Up the Street Around the Corner (Book) - 11/30/2009 4:12:35 PM
Hey Cory,
There is a bit of irony how I stumbled across your book and how much I can relate to it (well at least from reading the excerpt.) I forgot my phone at home today and I was trying to get a hold of my friend who does occupancy at the Filbert Arms. Oddly enough, I recently moved in with my half brother and his mom down the street from the apartments. So I googled Filbert Arms, in search of a phone number and stumbled across your book. It's strange how much we have in common. I don't know the age difference between us, but I am going to assume you are a little older than me. I too grew up with a single mother on welfare and section 8 housing. I was born in French camp and lived in Stockton until I was in second grade. That's when the moving started. My mom had just met here soon to be biggest mistake of her life boyfriend and we moved to Texas (San Antonio) in a Uhual. We moved into the projects of San Antonio when I was in the second grade. I remember sitting in class and hearing the echoes of gunshots being fired in the field in back of our school. We weren't allowed to go anywhere until our parents came to get us. I never fell into any of the gangs, drugs, and violence that surrounded my everyday life. I was different and fortunately my mom always kept me away from it. So after about a year of witnessing and being in the middle of both physical and verbal abuse, my moms boyfriend took a hike. We did alright for a couple of years, and not to mention I was taking a few AP classes. But then we moved, and the classes I was taking weren't available at the new school. So I tried my best anyhow. When I would finally get settled at one school we would move again and again and again until I finished high school. High school is another story. I wasn't doing to well after high school and still had two uncles that lived in Stockton. I figured I had nothing to lose, besides a cheating girlfriend and back stabbing friends, so I took I chance. I thought to myself I love traveling and meeting new people, so why not? Only Stockton isn't exactly the picture perfect postcard image that most people perceive when the think of California. So two Years have passed and all I'm really focused on is work, music, and school. Writing is a real hobby of mine also, so you're an inspiration to me. Please tell me where I can get this book. None of the links seem to work. Sorry, I realize I have written enough to write my own book. I don't know if you ever check this site or keep up with your messages but, a reply would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Randy
