What do you think?
Rate this book
Dirty Laundry - A True Story: From The Streets to an Executive One Man's Forty Year Journey
On January 20, 1969. On the very day Richard Millhous Nixon became the 37th President, Ivan was born into a dysfunctional family. From a mentally challenged mother to an incapable father and a fragile brother, Ivan was faced with challenges no child is ready for. And yet despite all the anger and frustration that came with them, he somehow managed to persevere, to become more what society deemed him to be: an executive.
This creative uncensored biography recounts in vivid detail the anger and depression of growing up in poverty, the gripping homicidal effects of drugs, racism, police brutality and a broken government system. Ivan’s voice is expressed through a masterful use of syntax that reveals a soul that, while battered, is far from broken.
His tale maintains steadfast a hope for a better future that would give Richard Nixon himself reason to pause. From Illinois to Indiana comes a story over forty-years that highlights the indomitable power of a determined soul.
Relive some of the most unimaginable situations, leading up to a meeting with a certain angel that will change his life for the better. Find out how a word as simple as “FAVOR” can make all the difference in the world.
This unrestricted story will leave you never looking at your own “Dirty Laundry” the same.
This creative uncensored biography recounts in vivid detail the anger and depression of growing up in poverty, the gripping homicidal effects of drugs, racism, police brutality and a broken government system. Ivan’s voice is expressed through a masterful use of syntax that reveals a soul that, while battered, is far from broken.
His tale maintains steadfast a hope for a better future that would give Richard Nixon himself reason to pause. From Illinois to Indiana comes a story over forty-years that highlights the indomitable power of a determined soul.
Relive some of the most unimaginable situations, leading up to a meeting with a certain angel that will change his life for the better. Find out how a word as simple as “FAVOR” can make all the difference in the world.
This unrestricted story will leave you never looking at your own “Dirty Laundry” the same.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
500 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2016
About the author
Ivan Von Baublitz
1 book4 followersI decided to smash together a collection of memories and write my first book Dirty Laundry. This as many of you will find out was a labor of love. Writing Dirty Laundry was truly one of the most greatest accomplishments in my life. I am extremly grateful to be able to share it and look forward to helping others become inspired to do the same.
I would like to say how honored I am to be amongst so many great writers on this site it's truly remarkable to put my name next to theirs.
Finally, I do like to hand out paperbacks to total strangers and find it to be a great stress reliever. I often wonder what happened to those books afterward. I did receive one review once, but I'm still wondering where the other hundred are?
Keep writing, keep reading, and above all keep spreading FAVOR:)
Ivan
I would like to say how honored I am to be amongst so many great writers on this site it's truly remarkable to put my name next to theirs.
Finally, I do like to hand out paperbacks to total strangers and find it to be a great stress reliever. I often wonder what happened to those books afterward. I did receive one review once, but I'm still wondering where the other hundred are?
Keep writing, keep reading, and above all keep spreading FAVOR:)
Ivan
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 27, 2017
This was a heartbreaking story of a boy growing up in the worst imaginable way. From years of neglect, abuse, trauma, it truly is amazing he is sane, not dead, or in prison or an institution. He rose from a dysfunctional family, the system, the streets to graduate with 2 college degrees, and raise a successful family. This was a truly inspiring story.
One thing did confuse me though, was a character that would pop up randomly, usually when something bad happened or was about to. At the beginning of the book, Mr. Von Baublitz states, " Richard Nixon is a fictional creative process I used through some difficult times while writing this book. He is a creative motif and not my intention to discredit his legacy that speaks for itself." Ok, I was expecting recurring picture, or something.... but this guy would show up out of the blue, seem to have some foreknowledge of something coming or he would be there after something had just happened. At first, I thought perhaps, this is a PTSD related to times of extreme stress that his young mind invented to help come with troubling circumstances.... Lord knows he had enough reason to have PTSD and every other trauma related mental illness known of. But then the guy (Richard Nixon) would start to get weird, cruel, sick even, and I thought, well to this kid, whose world was so dysfunctional, even people he trusted and felt bonded to had issues, so it would feel normal to him for his mind to imbue this hallucination with something off. But then other people would see him to so that really threw me. A strange sort of angel? Nah-- It was too implausible for me to believe that some guy, especially and ex-president followed him around his entire life, knew things were going to happen before they did, etc.... So, if this character was created by the author to help him cope with the writing of particular events, and times that were so disturbing to revisit, I get it, but for me it made the story sort of disjointed with him popping up at odd times. In spite of that, I felt the story was still good enough for 5 stars. Thank you Mr. Baublitz for telling us your moving story. You definately deserve the world's applause for surviving against all odds, and having the courage to share it with others. Kudos.
