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A review by briwithabook
Leave Out the Tragic Parts: A Grandfather's Search for a Boy Lost to Addiction by Dave Kindred
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
This story of a grandfather trying to understand and piece together the last several years of his grandson's life is a poignant tribute to a young man that battled addiction and lived a transient lifestyle.
Dave Kindred has pieced this story together by doing extensive research and reaching out to many of the "road dogs" that his grandson, Jared, traveled the rails with. He admits that while he cannot possibly confirm the accuracy of everything that was told to him, he believes that all of these people have shared details with him honestly and as best as their memory serves them.
Jared lived a very unique lifestyle. While his childhood was certainly tumultuous, it's not necessarily what I would expect to lead someone to live a transient, nomadic, often homeless lifestyle. However, I learned so much about this lifestyle and have to admit that some aspects actually do sound beautiful. There is a certain romanticism to riding the rails, living a life that is free of obligations and responsibilities. While I don't desire this type of life for myself, I can actually see some of the appeal for others. That said, there is a very dark side to this lifestyle, which can lead to addiction, crime, and other struggles. I do think the author did a great job of really exploring Jared's struggles and difficulties while still respecting the way he chose to live.
My heart does ache for Jared. He seemed to be quite a well-loved person among the "traveling kids", with a big heart and desire to help and serve others. It is so sad to see what addiction can do to a person. Jared's life ended way too soon, but there is no doubt that he truly loved life on the road. While he had demons and certainly wished he didn't have an addiction to alcohol, I don't think he would've given up the freedom and joy that his transient lifestyle gave to him.
I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in learning about a young man's non-traditional lifestyle and how that lifestyle choice impacted himself and his family. If you have any triggers, please be aware that addiction is discussed extensively throughout the book.
Dave Kindred has pieced this story together by doing extensive research and reaching out to many of the "road dogs" that his grandson, Jared, traveled the rails with. He admits that while he cannot possibly confirm the accuracy of everything that was told to him, he believes that all of these people have shared details with him honestly and as best as their memory serves them.
Jared lived a very unique lifestyle. While his childhood was certainly tumultuous, it's not necessarily what I would expect to lead someone to live a transient, nomadic, often homeless lifestyle. However, I learned so much about this lifestyle and have to admit that some aspects actually do sound beautiful. There is a certain romanticism to riding the rails, living a life that is free of obligations and responsibilities. While I don't desire this type of life for myself, I can actually see some of the appeal for others. That said, there is a very dark side to this lifestyle, which can lead to addiction, crime, and other struggles. I do think the author did a great job of really exploring Jared's struggles and difficulties while still respecting the way he chose to live.
My heart does ache for Jared. He seemed to be quite a well-loved person among the "traveling kids", with a big heart and desire to help and serve others. It is so sad to see what addiction can do to a person. Jared's life ended way too soon, but there is no doubt that he truly loved life on the road. While he had demons and certainly wished he didn't have an addiction to alcohol, I don't think he would've given up the freedom and joy that his transient lifestyle gave to him.
I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in learning about a young man's non-traditional lifestyle and how that lifestyle choice impacted himself and his family. If you have any triggers, please be aware that addiction is discussed extensively throughout the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Alcoholism
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Medical content, Car accident, and Murder