The Shade Tree Choir

by David Nelson Nelson

Krame is an eight year old boy who suffers physical and emotional abuse from his alcoholic parents and mentally ill mother. At times he is locked away, starved, denied water and beaten mercilessly. Being kicked, punched and whipped with the belt buckle end of a belt does not deter Krame's spirit. He has found support with his gang of friends - until tragedy strikes. He later discovers a family secret that has been hidden for years and changes his life forever.

133 pages, Paperback

First published July 10, 2012

About the author

An authority on child abuse, David Nelson Nelson wrote three books related to this subject. The Shade Tree Choir deals with the specific physical and emotional abuse he suffered as a child. PALS: Part One takes the reader through the teenage years and how five friends helped him to cope. PALS: Part Two shows how he experienced success after abuse.

Additionally, David wrote a book of poetry devoted primarily to the subject of love. It is titled, My Treasure.

Nelson was a retired physical therapist, office ergonomist and national public speaker. He wore another "hat," as well. He was a Cowboy Poet and storyteller. He was the Cowboy Poet Laureate of Tennessee and performed across America. His book, The Campfire Collection of Cowpoke Poetry is filled with his poems and stories, and Art from the Heart combines his poems and stories along with his artwork.

Reviews

[Dan Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

For most children, when they feel endangered, the source of safety is to go home. For a child who grows up with an alcoholic, it's the opposite - home is dangerous, and safety lies in being anywhere else. The safe haven of home is essential for a child, and the loss of that sanctuary is a devastating experience. The Shade Tree Choir captures that essence in a raw and powerful telling of the story of a child who grew up with a violent and abusive alcoholic. "Don't cry, or I'll give you something to cry about" is a phrase well understood by those who grew up under similar conditions - and David Nelson tells that story with a rawness that rekindles the emotions of that turbulent and totally unpredictable way of life. It is a powerful story, well told.

Though there may be greater understanding of that life looking back as an adult, the emotional scars always remain. "I will never forget and never understand why he did all that stuff to me." There is no rational explanation for the abuse the child suffered in that house. Though there can be incredible healing, physical and emotional abuse is a legacy that only those who went through similar can fully appreciate, and which resonates deeply through this gut wrenching telling of the tale. Anyone who wants to understand a child who grew up with an alcoholic will gain incredible depth perception by reading The Shade Tree Choir.

[E.J. Gore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book holds a powerful tale of strength in adversity. It brought tears to my eyes and also lifted my spirits.

[Shirleyalexis Survivorandhealer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading "The Shade Tree Choir", written by friend and fellow survivor of traumatic childhood abuse, David Nelson, so much so, that I have been sharing his book as an Abuse Survivor's Resource for anyone seeking to heal emotionally, from their traumatic childhood experiences, and also a must-read for all recovering and surviving adults, who still today, wince at the painful memories of growing up surrounded by alcohol-fueled violence.

David brilliantly describes the story time setting in perfect visionary image, as clearly reminiscent as that of a black and white picture from a television sitcom of the same era...duly appropriate for this incredibly inspiring story of surviving childhood abuse at the hands of an alcoholic parent.

[Marianne Eshleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is memorable, emotional and inspiring! The story of little boys in the late 50s will tug at your emotions and keep you reading. It is a story of lifelong friendships, based on the real life antics of the author and his childhood friends. The underlying secret is the view from the psyche of a little boy living with abusive parents and how it shaped his character throughout his lifetime. It will make you smile, laugh, cry, and maybe evaluate your own childhood memories. A wonderfully tender book!

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story that will make you laugh and cry!

I was a bit hesitant to read this book because I didn't feel like dealing with the topic of child abuse, I wasn't in the mood for such a heavy topic. But I started it anyway and couldn't put it down. I did not find it depressing. I found it to be a remarkable tale of courage and strength.

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-Wrenching, Compelling, Memorable Read! I Loved It!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but the dialog at the end seemed stilted. Kind of like a checklist of loose ends that needed to be taken care of.