One thing did confuse me though, was a character that would pop up randomly, usually when something bad happened or was about to. At the beginning of the book, Mr. Von Baublitz states, " Richard Nixon is a fictional creative process I used through some difficult times while writing this book. He is a creative motif and not my intention to discredit his legacy that speaks for itself." Ok, I was expecting recurring picture, or something.... but this guy would show up out of the blue, seem to have some foreknowledge of something coming or he would be there after something had just happened. At first, I thought perhaps, this is a PTSD related to times of extreme stress that his young mind invented to help come with troubling circumstances.... Lord knows he had enough reason to have PTSD and every other trauma related mental illness known of. But then the guy (Richard Nixon) would start to get weird, cruel, sick even, and I thought, well to this kid, whose world was so dysfunctional, even people he trusted and felt bonded to had issues, so it would feel normal to him for his mind to imbue this hallucination with something off. But then other people would see him to so that really threw me. A strange sort of angel? Nah-- It was too implausible for me to believe that some guy, especially and ex-president followed him around his entire life, knew things were going to happen before they did, etc.... So, if this character was created by the author to help him cope with the writing of particular events, and times that were so disturbing to revisit, I get it, but for me it made the story sort of disjointed with him popping up at odd times. In spite of that, I felt the story was still good enough for 5 stars. Thank you Mr. Baublitz for telling us your moving story. You definately deserve the world's applause for surviving against all odds, and having the courage to share it with others. Kudos.
October 22, 2016
Dirty Laundry is an autobiography spanning over forty years. It begins just before the birth of the author, Ivan Von Baublitz.
Ivan is born to a young mother who is incapable of looking after him and his younger brother. One day she leaves. Ivan's father places his sons into the care of the Department of Children and family Services. What follows is a story of two young boys being placed into totally unsuitable foster homes then abandoned into a military style run organisation named Children's Town, a haven for bullies and psychopaths. Ivan and his brother are let down by the authorities who should be protecting them. The system has failed and Ivan is left with no one to protect him. Unexpected moments of kindness are remembered and valued; as in the case of Eva at one of the foster homes, and from Dale at the Farm.
Ivan's early adult life is a constant struggle against the drudgery of relentless poverty and all that goes with this; drug dealing, crime, prostitution. Not only has he been let down by the system but also by his father and other family members. His mother, although incapable of taking care of him, is herself a victim. He later stays with her and is shown kindness by her partner, Joe. Whilst living at his mother's, Ivan encounters racism and sees at first hand the damage drugs do to people.
Despite his lack of a formal early education, Ivan is academic. He has the determination and drive to aim for a College education. This motivates him and gives him a goal to work towards. He is a true survivor, tough and resilient. I believe his saving moment is when he meets Joanne. Even though their relationship is not always easy and they have plenty of problems to face, they are there for one another.
The author was born on 20th January, 1969, the Inauguration day of President Richard Nixon. Throughout the book, Nixon appears to Ivan. Being neither friendly or helpful, in no way is he a guiding light. He taunts Ivan and his appearances seem to foretell disaster. These appearances lend the a book a mystical feel. What is the purpose of Nixon? Perhaps he gives the author a reason to keep going; to prove Nixon wrong.
I would liked to have known more about what happens to some of the characters – for instance, Ivan's brother and father.
