Essential, moving and eyeopening

A superb book - in all aspects. Introduces and expands, through moving clear-headed biography, an essential idea for today. It crystallisee a particular elite behaviour and it's effects on the rest. Luxury beliefs - a truly key concept that brilliantly gives name and explains so much of the gate-keeping class behaviour today.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Outstanding book. Excellent Memoir

Read by the author. A very well written true story of an underprivileged, extremely difficult childhood. A young man on the wrong path who overcomes adversity, adjusts his trajectory and becomes a high achiever, academic and shining example of a good guy. Easy to read. A lot of truth bombs in there.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Honest and winsome

No pretense and insightful. This book reminded me that stable family structures, even if imperfect, are one of the greatest gifts we can give to our children.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A much needed testimony of Today's maladies

I related so much to this book on so many levels, and the clarity, honesty and intellectual humility of the author make his underlying point shine through. The storytelling is compelling because it's, simply put, realistic.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Food for thought 💭

Thank you for the education and insight. I have been left rethinking my beliefs and reflecting on the many times I have inadvertently been inconsiderate of others. Thank you for taking me on the journey through your life. No pity from me, just admiration and respect.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Worth the harrowing story

Not an ‘enjoyable read’ and in fact I had to drop it and rejoin several times due to the quantity and frequency of traumatic memories described. Worth it though as his considered reflections give solid food for thought. Having had a difficult childhood myself, I found it helpful to understand more of why I feel I don’t fit now despite years of therapy. I think every teacher and lecturer and university professor should have to read this book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Eye opening and tear jerking

This sometimes heartbreaking and sometimes heartwarming book describes the unique difficulties for children born to disadvantaged lives.

It demonstrates that the absence of affection, stability and good role models reduces them to the worst they can be and only strong will, determination and innate intelligence on their part can make them the best of themselves.

I hope Rob Henderson's book will provide hope for many people who are disadvantaged and give their carers a valuable insight into how hopelessness breeds criminality and mayhem.

A very good read.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Gave me a better understanding of how wise it is to be dependable and understanding.

This book is so good that it inspired me to write a proper review.
The book Troubled showed me how a great country can allow corporations and gangs to sell poison to their "underprivileged", along with noumerus other infractions.
The memoir ends with a valid criticism of the generation of students currently wreaking the universities of America. When the writer,Rob, explains that the generation is forcing good-willing ideals out of guilt and vanity upon America and by-proxy the western world, one becomes unbalanced.
Before his stint at Yale Rob reviews his years in the Airforce. He was stationed in Germany, where they have great beer, this I can confirm. He tells you of the consequences of his troubled past that even military discipline cannot overcome. He also describes how the rigid environment in the Airforce helped him avoid trouble.
In the first chapters of his book he describes what he got up to in his upbringing, how his environment shaped him and the effects of the large life events on him as he grew up.
While telling his story Rob manages to tell you about the good you can do for those having a hard time by simple gestures of trust and understanding.
Even though I grew up with a large family that shows great loyalty I could relate to his need to be strong by himself when he was young and with age we both have learned that we gain our strength from the people around us.
Rob Henderson also deepened my understanding of memoirs. He showed me that their utility is not only for spreading useful knowledge but also helping and inspiring others. Furthermore I learned how important a wholesome family environment is for children.
Thank you for a wonderful book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A Seminal Book

We can only hope that history will mark the publishing of this book as a watershed in our discourse. In standing up for his people (the poor and dispossessed of all races) Rob Henderson shines a light on the great mischief that has been brought on working class people over the last few decades. No wonder he’s ruffling feathers among the luxury belief class. Spend your audible token on this book; it will open your eyes as it has mine.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Compelling honest thought provoking auto biography and social analysis

What a page turner. Not an ounce of self pity in recounting a troubled upbringing and a studied successful attempt to be non partisan when analysing. Feel free to disagree but be prepared to be moved to tears.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!