Informally Educated

Wow, thanks Zambora. I've had several locals come here to help, but you have outdone them. Thanks so much, hope to sign your book soon.

I bought this book in a small store near where I live and saw that the author lives very close to me. It had a bookmark with this website on it. I just had to sign on and tell you that once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I also saw an article in the local paper verifying that this is a true (but horrible) story. I hate to think that children go through this kind of thing even still. I hope that this book makes it to the editor's desk, because it should & will get published. Good luck with it & best of luck in life.
P.S. Do you know that everyone in this area is reading your book?
Zambora

Years ago I read a best seller called Two Pence To Cross the Mersey by Helen Forrester, a harrowing tale of poverty in Liverpool in the 1930s.....it left me saddened at the human condition but uplifted.....your book is better, doing the same to me, plus entertaining and making me smile. There are many books on this site that deserve to be published......yours deserves to be read and savoured then to make you a best selling author.
Best of luck.

How do I begin to tell you how your book has made me feel? I guess that is the most important thing about you writing this book is that is does make people feel. I want to reach out to you and hug you and comfort you and try to make your nightmares go away. This is a very powerful writing. I could only read a little at a time as it would bring out such sadness in me; sadness for you and your family; and also for me for my troubled childhood. I hope you have found some release in the writing of this book. Is there maybe a sequel on the horizon? How you have survived and lived your adult life based on things that happened to you as a child? I hope that there are many more books to come. You truly are a talented and entertaining author.

Kennesaw:

This book reminded me of a something a friend said to me many years ago in referring to her horrific childhood, that she "wished she could reach back in time and comfort the child that she had been". That thought stayed with me, and I finally realized that yes, we can do that. The way you've done it in this book. You reveal the pain, but also the humor (God gave us humor to help us survive the pain - and I often find my own to be of the black humor kind, no less healing for all that). This is a terrific book because it comforts by showing us that we don't have to stay victims; that, as children we have little control over our lives, but that our adulthood gives us the chance to cure ourselves through our abilitiy to make choices. This book definitely should, and will, I'm sure, be published.

From the author's description of this book, you fully expect to read it feeling horrified at the travails he went through as a youngster---and you aren't wrong to expect that. But what's surprising is that it's a hell of a fun read at the same time, with its accounts of the misadventures of the fly-by-night con artist who made his family his primary, but far from only, prey. How often does anyone get a glimpse like this inside the scams, the narrow escapes, and the twisted ingenuity of an honest-to-god con artist? Most talented scammers and thieves have long ago skipped town by the time anyone realizes they were up to no good---but reading "Informally Educated," you're watching it all go down.

Bottom line: Read this book. It's the most entertaining possible way of being disabused of your illusions about the fundamental good of human nature.

Hats off to Mr. Kennesaw, and best wishes for all future success. Success, and a little bit of peace.

Dear Kennesaw , I love you stepping forward & telling your story - it seems so surreal, yet I know this kind of this happens - more than anyone thinks - yours could become a famous movie - Richard Bard's book, "Brainrush" is becoming a movie - maybe you could send him message - he is #5 on talent spotter - good luck. :) I thought my childhood & 6 abusive marriages we was bad, as you'll see in my memoirs, but yours far exceeds mine. God is my only hope all these 70 years. :) Before I began to read your book, I was prepared by your pitch, which was very well done. :) Your story is good because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm "backing" your book. :) "When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved"...authonomy quote. :) Please "back" my TWO memoir books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & my completed memoir unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which tells at the end, my illness now & 6th abusive marriage." Thanks, Susie :)
additional authonomy quote: "Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs." :)
typo in pitch, 5th line from the bottom: "our " instead "out " formal education

Hi Kennesaw, this is incredible stuff. I read six chapters and was completely gripped.

One typo in your pitch -- abused and denied out formal education. (our)
Backed with pleasure,
Barry
Little Krisna and th Bihar Boys

.

At first I was afraid it was going to be a misery memoir. You wrote this as fiction for the comfort of the reader and I need that comfort. I don't want to think of you actually going through all this. I hope, if I read to the end, I'd discover how and why you were such a survivor who has made a good life for himself and those he loves. Yes, you certainly have a winner here. Usually I flick down the first chapter to decide whether I'm going to read on or not. I went to 2 and actually couldn't stop myself reading. Totally credible. I'm not going to write more at this stage but may come back and do so. I'm going to recommend you to others as well as backing.
A fine piece of work