This is a book which is sometimes difficult read, dealing with child abuse and containing scenes of violence and drug use. It is also a gripping and, ultimately, uplifting story about one man's will to survive through the darkest times and come out a stronger person. A book that will make you think and ask questions about society and the way in which our most vulnerable members are failed by those who they should be able to depend upon. A book that gives an insight into the damage a poverty-stricken life can do to people.
An engrossing and touching read. Highly recommended.
Ivan is born to a young mother who is incapable of looking after him and his younger brother. One day she leaves. Ivan's father places his sons into the care of the Department of Children and family Services. What follows is a story of two young boys being placed into totally unsuitable foster homes then abandoned into a military style run organisation named Children's Town, a haven for bullies and psychopaths. Ivan and his brother are let down by the authorities who should be protecting them. The system has failed and Ivan is left with no one to protect him. Unexpected moments of kindness are remembered and valued; as in the case of Eva at one of the foster homes, and from Dale at the Farm.
Ivan's early adult life is a constant struggle against the drudgery of relentless poverty and all that goes with this; drug dealing, crime, prostitution. Not only has he been let down by the system but also by his father and other family members. His mother, although incapable of taking care of him, is herself a victim. He later stays with her and is shown kindness by her partner, Joe. Whilst living at his mother's, Ivan encounters racism and sees at first hand the damage drugs do to people.
Despite his lack of a formal early education, Ivan is academic. He has the determination and drive to aim for a College education. This motivates him and gives him a goal to work towards. He is a true survivor, tough and resilient. I believe his saving moment is when he meets Joanne. Even though their relationship is not always easy and they have plenty of problems to face, they are there for one another.
The author was born on 20th January, 1969, the Inauguration day of President Richard Nixon. Throughout the book, Nixon appears to Ivan. Being neither friendly or helpful, in no way is he a guiding light. He taunts Ivan and his appearances seem to foretell disaster. These appearances lend the a book a mystical feel. What is the purpose of Nixon? Perhaps he gives the author a reason to keep going; to prove Nixon wrong.
I would liked to have known more about what happens to some of the characters – for instance, Ivan's brother and father.
This is a book which is sometimes difficult read, dealing with child abuse and containing scenes of violence and drug use. It is also a gripping and, ultimately, uplifting story about one man's will to survive through the darkest times and come out a stronger person. A book that will make you think and ask questions about society and the way in which our most vulnerable members are failed by those who they should be able to depend upon. A book that gives an insight into the damage a poverty-stricken life can do to people.
An engrossing and touching read. Highly recommended.
January 17, 2017
A heart-wrenching story, unbelievable hardship with some sort of redemption near the end
At the start, I tried to be open-minded despite a warning for serious violence and horror. A few chapters in, I could not believe that a kid growing up the hard way, could take so much abuse and misery. So yes, it is not an uplifting read and the author seems to be obsessed with ‘Nixon’ for obvious reasons. I still wonder how someone can remember all the terrible episodes, hardly without end. It took persistence to read on and I was glad that finally at around chapter 28, there was a turning point in this man’s life. An up-beat, but not for long as he and his children by then lose their beloved and biggest asset of their family.
The writing is smooth and realistic, easy to read. As other reviewers mentioned, “this book was so dark and so real that at times it was hard to read because of the subject matter.” Still, it is an important read as it clearly shows that when one is so unfortunate to be born in a poor, unlovable family, and shady side of town, it is virtually impossible to get out of that situation as foster-care and the rest of society often fails that sort of families.
I am glad I read it, but I would not want to see a movie version of it with all its realistic effects.
At the start, I tried to be open-minded despite a warning for serious violence and horror. A few chapters in, I could not believe that a kid growing up the hard way, could take so much abuse and misery. So yes, it is not an uplifting read and the author seems to be obsessed with ‘Nixon’ for obvious reasons. I still wonder how someone can remember all the terrible episodes, hardly without end. It took persistence to read on and I was glad that finally at around chapter 28, there was a turning point in this man’s life. An up-beat, but not for long as he and his children by then lose their beloved and biggest asset of their family.
