Thing That I Am

De: Paul Warburton

Narrado por: Paul Warburton

A story of lost innocence and ragged redemption during the waning years of Texas forced labor of children

I never meant to kill...16-year-old Rob Holland is a simple dirt farmer in 1920’s Texas, right down to his shoeless feet and twice turned dungarees. He works the farm, treats Pa’s word as law, and knows that you defend kin to bloodshed.

When his sister and a local dandy named Buck start courting, Rob unintentionally kills Buck in a misguided effort to protect his sister and family honor. That choice rips him from his home and family when Rob is sentenced to work 3 years at Texas’ State Juvenile Training School. A factual school known for forced child labor.

At camp, guilt over Bucks’ death and the risk of his family losing their land mount. His only chance to escape the dust-soaked cotton fields, will require him to trust a secretive inmate and reveal the dark underbelly of the juvenile camp. Each choice gets Rob closer to home, but it also puts him at odds with the warden and guards who fatten their pockets on young boys' labor. If plans fail, warden could send Rob to work the adult labor camps in Sugarland--a death sentence to any boy.

When the past comes to light about his secretive friend at camp, Rob will have to confront his sense of betrayal to save him. It will be up to Rob to expose the corruption at the camp and save the sun stained boys who first earned their spot and later worked their way through the most notorious juvenile camp in Texas.

©2023, 2024 Paul Warburton (P)2023 Paul Warburton

Great book!

This book really captures your attention and I just couldn’t wait to hear what was coming next. There are some heavy things that made me feel sad. Also left me thinking about the deeper meanings. I really enjoyed it!

An original tale of guilt, greed, and growth

Paul Warburton has really grown as an author. this new novel bears the mark of a man pouring his soul into his writing. While fans of his earlier work (like Gibby in Space) will initially be surprised at the heavy themes in Thing That I am, Paul's subtle metaphors and zest for life still shine in this quaint portrayal of child labor exploitation. Can't wait to see what Paul writes next!