Rosalind
Good For Him

You are a masterful storyteller. You have a great opening chapter, which is a gift in itself. I enjoyed your style; it is well polished with excellent support from the setting and voice.
The pitch is perfect for this darkish-thriller. It is obvious a lot of work went into the book, with the carefully chosen words, and awesome dialogue.
I loved it. Best wishes
Scott
The Esrevinu Chronicles/Secrets of the Elephant Rocks

BACKED

I get very little from comments about my own book, nowadays. Some people like it, some don't. Some people are too frightened to leave genuine feedback, while others seek to enforce their own style upon me. I want to get to the Ed's Desk to get professional comment. I would rather spend 30 quid than do all this reading and backing. I have got everything I want out of Authonomy community already. So I am backing your book so that you can reach the Ed's desk and get professional feedback, instead of the platitudes and devious backings that account for 80% of backing you receive. Only 20% of comments are genuine, and will add value to your work.

Now, who am I not to back you? I am not godlike. Your work might be flatly written, unoriginal or even down right bad. It could be wonderful. But in my experience, only you can be honest with yourself about your writing... and that is what matters.

So, I am backing you so you can reach the Ed's desk.


There you are.

BACKED
Hope you reciprocate.

This is good. Very good. Backed.

Iva P.
Fame and Infamy

Hi - your writing is good, but the introduction was rather hard to get through. It's too daunting as one big paragraph. Try breaking it up into small paragraphs - more people will be drawn to read it and not give up. I'm glad I continued on. You've got quite an interesting story going here and I'm happy to shelve it for a time.

Jeanne (Dark Angel)

What an incredible story! I can see how writing this has helped you to shed a few ghosts, and move forward. So for you, the process was a therapy, and for your readers it will be an awareness-raising. You tell it how it really is - not the sanitised, Hollywood version where there are clear blacks and whites, and where the goodies always win, but how serious organised crime is perceived by a child growing up, and caught up, in it. You write with considerable passion and commitment, and your eye for detail makes this a very good read. To make it marketable, it needs a lot of editing, but we all have to go through that process, over and over again. That done, I can see this book doing very well. Backed with pleasure. Best wishes, Tony.

Ok, I am just starting chapter 3 and I am hooked! This is the best read I have had since "The day we dissappeared". Great work, can't wait to read more!
Two days later: I finished the book, I only stopped reading to do those daily chores like going to work.
Your book is amazing, I can't believe you survived this, I have to tell you the truth, while reading this book I did normal everyday things like running to the store, going to the movies and I didn't look at anyone the same way or with the peace that I had prior to reading this! Jack was truly a monster, and I don't know why there are people like him in this world. I truly don't understand why children have to endure such things. I understand your mother's struggle and my heart goes out to her too. The only thing I would have like to know is what happened to her. I can't even imagine what your sister went through. Your writing brought all your characters to life on the pages of this book, I could hear them, smell them as well as see them and most of all I could feel your loosing hope with the ones that should have helped. I am so glad not only that you survived but that you wrote this and did it so well. A wonderful acheivement and I pray that it hits the best sellers list!

Hi Kennesaw,
This book is extraordinary! Your introduction just killed me; I know exactly what you meant since I have been through the same process in order to be able to live with my memories; a kind of internal cleaning.
I have read the first 6 chapters and could go on reading until the end. You write so well, the story is both sad and awful at the same time. I have no idea if you have made any faults in your writing; I haven't noticed them in that case being as absorbed as I have been. You go up on my shelf and I hope to be able to come back to read more. Best of luck to you!
Nillan
Blue-eyed in Luhya-land (also a True Life story but from Africa)

Having read this book and then actually meeting Kennesaw, it is hard to see the scars, but knowing that he is a true survivor--I admire him for having the guts to write this book- show his scars to the world and still be able to live and love normally--it had to be painful writing. The boy who still lives inside of the man is the hero of this book, just by sharing this with us he is able to have lived a nightmare yet has the strength to make a difference. I hope and pray that anyone who reads this book is never able to forget that this is real and it happens everyday. I for one will never forget the little boy who never had a childhood and yet grew to be a productive member of society-your friend,debra

You are very brave to write this story and you write it very well. I thoroughly enjoyed your writing style. it was heart-wrenching and evoked much empathy in the reader. shelved.

This is a moving memoir that evoked many powerful emotions, Ken. I don't know what else to say except this is most definitely on my shelf!

Something about this story reminds me of Angela's Ashes with a lot of the Artful Dodger thrown in for good measure, although a much darker Dodger to be sure.

Do eliminate your adverbs, and do condense the background chapters. In fact, far better to weave the background into the main story in little dribs and drabs.

This is an important story and is far better written than I expected. You can make it better structurally (for help, read Scene & Structure by Jack W. Bickham) and can improve the actual writing by reading Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King...I re-read them both from time to time.