The writing is smooth and realistic, easy to read. As other reviewers mentioned, “this book was so dark and so real that at times it was hard to read because of the subject matter.” Still, it is an important read as it clearly shows that when one is so unfortunate to be born in a poor, unlovable family, and shady side of town, it is virtually impossible to get out of that situation as foster-care and the rest of society often fails that sort of families.
I am glad I read it, but I would not want to see a movie version of it with all its realistic effects.
November 13, 2016
Dirty Laundry - A True Story: From The Streets to an Executive One Man's Forty Year Journey by Ivan Von Baublitz is a very disturbing look into a man's life that had nothing but bad luck from before he was born! Wow, I cried for him many times along the way. What he went through was crazy! I am glad he made it out on top and survived to be a functional adult and that is amazing given his background. It is told in a very straight forward way but in a way that let's the reader know his challenges and his strong will. A very good book. It is not my kind of book but it was touching.
March 27, 2017
A Favor Indeed.
This book gives you different outlooks on life. It gives you different backgrounds on people that some may never come across in their life. Ivan's creative way to incorporate his birthday January 20th, 1969 which happens to be Nixon's inauguration date spoke volumes in this book. Nixon started the war on drugs. Ivan was a part of a society where he seen both sides of the spectrum. He still had white privilege despite growing up poor. Despite having the odds stacked against him and at times worse than his counterparts. He still realized that he can integrate into society without them knowing his background. I noticed in the book as well that some poor whites still felt they were better than poor blacks. That was base on the language from different characters presented in the book.
We cannot choose our families. Sometimes we are dealt a bad hand in life. It is up to us to see our "favor." A word used throughout the book on knowing ones purpose in life. That no matter what obstacles are thrown in our way we can defeat them. Ivan you are a survivor and this book of dirty laundry is your truth. Only you know your truth and will truly understand your truth. This book despite the struggle had beauty in it. In the words of J.Cole "There is beauty in the struggle ugliness in the success." You have seen the beauty in the struggle and the ugliness in success. From being a ward of the state, homeless and poor, poor in the hood, to a corporate man over the course of over 40 years.
I highly recommend this book. I gave this book five starts for a reason. Even if there are grammar issues it did not bother me because this book is real. At times I was like "wow it is crazy what some of us endure in life." There were moments in the book I laughed because of Ivan's humor. Some parts of the book I cried and even flinched at the pain. Throughout the book of Ivan's life I wanted him to keep overcoming. The little moments of the book when he seen favor made me so happy. It goes to show that even in the darkest of nights there is still light.
This book is like no other autobiography I ever read. I will re-read the book because it was that good. I love raw emotional books despite to others who never experience anything in their life might find it "negative" or "depressing." There is light in this book, those who get it will see it. We sometimes make decisions in our life we know are not good. Everything Ivan that you went through was for a reason. Thank you for allowing yourself to be vulnerable and sharing your dirty laundry with us. I hope that it gives you some peace that you are starting to clean your load. I cannot wait to read more from you. I cannot wait until you do decide to make this book into a film. The strong presence of Nixon and the connection to your upbringing is phenomenal.
This book gives you different outlooks on life. It gives you different backgrounds on people that some may never come across in their life. Ivan's creative way to incorporate his birthday January 20th, 1969 which happens to be Nixon's inauguration date spoke volumes in this book. Nixon started the war on drugs. Ivan was a part of a society where he seen both sides of the spectrum. He still had white privilege despite growing up poor. Despite having the odds stacked against him and at times worse than his counterparts. He still realized that he can integrate into society without them knowing his background. I noticed in the book as well that some poor whites still felt they were better than poor blacks. That was base on the language from different characters presented in the book.
