This is the story of a boy that grew up in the heart of the city. As a young child, he faced many obstacles and used his talents as an artist to overcome them. From being an outcast and poverty stricken, to the loss of his parents, he used his art as a therapeutic tool to survive. As the years passed, his city and lifestyle changed around him constantly and his talents veered towards the art of graffiti. This new found skill sent him on many adventures and eventually led him to a reuniting that was 30 years in the making, all due to his obsession for writing his name and one woman's craving for Chinese take-out.
What readers are saying: "I've been reading Bob's book and it's so good. It's emotionally gripping and mind boggling. I feel like I'm riding this up and down emotional roller coaster; from the happy little moments with neighborhood boys playing gladiator with homemade weapons made from mom's mop handles beaten down into swords, only to have my stomach drop as the story shifts to situations of homelessness, drugs, abusive parenting, severe poverty, violence, and various forms of trauma.I'm not even to the middle of the almost 500-page book yet, but already I'm feeling as if this is ultimately - along with being a straight-talking autobiography - a book about hope. Hope no matter what. Anybody can grab life by the horns - you just gotta have the guts to look fear in the face, get past all your baggage, and go do it for yourself.I think this book would be an inspiring read for most anyone... For parents (like me) it helps you remember how hard childhood can be and the importance of good parenting. I've also learned a few fun ideas for keeping my own boys busy with homemade toys and tools! :) For kids, I believe this book would be a mentor in a way, and motivation. They can read this book and look to Bob as an example. For educators, for anyone involved in the arts, with children, with social issues - this book covers many areas. It's wonderful and written in an easy conversational tone that makes it hard to put down.I highly recommend it. "