Congratulations on turning your own story into a gripping tale without resorting to cheap tricks. This deserves an audience...and to be shelved, of course.

Cheers,
Sheryl (In All The Wrong Places)

Hi Kennesaw! I have just finished reading the first 4 chapters of your book. The premise is very good and I was hoping that, after 4 chapters, I would be getting to the 'guts' of your story. What you have given your reader in the first four chapters is mostly background. Perhaps if I had the time to read further, I might see that it all is necessary. However, I have the feeling that the best part of your book will be when you get to the part about you and I would encourage you to shorten these background chapters. The fight scenes in your first chapter are exciting but do they propel YOUR story forward? Well, having said that, I have some comments, chapter by chapter. And please realise that I am no expert but I have been told I'm pretty good at this. So here we go...
CHAPTER ONE - (Introduction) - This is very good. Touching because it is so honest. But wouldn't it be called a 'Preface' rather than an 'Introduction'? Either way, it provides your reader with some personal feelings of your own and that is excellent.
CHAPTER TWO - I would consider deleting the first two sentences of the second paragraph because women who seduce younger men do it out of high self esteem and you sort of make it seem the opposite. I would change 'eventually' to 'someday'. Delete 'easily'. Delete 'skillfully'. Both of these deletions will add strength to these sentences. In the paragraph that begins "No." Jack said without....', you have Jack and the leader talking in the same paragraph. New talker always needs new paragraph. I think the word 'gnarly' sounds like surfer jargon. Its hard to believe that Lump, who was huge, couldn't get his face out of the hands of the much smaller leader. Or that the leader would throw him to the ground. If it is only his fear of the leader that allows him to be treated so, then tell your reader that BEFORE the leader manhandles him, instead of later. The fight scene between Jack and Lump is very good writing. However, you could add even more tension by eliminating the words 'only briefly', 'Already', 'briefly', 'exactly', 'literally' and 'actually'. Try it and I think you will see what I mean. 'breaking the stool from its leg' is extraneous and I don't think you need it.
CHAPTER THREE: I would delete 'ironic, but' as I don't see any irony. 'wouldn't even start'...delete 'even'. I think you go a bit on and on about the spinning and the crawling and such. I think the phrase 'get back the promise he once had' is a bit confusing. Find another way to tell your reader what you mean by this especially since you have a separate reference to a promise in the following paragraph.
CHAPTER FOUR: Your writing in this chapter is the best so far because it is quite quick to the point. '...and was nineteen years old'..I would add 'only' before 'nineteen'. You tell us that Lonnie didn't play any favorites yet in the very next sentence you tell us that he spent alot of time with Davie, which sounds to me like a favorite.
Well, that is it except a few general comments. Your use of 'he' is confusing at times. You should only use 'he' for one character per paragraph. Use the proper name for each character a little more often. Delete words such as 'briefly', 'actually', 'really, 'eventually', etc. Words that have the ending of '-ly' are rarely needed. Most sentences in any book gain tension (a good thing always) by dropping an '-ly' word. In almost EVERY case. Find each '-ly' word and then try the sentence without it and you will be pleasantly surprised.
Okay then. I hope you can decipher my comments and I hope that some of them help. Please keep at this. It is a story that needs to be told both for your own sake and for the sake of others. I certainly can see how this will be heart wrenching for you but you will end up with a gripping and compelling book. And dare I say it? A movie? I will be keeping my eye on this one...let me know when you have done a bit of trimming....and I would be more than happy to take a second look.

Wow! I loved the book that was first introduced to me several weeks ago. I picked it up and read it within several days. Its an incredible story of the struggles of a young boy. Many people may can relate to the step father figure but only a minute few can relate to the horror stories told in this book. It really makes you feel about how good our lives are and how so much worst we could have it. Thank you for writing a story like this that needs to be heard. Good luck with your book and it should be published.

Ken - in a word "disturbing". Not a bad thing - actually it's a draw (in my view) for a reader to wonder how far they will be taken into the story - and you've definitely done just that. Descriptively chilling.

Kennesaw,

Wow, I can't believe this is non-fiction. It's unbelievably frightning. You are brave to relive it, but I'm sure that writing it all down helps heal some of wounds. And you write very well, by the way.

Shelved.

Heidi
Turning Red

Just finished the book last night. To say that it is a horror story is an understatement. I usually don't read this type of book, but I hung with it mainly because of Kennesaw's style and the fact that I'm from Milledgeville. He tells a very good story that makes you feel like you are there. I feel like this is a story that he needed to say out loud to help get it off his chest. That being said, I look foreward to another book by this author that perhaps is a little "lighter". I think he has great potential as a captivating storyteller. I have read some of his short stories that I really like. Good luck Kennesaw!