We cannot choose our families. Sometimes we are dealt a bad hand in life. It is up to us to see our "favor." A word used throughout the book on knowing ones purpose in life. That no matter what obstacles are thrown in our way we can defeat them. Ivan you are a survivor and this book of dirty laundry is your truth. Only you know your truth and will truly understand your truth. This book despite the struggle had beauty in it. In the words of J.Cole "There is beauty in the struggle ugliness in the success." You have seen the beauty in the struggle and the ugliness in success. From being a ward of the state, homeless and poor, poor in the hood, to a corporate man over the course of over 40 years.
I highly recommend this book. I gave this book five starts for a reason. Even if there are grammar issues it did not bother me because this book is real. At times I was like "wow it is crazy what some of us endure in life." There were moments in the book I laughed because of Ivan's humor. Some parts of the book I cried and even flinched at the pain. Throughout the book of Ivan's life I wanted him to keep overcoming. The little moments of the book when he seen favor made me so happy. It goes to show that even in the darkest of nights there is still light.
This book is like no other autobiography I ever read. I will re-read the book because it was that good. I love raw emotional books despite to others who never experience anything in their life might find it "negative" or "depressing." There is light in this book, those who get it will see it. We sometimes make decisions in our life we know are not good. Everything Ivan that you went through was for a reason. Thank you for allowing yourself to be vulnerable and sharing your dirty laundry with us. I hope that it gives you some peace that you are starting to clean your load. I cannot wait to read more from you. I cannot wait until you do decide to make this book into a film. The strong presence of Nixon and the connection to your upbringing is phenomenal.
December 11, 2016
Marlon James famously said ‘he does not write books for white middle class women.’ The problem with this statement is that 80% of readers are white middle class women. Also the majority of biographies are celebrity based, or human interest stories, such as Wayne Rooney, The Pursuit of Happiness or A Street Cat Named Bob. This book centres around poverty, drug dealing, race relations and rage against the system. On the face of it this book has nothing going for it commercially. However, the incidents the author has chosen to share, all serve to progress the story. This is a chronological tale of poverty and abuse, from childhood to adult, told in language which is both colourful and raw. There is a large amount of violence which by its nature is sickening. Yet there are moments of profound insight into the failings of society and family life. When it comes to relationships the author possesses a destructive cycle he seems unable to break, but equally a rare ability to be totally colour blind. It is easy to blame the author, rather than the system, due to his antagonistic attitude which makes him somewhat difficult to like and that is why the ending is so important. No one can read the ending and not find the author’s redemption in this book. To not feel the injustice of a society which not only creates, but reinforces a rigid system of poverty and racial bias.
December 23, 2016
From the bottom to the top...
What a book! I am still reeling through the emotions, the heartache, the joy, the triumph, and the Nixon of this entire story. What a brave man Ivan is. He started at the bottom, rose a few rungs, slid to the bottom, and started back over so many times I lost count. But then he finally reached the top...or did he?
Ivan's story of abuse, the foster system, group homes, drugs, alcohol, and finding himself is a story everyone NEEDS to read. It is not a fairy tale, it is not laden with beautiful roses and pristine linens. No, it is a story of the rawest truth anyone could ever read. A passage to finding himself, Ivan takes the reader through every dip and turn of his life on the streets of Gary, Indiana, before and beyond, to accomplish what he needed to do to survive. And to survive, there was only one thing he could do, find the true Ivan. And, boy, did he!
I was going to point out grammatical errors in my review, but then I realized how selfish it would have been to do so. A man beyond school-books-smart, more intelligent than almost anyone I ever have or ever will read, but still a child without a proper education. Of everything Ivan B. went through in life, to nit pick about grammar in a book this amazing, would have been selfish. As I continued reading, I got to the page where he even explained why there are grammatical errors. Read for yourself so you will understand.
On behalf of the world, I want to apologize to ALL the Ivans and Mickeys. To every male and female of color, I am truly sorry. To Ivan and Joanne's children, my heart breaks for you.
To Ivan, I feel as if I know you, truly know you. And for this, I want to say how proud I am of you. You did it for you. You refused to give up. You kept rising, even if it was only within yourself. And that is the reason why your apples fell in different orchards.
