Unlikely Viking: From the D.C. Projects to Rural Nebraska

by Garry Clark

This memoir captures the story of how an exodus from our nation's capital to rural Nebraska saved an "at-risk youth" from a cycle of drug abuse and fear. Garry Clark's childhood was spread across more than 13 homes all over Washington, D.C. as his parents battled demons of addiction and poverty. Capitalizing on his God-given ability to run, Garry sought out a grain of hope in rural America when he attended Dana College in Blair, Nebraska -- where he holds 11 track records. Garry's story is one of hope, of overcoming incredible circumstances, and of taking risks to find unexpected opportunities.

194 pages, Paperback

Published January 20, 2019

Reviews

[Merryellen Towey Schulz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells a story that is all too common for American children, especially children in urban areas, until it tells of a young man who got out of the mess. Though he was mired in the lifestyle of addiction and poverty, something made Garry choose to be different. That is even more "different" than that of being a poor minority kid. Intervening adults appearing at the right times in his life helped Garry cope with his differentness and to go in positive directions that led to opportunities for a better life. While writing honestly about his awful childhood caused by his parents' poverty and poor choices, Garry does not appear to be bitter and is even forgiving. That takes tremendous strength, but has freed him to do good things for other people. He is an inspiration!

I don't mean to be negative, but the book could be great with more editing. The writing is readable and entertaining, but there is quite a bit of repetition and some confusion as to when things happened.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some memoirs have a clear plotline, tied up with a bow, and while those have their merits, I'm more strongly drawn to memoirs that are a little messier, that grapple and meander, that provide a window into one person's experience of the questions we all ask of ourselves about our lives: What did that mean, or that? Is this person in my life a hero or a villain? Am I special or just lucky? What, ultimately, is the purpose of it all? Unlikely Viking serves as a powerful meditation on searching for meaning in one's own struggles and triumphs, neither of which are in short supply in the author's life. Unlikely Viking is compulsively readable and full of heart while staying honest and never shying away from the toughest themes of inequality and injustice.

[Justine Ridder · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really inspirational story, but seemed very choppy. The author also skipped the sections of his story that I was most interested about. What made him choose Dana College over others? I'm really glad I read his story as he moved to Cuming County for 6 years (my hometown), but his writing style is just not my type.

[Bones Justice · Rating 1 out of 5]

For anyone that knows Garry, be careful around him. He is not a good person & has poor morals. He cheated on his wife with mine. Yes, I'm aware that she is just as at fault. I also know that my wife wasn't the only one.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so good. Relatable struggles to anyone regardless of their upbringing. His perseverance and positivity shines through the writing.