Should this have been fiction, I would have been amazed at the skill it took to write it. That it is a true story told by the one recalling such dreadful memories, makes it even more outstanding. I'm not going to labour any point other than to say it should be read by all who feel able. Shelved. Margaret.
Candles in the Garden &
The Spirit of the Butterfly.

Kennesaw is, indeed, a phenenomal writer with an AMAZING story to share. This book needs to be in book stores everywhere. It is so difficult for me to grasp that these circumstances actually still do exist today, and that young people have to live through such turmoils. The mental images that were portrayed in my mind as I read this book were unimaginable. It made me realize how blessed and fortunate I truly am. I strongly recommend this book to all adult readers. It is, without a doubt, the best book that I have ever read....and I have read MANY a book in my day!

Hello Kennesaw,
I have to say, I forgot I was sitting at the computer reading this. I haven't gotten this engrossed in a book in awhile. Perhaps I am merely stupified at the cause of such a great work but, it's more than that. You have a story to tell and tell it you do. I am glad you have a way with words so that you are able to create something meaningful and longlasting that will lift the weight and enable your freedom. God Bless,
Tammy

Dear Kennesaw,
I read the first 5 chapters, then I read chapter 11, by chance. The whole lot left me feeling shaken. Knowing it's a true story is painful. But that is a compliment to the writing. You have managed to put all your suffering into words - fine, precise, honest and not 'over the top' words - an impressive feat. The result is admirable. I wish you luck with it and I'm sure it's a story that will stick in my mind. Shelved. All the best, Charlotte P

I've now read the first six chapters and I must say I'm impressed not just by the story but by the skilled way in which you present it, it's both moving and compelling at the same time. One thing did bother me though, and that was the introduction. In the actual narrative you achieve the difficult task of creating a literary distance between yourself and the narrating character, which allows the reader to identify with the character but without being drawn in by emotional sentimentality i.e. through pitying you personally. However, I do think that the introduction is both much too self-effacing for the sophistication of your writing, while also making a plea to the personal that you do not need to make. Really, your story and your writing speak for themselves and render the pain behind them in a manner that few can manage. I do hope this book gets seen and published.

Kennesaw,
This is a gripping, disturbing and extremely well-written memoir. The fact that you survived these experiences to tell this story is a credit to your character and courage. Beyond that, you also have a great talent for storytelling. This is not only a compelling book, it's a film. Jack Cooper is one seriously bad guy.

I'm going to read this one to the end, but I wanted to back this now. I'll come back and comment more later, but I'm extremely impressed with this book. In fact, I can't think of a memoir in the bookstores I've read lately that comes close to this.

Great job and I wish you the best.
Mark

I started reading this about 8 am this morning and finished at 2:15. It was riveting and I just couldn't stop reading, even during lunch break. I've lived in Milledgeville all my life and of course knew of all the places mentioned in the book. A major publisher really needs to jump on this opportunity. I truly believe it could be a best seller. Awesome writing in every way. I felt like I was "there" due to the vivid descriptions in the book.

Anniereb

Hey Kennesaw, What a story, I now know why you wrote violence so easily in the cracker jack crew. This is almost hard to believe, but I can tell with how you wrote small details, like smells and sounds that it was true. I hope other books on this site keep me as interestred as yours have. I hopoe you make itman you sure deserve it. oldasssailor

What a powerful book! I applaud your efforts for being able to articulate your childhood through the written word. I was captivated from start to finish! This will make it on Oprah's book club list!

Very Deep, good book!

Your narrative brings the characters and setting to life. An interesting look at street-life in the 1950's. It's on the shelf.

This is probably one of the most well written memoirs I have read on this site. The writing is excellent. I am not going to harp on about how difficult this must have been and how awful. Others must have said it all in the past. I'm just glad you got through it and here to tell the story.
Backed
Best wishes
Sue

Wow what a story.
Congratulations on having the guts and perseverence to write it.
Also it's excellent writing, gripping and entertaining.

Suggestions.
One or two typos. 'Out' in the pitch looks wrong.
My internet connection goes slow so these short chapters are a pain.
You could put a few in each chapter space.

Thats all. It's great.

All the best and good luck with it........Mikey

Wow what a story. Congratulations on having the guts and perseverence to write it. Also it's excellent writing, gripping and entertaining.

Suggestions.
One or two typos. 'Out' in the pitch looks wrong.
My internet connection goes slow. These short chapters are a pain.
You could put a few in each chapter space.

Thats all. It's grweat.

All the best and good luck with it........Mikey

This story is so touching and hate the fact that anyone had to go threw this at all. I hope all is well!