What a book! I am still reeling through the emotions, the heartache, the joy, the triumph, and the Nixon of this entire story. What a brave man Ivan is. He started at the bottom, rose a few rungs, slid to the bottom, and started back over so many times I lost count. But then he finally reached the top...or did he?
Ivan's story of abuse, the foster system, group homes, drugs, alcohol, and finding himself is a story everyone NEEDS to read. It is not a fairy tale, it is not laden with beautiful roses and pristine linens. No, it is a story of the rawest truth anyone could ever read. A passage to finding himself, Ivan takes the reader through every dip and turn of his life on the streets of Gary, Indiana, before and beyond, to accomplish what he needed to do to survive. And to survive, there was only one thing he could do, find the true Ivan. And, boy, did he!
I was going to point out grammatical errors in my review, but then I realized how selfish it would have been to do so. A man beyond school-books-smart, more intelligent than almost anyone I ever have or ever will read, but still a child without a proper education. Of everything Ivan B. went through in life, to nit pick about grammar in a book this amazing, would have been selfish. As I continued reading, I got to the page where he even explained why there are grammatical errors. Read for yourself so you will understand.
On behalf of the world, I want to apologize to ALL the Ivans and Mickeys. To every male and female of color, I am truly sorry. To Ivan and Joanne's children, my heart breaks for you.
To Ivan, I feel as if I know you, truly know you. And for this, I want to say how proud I am of you. You did it for you. You refused to give up. You kept rising, even if it was only within yourself. And that is the reason why your apples fell in different orchards.
October 30, 2016
The author bares his heart and soul in this painful story. A childhood full of abandonment, abuse and neglect led to an early adult life of poverty and pain. I have read a lot of books in this genre but this one stands out way above the rest because of his awesome talent as a writer. He doesn't just recount what happened to him, he is able to share his feelings as he experienced them at the time and we get to know the gentle soul hidden inside a boy who had to learn to be tough if he was to survive. If you have a heart, it will break as you read it. His story completely draws you in and is a riveting read from the first page to the last. I am in awe of his amazing talent as a writer, and if there are any screenwriters reading this, take note - it would make an amazing movie. I can definitely say that this is one of the very best books that I have ever read - and I have read thousands. Very highly recommended.
December 18, 2016
Wow! Society needs to change how people are treated! Ivan, I am sorry that life started out the way it did for you! I hope you are finding peace and are working in something that makes you happy.
Thank you for the book. You gave me a free copy at a gas station one night on our way to see a Packer game. I can't wait to share it. It is certainly a page turner.... maybe not n a good way....thank you for sharing. I work with low income special education students. I pray daily that none of them will live your life, but I would not be truthful if I pretended that these tings don't happen. Just this week, a horrible situation with a nine year old. I wish there was more I could do!
Thank you for the book. You gave me a free copy at a gas station one night on our way to see a Packer game. I can't wait to share it. It is certainly a page turner.... maybe not n a good way....thank you for sharing. I work with low income special education students. I pray daily that none of them will live your life, but I would not be truthful if I pretended that these tings don't happen. Just this week, a horrible situation with a nine year old. I wish there was more I could do!
October 13, 2016
Riveting
This is a great book that makes you ponder your own journey through life and the favor you have received. It is a bit difficult to read through most of the book because it's written based on the level of education the main character has during the period of his life he's sharing...As a confirmed OCD addict and member of the grammar police it drove me NUTS!!! LOL! But I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys a biography or tale of people who overcome great adversity!
This is a great book that makes you ponder your own journey through life and the favor you have received. It is a bit difficult to read through most of the book because it's written based on the level of education the main character has during the period of his life he's sharing...As a confirmed OCD addict and member of the grammar police it drove me NUTS!!! LOL! But I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys a biography or tale of people who overcome great adversity!
March 24, 2017
Sometimes everyone needs a dose of reality. There are things out there far darker and more sinister than most can imagine, and the unfortunate reality is they happen every day.
