Concrete Dreamland

Coming of Age in Underground New York

By: Patrick Dougher

Narrated by: Patrick Dougher

From an award-winning artist who was featured in Humans of New York comes a bold personal narrative about overcoming family trauma, addiction, poverty—and forging a creative life in the greatest city in the world.

Born in Brooklyn in 1963, Patrick Dougher grew up in some of the most turbulent and culturally impactful periods of NYC's history. Often neglected as a child by his parents—a father who struggled with alcohol addiction and an overworked mother who struggled to make ends meet—he learned to fend for himself. Now a renowned visual artist, musician, actor and writer, Dougher brings to the page his memories, struggles, personal revelations, and a life intimately tied to the realities of growing up Black and disenfranchised on the streets of one of the most remarkable cities in the world.

Concrete Dreamland is tragic and triumphant, gritty and hard, poetic and outrageously funny. Told in Dougher's brutally raw and courageously honest voice, these stories act as snapshots of a life lived in extremes: from gangsters to God, street style to sexuality, to recovery from drug addiction and alcoholism. He tells of his adventures as a pre-hip hop “hard rock' and an original Black punk rocker surviving during the dangerous days of the crack and AIDS epidemic in NYC, while also sharing tales of racism, homelessness, and his many brushes with fame and death.

Audacious, unique, and moving, Concrete Dreamland is an unforgettable story of addiction, redemption, and life on the streets of a vanishing New York.

Critic reviews

"Aside from being a brilliant visual artist, Patrick is also a man with stories and the ability to tell them well. A writer to watch! Looking forward to his stories in the world."—Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award Winner

"A gripping and luminous storyteller."—Yrsa Daley-Ward, author of THE TERRIBLE

"As an avid reader of autobiographies, I can honestly say that Patrick Dougher's Concrete Dreamland is one of the most compelling books I've read since reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X decades ago. Patrick's journey is one of trauma, struggle, and survival. In picking up the book, I intended to read only one chapter, however, after reading the first five pages, I was immediately hooked and could not stop reading until I finished it. I am still processing this incredible story of survival and addiction. A must read book for guidance counselors, mentors, educators, and those battling internal demons." —Jamel Shabazz, award-winning photographer

"The NYC book we’ve all been waiting for, Concrete Dreamland is the fire next time and Dougher is its incandescent heart, a riotous poet prophet calling to the past in order to summon the future." —Junot Diaz, Pulitzer Prize-winning author

"This book teems with life, never more so than in his powerful account of working as an art therapist for children born with HIV. A moving, modest, sometimes hilarious account of self-discovery."—Kirkus Reviews

"A personal narrative that conquers family trauma, addiction and poverty and curating a creative life in the Big Apple."—EBONY Magazine, Books by Black Authors April 2025

Great storytelling

Beautifully crafted and told stories!! As a fellow life long Brooklynite, I felt transported, led to dance through time and space and realize what has been lost and what has been gained and what should never be abandoned,

Patrick Dougher tells it like no one else could!

I’ve been waiting for this book for awhile. Patrick’s stories about coming of age in Brooklyn, read by the man himself, in a way only he could. These very personal stories of growing up in the old NYC, depict a man who overcame trauma, tragedy, and addiction. They are stories also filled with hope, humor, and inspiration. Patrick’s art and music has impacted many. Now his words will too. Must read!

Compelling stories AND excellent storytelling!

From laugh out loud, to stunt silence, to tears of sadness and joy this book has some of everything! This is a gripping story told excellently the author. How can one person have so many things happen to them in one lifetime? You capture the spirit and tone of your characters. It is really well done.

I had periods when I couldn’t put it down. I had periods where I was so disturbed by the events that I needed to give myself time to process it. Every single time I had to come back and get to the end.

I wish the author, many blessings and great success. I have no doubt that the next half of his life will be filled with joy, love, and a positive impact on humanity

P.S.
I’m still pissed that you missed the opportunity with Sade and her band!