This was a really good book, I enjoyed it very much!

I think the intro needs to go. It's useless and leading. Just start with chapter two. I think the name Prometheus is overused and cliche, means to many other things. I think the fight is good, but it needs to be tighter, less description, tighter focus, tell less show more, better dialogue that means something. I like the power of this first chapter, it's hard to do, it's a coming of age tale mixed with gangster noir.

Kennesaw - so tragic yet fantastic - your style is so fluid you take no time to draw me in - I just wanted to keep reading. You had me from the intro.

My childhood certainly had its demons that pale in comparison. I can only try to imagine how cathartic this was for you.

Most deservedly shelved.

JJ.

Whew, Kennesaw, if this was a movie, it would give The Goodfellas a run for its money as one of the most eloquent and scary mob stories ever. Beautifully written, moving, fast-paced and heart-breaking. You have lived through an incredible experience, and you have put it onto paper incredibly well. This truly deserves to be published, and I'm sure it will be. It's on my shelf.
There are some minor punctuation issues, which a good editor will help you sort out. Otherwise, the prose is fantastic.
Best of luck,
BexMcK (The Devil's Box)

I've read the first five chapters so far and I wish I didn't have to stop! I felt sorry for Lonnie, even though he was a drunk. You have a talent for putting the readers right in the moment with you. This one is going on my shelf and I'll definitely be returning to read more soon.

Darcia

this has to go on my shelf. it is fantastically well written. i am finding it very disturbing to read and i was so glad to have the introduction first and to know the humanity behind the writing.

unlike many true and cathartic novels, this one has the considerable merit of extremely good writing. the language is accurate, original and economical. the characterisation and the manipulation of the reader's expectations is brilliant. i can only admire. not only is your story moving in the extreme but your writing does it justice. i hope you will be able to continue writing long after your story is told.

a tiny technical recommendation would be to split your into up visually so that the reader is less challenged by the blocks of print. also there is one sentence which needs joining up - the thing about mother and sister being victims.

i wish you not only success but peace of mind.
xx
maitreyi
BLOGSPOT

my god what a pitch. very moving. irresistible to the reader.

(couple of typos to iron out.)
maitreyi
BLOGSPOT

There are all types of survivors and I see you are one also. Your write well and I feel for your characters. Maybe I am predisposed to characters who get bullies by "Big Germans", but I loved it.\
Jeannette (Broken Birds)

Kennesaw,

Your writing is good. The story is moving. I want the women who took advantage of poor Jack prosecuted!

Charity

I don't care what people here say Cody, thank you comments from people like you mean more to me than the ED desk. Kennesaw

My grandmother bought this book at a store near my house. It kind of shocked me to find out this was my neighbor. He is so nice, helping us get into our house and once into our car when we locked ourselves out. After reading the book i understand why he was so good at this. I can hardly believe that kennesaw, the nice guy next door grew up like this. I thought the book was great and have my own signed copy now. I hope he does well, he deserves it. Cody.

My grandmother bought this book at a store near my house. It kind of shocked me to find out this was my neighbor. He is so nice, helping us get into our house and once into our car when we locked ourselves out. After reading the book i understand why he was so good at this. I can hardly believe that kennesaw, the nice guy next door grew up like this. I thought the book was great and have my own signed copy now. I hope he does well, he deserves it. Cody.

Oh my!!!!

Just heading out the door so back to comment soon but so SHELVED!!!!!!

Gerri
Internet Liaisons

Kennesaw, I think this is a very brave piece of writing. And it must be cathartic for you. I know about this, because I wrote and had published a book about my teenage son whose teenage cancer gave him a 15% chance of survival - and he made it. But the experience was horrific for him, for me and for the whole family - not in the same way as your horrific experiences, but in writing the book "Fly with A Miracle", my nightmares vanished and I was able to face life again. You write so well, almost in a cinematic way, and I like it that right at the beginning you take the reader straight into the action. I am going to put you on my shelf because I believe this is an important book. Best of luck with it.
Sheila (Pinpoint)

Kennesaw,
I really enjoyed the book. I read it in a night and a morning and although I hate reading things off a computer screen found myself glued to it.
I can imagine it a cathartic experience to get this all out into the open. I am a fan of narrative therapy and know it is therapeutic to share the intimate details of one’s life with others.
Best of luck and God bless you and your family.
David Carpenter

This is gripping. I couldn't stop reading. I was full of anticipation as I read. It is very well written and everything is described so well I am going to back it. Clare

I started reading and this pulled me in. A sign of great writing. I love the way you mix humor and reality. I look forward to reading more soon!