Dirty Laundry chronicles the life and trials of the author, growing up both in-and-out of the systems intended to protect the socially and economically disadvantaged. Sadly, with far too much frequency, the system fails. This is a frank exploration of what those experiences may look like. I'll warn prospective readers, it gets dark fast. It's a heavy read despite the general 'upbeat' flow of the writing. There's a lot of darkness out there, and Ivan seems to have found it all.
The only difficulty I found with the read is at times it can be very repetitive; the message could have been delivered (probably even more pointedly) without piling layer upon layer of what is essentially the same material/observation about the same event. I understand you can come at what would be a complex series of emotions in retrospect from a number of different angles, and maybe you can draw parallels to a host of different other events, but sometimes it is easy to overwhelm and muddle a message with too much visitation and re-visitation.
Overall, a good read, albeit dark. Brings to mind a famous quote, I find quite apropos -
"If you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill
Dirty Laundry chronicles the life and trials of the author, growing up both in-and-out of the systems intended to protect the socially and economically disadvantaged. Sadly, with far too much frequency, the system fails. This is a frank exploration of what those experiences may look like. I'll warn prospective readers, it gets dark fast. It's a heavy read despite the general 'upbeat' flow of the writing. There's a lot of darkness out there, and Ivan seems to have found it all.
The only difficulty I found with the read is at times it can be very repetitive; the message could have been delivered (probably even more pointedly) without piling layer upon layer of what is essentially the same material/observation about the same event. I understand you can come at what would be a complex series of emotions in retrospect from a number of different angles, and maybe you can draw parallels to a host of different other events, but sometimes it is easy to overwhelm and muddle a message with too much visitation and re-visitation.
Overall, a good read, albeit dark. Brings to mind a famous quote, I find quite apropos -
"If you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill
April 13, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have to say it took me awhile to get into this book but about half way I couldn't put it down. The abuse the author suffered just seems to go on and on and I kept wanting something good to happen to him. This book is a journey through the foster care system and the juvenile court system starting in the late 70's and 80's and how it effected his life. Its about a guy that pulled himself out of poverty but everything was not perfect after that. I cried when he suffered a great personal tragedy. I had a hard time figuring out the Nixon character but eventually it did make sense. For me the true test of a great memoir is when I finish and I feel like the author is someone I would like to get to know. When I finished this book I felt like I was leaving a friend. While the book was at times hard to read due to the abuse that was suffered, I had a good feeling when it ended.
June 14, 2017
Interesting book to read
I chose a 5 star rating because although it's not an enthralling page turner it kept me hooked. The journey of his life is interesting and I'm sure many people can relate to it.
I chose a 5 star rating because although it's not an enthralling page turner it kept me hooked. The journey of his life is interesting and I'm sure many people can relate to it.
April 19, 2017
Engossing
A very good book, I was always eager to get back to. A true account of Ivans very difficult life, the abuse he suffered as a child and the poverty, violence hardship, and heartbreak he has endured in his adult life. I believe that our life is mapped out for us before we are born and the hardest lessons are given to the most able, and toughest souls. Ivan is certainly one of them. Really hope you get to make that film Ivan, I will go to see it fore sure. Good luck!
A very good book, I was always eager to get back to. A true account of Ivans very difficult life, the abuse he suffered as a child and the poverty, violence hardship, and heartbreak he has endured in his adult life. I believe that our life is mapped out for us before we are born and the hardest lessons are given to the most able, and toughest souls. Ivan is certainly one of them. Really hope you get to make that film Ivan, I will go to see it fore sure. Good luck!
November 22, 2020
Slow start but don't give up - very profound story
I will start by saying- I didn't care for the beginning. It didn't grab me. I put the book down and read two other books. I don't like to leave books unfinished so I picked Dirty Laundry up again. Once we started Ivan's life the book took on a life of it's own. As someone who lived in foster homes - I could feel Sone of Ivan's pain. But we weren't so alone and forgotten to be hurt to the level that the writer was hurt. Some things are so true - the system is designed to keep the poor down - to maintain a higher class. I love our system because, even with this difference, we still have chances. It is unfair that any have to fight harder that others but it is a reality in our world. I think the difference on the time ot takes is love and confidence bestowed on us by those we admire. Ivan would have been successful years earlier but had nobody acknowledging him for the good in him. Bravo to him for surviving. You are a strong person.
