Battling the Blessings
is author Terry Fulgham’s life story which spans over fifty years,
reflecting on his childhood, the teen years, and into his adulthood. Fulgham
changed the names of the characters, including his own, to protect the
innocent.
We
meet Reggie Manchester-Pallor as a nine-year-old in 1956. Reggie lived in Flint, Michigan with his grandparents, who he
lovingly referred to as “Big Mama” and “Papa Manchester.” The Manchester house was a caring,
respectful, and disciplined Christian home. Growing up then was different than
it is today; children only spoke to adults when they were spoken to. If a kid
stepped out of line, they were spanked. Reggie saw his share of spankings, or
whippings, as he called them. Reggie was very close to his grandparents and,
as his father was not around; Papa Manchester was his only male influence.
The passing of Papa Manchester left a profound emptiness in 10-year-old
Reggie’s life, leaving him with a feeling of helplessness. A few months
after the loss of his grandfather, Reggie met Jesse “Pancake” Stoner.
Reggie was small for his age and a favourite target of bullies. Pancake was
one of the biggest kids in school. With Pancake around, no one bothered
Reggie. Pancake and Reggie grew to be as close as brothers, and together were
both respected and feared in their neighbourhood. At age 13, Reggie, Pancake
and their friends began drinking wine, smoking, and later, stealing cars.
Reggie was the only one of his friends to graduate from high school. In
the last few years of school, he held numerous jobs where he was known as a
hard and dedicated worker. This weekday life differed greatly from his
weekends, as he continued to love the street life. Drinking alcohol and cough
syrup (for a codeine high), popping pills, fighting, stealing, and chasing
girls filled his off work hours. Big Mama doubted Reggie would see his 21st
birthday if he didn’t stop his street life.
The
failure of his second marriage and the death of a close friend had Reggie
drinking more than ever and deeper into drugs and his life of crime. It took
losing a fight to a younger man, being severely beaten, and his mother’s
desperate pleading for him to straighten out his life to get Reggie to take
his sobriety seriously and pray, “Lord, stop me from drinking.”
Much more than a story of addiction, Battling
the Blessings is a snapshot of American history. Fulgham treats us with
his memories of growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, using the slang and lingo
of that time in his realistic dialogue. He adds the music, clothes,
hairstyles, and vehicles of the day and tells his riveting story with his own
unique style to take us back to that turbulent time.
Battling the Blessings isn’t
simply a kid-gets-hooked-on-booze-and-drugs-and-turns-his-life-around story.
It is an unflinching and inspiring telling of a man’s struggle with himself
and his demons. Fulgham doesn’t make excuses for his actions; he takes full
responsibility. Reggie isn’t a bad guy—he is a smart, compassionate person
who just made many bad choices. I found myself cheering for him, hoping that
he would one day leave the street life behind and make himself and his family
proud.
This is Fulgham’s first book. However, he writes with the skill of a
seasoned author. He knows how to spin a story in a way that will affect and
captivate his reader. Often, I was laughing at his humour, shaking my head in
shock, and misting up at a sad passage all in the same chapter. I highly
recommend this entertaining glimpse into a remarkable life. 5 Stars.
Reviewed by William
Potter for Reader’s Choice Literary Reviews
Battling
of the Blessings
is a wonderful read. You will laugh and cry, you will
be mad and sad as you go through Terry Fulgham's history of the battling of
his blessings throughout his years. This is one book that you will
read again and share with others. Share in this story of frankness and
honesty. There'll never be another one like this one!
Anastasia
Cassella-Young
*****
“You
Gotta Read This One!
This
book is straight from the author's soul and heart. He shares warm memories
of his family life and his battle with drugs / alcoholic while growing up in
Flint
,
Michigan
in the 50’s & 60’s.
Roger Miller, Mount Morris, Michigan.
*****
Just honest story-telling and practical advice. Highly
recommended
Jerry Laster , Flint, MI
*****
This book was very easy to read. The story lines stay with the
characters. There is just enough detail about the story to know that the
setting takes place in Flint, Michigan without going into a lot of detail
about the city itself. The author has done a wonderful job of developing the
character of Reggie.
Jabar F. , Tampa,
Florida
*****
This
book can be related by a whole lot of people that fell in the same situations
of life. It shows that an ordinary man ,not another superstar being raised in
a not so privilege life, can share his life story and humility and still come
out with a successful story. I to can relate to his life story.
Zakia
Fox, Lakeland Florida
*****
I really loved this book. It's a real page turner. The author
was so descriptive in his writing that I could identify with the characters. I
have read this book twice in a week. because I just couldn't put it down.
Sharon Mackie, Detroit, Michigan
*****
" Inspiring..... If
you read only one book this year, read this book
