The Arkansas Bastard: My Story of Childhood Abuse and Neglect in the Ozark Mountains

Growing up in Harrison, Arkansas—a small town brimming with rivers, lakes, and lively hoe-downs—might seem idyllic. Yet for me, it was a constant struggle against both my living conditions and my mental health. In the 1980s and 1990s, while many families enjoyed idyllic gatherings and reunions, mine was different. This is my true story—a poignant account of my challenging childhood.