I will start by saying- I didn't care for the beginning. It didn't grab me. I put the book down and read two other books. I don't like to leave books unfinished so I picked Dirty Laundry up again. Once we started Ivan's life the book took on a life of it's own. As someone who lived in foster homes - I could feel Sone of Ivan's pain. But we weren't so alone and forgotten to be hurt to the level that the writer was hurt. Some things are so true - the system is designed to keep the poor down - to maintain a higher class. I love our system because, even with this difference, we still have chances. It is unfair that any have to fight harder that others but it is a reality in our world. I think the difference on the time ot takes is love and confidence bestowed on us by those we admire. Ivan would have been successful years earlier but had nobody acknowledging him for the good in him. Bravo to him for surviving. You are a strong person.
September 1, 2017
Amazing story!
What a strong resilient child you were. I often felt that I wanted to take you in my arms and hold you; to save you from the cruel world you experienced. But what a survivor you turned out to be. This is truly a book I will remember and look forward to your movie or future books? You are a writer! I wish you the very best!
What a strong resilient child you were. I often felt that I wanted to take you in my arms and hold you; to save you from the cruel world you experienced. But what a survivor you turned out to be. This is truly a book I will remember and look forward to your movie or future books? You are a writer! I wish you the very best!
June 5, 2017
Review
The book is really depressive. Needs sequel. Is it really a true biography or is woven in it some fantasy .... I don't know I would recommend it. No real lessons to learn not much to celebrate .. Its like a Shakespearean melodrama
The book is really depressive. Needs sequel. Is it really a true biography or is woven in it some fantasy .... I don't know I would recommend it. No real lessons to learn not much to celebrate .. Its like a Shakespearean melodrama
July 2, 2017
good
February 19, 2018
This was a very dark read, but so is growing up in poverty in the US. Definitely a must read, and very well written
April 7, 2018
Sad and intense
You just want to keep reading! I read it in 2 days. Gets you thinking about your own life. Makes you sad yet grateful. He learns from mistakes and never gives up!
You just want to keep reading! I read it in 2 days. Gets you thinking about your own life. Makes you sad yet grateful. He learns from mistakes and never gives up!
March 18, 2020
Very interesting
This book gives you a look into a life most people can’t even imagine. Be thankful for what you have.
This book gives you a look into a life most people can’t even imagine. Be thankful for what you have.
July 28, 2021
Good!
Nice interesting read. He has lived quite a life. Would read more by the same author. Hope life is better now.
Nice interesting read. He has lived quite a life. Would read more by the same author. Hope life is better now.
July 11, 2026
Brilliant book
This book was an amazing in-depth read. Had me enthralled all the way through. From start to finish it didn’t disappoint.
This book was an amazing in-depth read. Had me enthralled all the way through. From start to finish it didn’t disappoint.
April 14, 2017
This memoir wasn't written off the top of the writer's head. It was written from deep within his soul. It's a story about what happens when the whole village raises a kid instead of his mom and dad. He's brought up around one hoe pimps, crack heads and other folks who would be sleeping in the street if it wasn't for their disability check. The writer has some great lines like, to paraphrase, I couldn't tell if her lips had cold sores or burn marks from the crack pipe. The whole story is written in a hard boiled style, lingo that would make Mickey Spillaine blush with envy.
April 22, 2017
Lessons of life
As I read. My mind would reverence back to my own childhood and life thereafter. How do any of us get thru it ? This book will take you to you to your knees and think deeply about the "others" we don't see. Great book, great favor.
As I read. My mind would reverence back to my own childhood and life thereafter. How do any of us get thru it ? This book will take you to you to your knees and think deeply about the "others" we don't see. Great book, great favor.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews