solitude. This was were the CB radio were so very important along with the Rand McNally truckers road map.
4. Canada ?
Not being told what to expect after getting to Canada...about the rules, laws, different language and money didn't make this visit a interesting one. However, T. J. was off seeing it all! Still on that adventure!
5. Just Glad To Be Back on American Soil
After the trip to Canada T.J. was glad to be back on America soil! How T. J. dealt with his driving was quite a interesting read ....having two log books! Keeping awake by turning up the ac up to high, drinking coffee or sodas and chewing gum and I won't say what he use to .... you will just have to read that for yourself 😀! along with his workout process with that dumbbells? Wow! Anyway I learned a lots from this section in what all a truck driver must do in order to stay awake. For six months T.J. traveled over 150,000 miles all over America. Wow!
6. Go West Young Man
T. J. drove for two years for PAM trucking...what an adventure traveling all over the states! Even when he was stuck in Albany during Christmas...5 days without shower...cold and miserable and not able see his daughter Melissa it was still an adventure. Remember, many truck driver may work 24/7 and may not have been home to see his family in weeks and weeks.
7. Another New Truck
In this section T. J. had to deal with PAM's [The Log Dog].[having two logs]..after being with the company for six months without any accidents, incident or tickets he got a new jacket, pay raise and a brand new truck ...a Volvo to drive for the PAM trucking company. This is when he was offered a job by his dispatcher but he turned it down and continued to work for PAM.
8. Hitchhiking with CDL
Now, I thought this was very interesting in what T. J. did with his down time while waiting for his truck to be fixed after he hit a deer. It seemed like quite a experience of learning about how stick hauler drive their trucks..
This was quite interesting. I can't imagine having to deal with all of that mud!
9. HotDog
This was a nickname given to him by his father. This is where T.J. talks about some of the most wondrous, beautiful sights American has to offer and also having seen some of the worst sights...how it is important to all to the drivers to slow down and be safe. Oh and his nickname that is tattooed to his right calf was used as his CB handle on his CB radio.
10. As A Child
Refers a lots to his first novel. T.J. and his sister was on the run with his father for 11 years, lived in 65 different towns, 7-8 different states and 6-8 different schools. One great thing is that T. J. got to do was re-visit some of the places he remembered from his childhood when he was on some of his truck driving. One thing at T.J. enjoyed about driving over the road was his 'Freedom"...There is really no one to tell you what to do as long as you got your load of freight there on time and safely, the company is Happy.
11. Alligator- Alligator [What?]
They will eat up all your money. This was process T.J. learned to keep his doors locked at all times. I had to laugh at this story!
12. There Ain't No Feelin, Like 18 Wheelin
For $2500...you stay there until you pass your truck driving test and get your CDL driver's license. After driving for PAM for two years he decided to park the truck and go home. Now there is a procedure in doing this. You can't just abandoned the truck. You had to work with your dispatcher. After being off for 3 weeks T.J.took another truck job but it only lasted for 7 days and that was the end of his over the road truck driving career.
13. Back Home
Coming back to Oklahoma City he took a job punching the clock making deliveries...then on to security for a year and a half...later he filled in as a bus driver. Later he bought his own tow truck and have been self employed for the past 15 years. Today, you can find T.J. raising his two younger children on his own which are the loves of his life. What message T. J. leaves for the reader that I thought was such good advice and that is that one should never DON'T GIVE UP! When life gets you down...pick yourself up and get back in the game. You are never to old to follow your dreams!
14, Just F.Y.I.
One thing T. J. always wanted and that was to be a inventor...inventing something great for the motorcycle rider. Wow...is all I have left to say about his invention but at least there was a good lesson that was learned from this experience.
Dedication...
I really liked this dedication...If you bought it....a truck brought it! Wow, I have never thought about that until T.J. brought it out so well to all of the hard working men and women who do this work daily.
"I don't care if it's a sofa, a refrigerator, clothes or shoes, a new car, or even food and groceries are delivered by professional truck drivers in America . Most of which have families at home, that they have to be away from for weeks and even months at a time. To get the job done! They miss birthdays, and holidays and everything else with their kids. And the traffic conditions, and weather conditions can be an absolute nightmare. So my hats off to all the professional, over the road truck drivers out there. I think you’re doing a great job. Keep up the good work, and be safe out there! God bless you all.".....T.J. Wray
And in the end dedicating this novel to his three children and two grandchildren.
The Red Sovine- A Trucker Drivers Prayer...was wonderful!
I really enjoyed this heartwarming novel of what goes on in a truck drivers life. I believe this author did a good job with delivering the reader quite a read that will keep your attention as you are turning the pages to see what is coming next. I learned so much from this read of the life of a true 'truck driver.' I will definitely give them more respect as I am driving behind one of those big things! 😊 The best of luck to you T J. and I hope to hear more from you in the coming years. I see you have a interest in Children's books, now that sounds very interesting!
Thank you for letting me read your novel and my giving my honest opinion of the read! Great Read!
December 24, 2020
This is the 2nd book in the "My Life" series by T.J. Wray, and although I had not read the first, it was easy to pick up on what happened earlier in his life. This book focuses on his adult years, marriage, kids, etc., and how he manages after a horrific broken back that leaves him in rehab following major surgery. He has to learn how to walk again.
In the book, the author sheds light on how it feels to be "broken", physically and, at times, mentally. He doesn't seek sympathy, instead I think his purpose was to allow the reader to, for a brief amount of time, actually feel what he felt for months on end. After reading this, you will definitely have more empathy for people going through difficult rehabs.
Kudos to the author, who owns his own tow truck business and adores his two children.
In the book, the author sheds light on how it feels to be "broken", physically and, at times, mentally. He doesn't seek sympathy, instead I think his purpose was to allow the reader to, for a brief amount of time, actually feel what he felt for months on end. After reading this, you will definitely have more empathy for people going through difficult rehabs.
Kudos to the author, who owns his own tow truck business and adores his two children.
June 13, 2019
The author has done it again. If you haven't read his first book, what are you waiting for! I love the down to earth conversational style of writing this author brings. In today's world of stuffy literary rules, it's nice sometimes just to pick up a book and it flows like a conversation with a friend at your kitchen table. I laughed about the Canada part in the book becasue Canada was always a place top on my list to visit. You have to check out why the author doesn't like it. Loved the truck driver prayer. Never seen that before. The pictures again just add to the authenticity of the voice and the author's literary style of sharing. This is another must read!
April 26, 2019
Enjoyable Read
T.J. writes in an enjoyable conversational manner that makes the reader feel like they are sitting across a cup of coffee listening to a storyteller. Good story and enjoyable read.
T.J. writes in an enjoyable conversational manner that makes the reader feel like they are sitting across a cup of coffee listening to a storyteller. Good story and enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews