The Pale-Faced Lie: David Crow's Unforgettable True Story

Rachael Noel: This book is so so so good! He takes on a raw and real journey full of heartache, abuse, mischief and ultimately, triumph. I felt like I knew David so well and wanted hug him so many times, especially at the end. What a crazy hand the Crow children were dealt! I hope they have all found healing and peace. I’m honored that he shared his story and my heart goes out to all that have been dealt similar hands in life. It’s a good reminder that we never know what’s going on in someone else’s life.

United States on Jan 07, 2024

Moretoys: Once I started reading, I did not want to stop. For what the author went through, he has become a successful intelligent man. Well written and easy to read. You feel as if you are right there, especially if you have lived similar to how he did. Great book. Passing it along to family.

United States on Jan 05, 2024

M.M.: David Crow's incredible story is felt again and again as you revisit each moment and root for this boy, then young man, throughout many tumultuous years.
It is painfully obvious that both of his parents had mental health issues that were unacknowledged and/or unrecognized and most definitely untreated. It is almost a miracle that he and his siblings (most especially younger brother "Sam") even survived.
Admittedly I have read stories of far worse physical (and worse) abuse, but in the realm of Traumatic Childhoods nobody wants to be a winner, let alone have any bragging rights.
The ending is satisfying in no small way....you get a glimpse of David's move toward forgiveness in the wake of an episode that illustrates how the behaviors of parents with mental health issues can perpetrate similar behaviors and doubt in their children--who don't otherwise seem to manifest the same issues.

Overall David's story may seem mild compared to some, but it is no less triumphant that despite the abuse and his own struggles with multiple learning disabilities, he has found measures of both of peace and success.

[Odd side note--I, too, grew up being told that my father's...

United States on Jan 04, 2024

Sally Eastwood: I still have tears in my eyes after reading this deeply moving story. It swings from light to dark, funny to serious in an instant. I highly recommend

Australia on Dec 20, 2023

Rev.Ruth: David Crow was a young boy on the Navajo Reservation at the same time I was beginning my teaching career there. Although we did not know one another then, we knew many of the same people. Mr. Crow captured them perfectly in the pages of his memoir. His memory is amazing, and this book will touch your heart, leave you appalled that parents can be so dis functional, and yet children can survive and thrive. But I saw things in that magnificent place that could be considered miracles. Perhaps this is another of them. Judge for yourselves. You will be glad you did!

United States on Dec 15, 2023

Trevb: This book brought me to tears at the end when Mr Crow asked for forgiveness.
However I’m not sure why Mr Crows son had to take the hubcaps off and on to let the air out Mr Crows tires and how Mr Crow would not have heard the noise it would have made.

Canada on Dec 10, 2023

Kindle Customer: Absolutely loved this book. Could not put it down. Didn't want it to end. An exceptional story that grips you from the start.

United Kingdom on Oct 22, 2023

DJ: This was a good book & I always like books that have shorter chapters. It was kind of hard to get into this story, mainly because the father frequently used a lot of bad language & the first few chapters exhibited so much abuse that it was almost trudgery to pick it up again. By chapter 4 I thought it was just too depressing & almost put the book down for good, mainly because of all the cussing. But, unlike so many other stories that add lots of cussing but you stop & think, why was that necessary to put that in there, in this story I realized it was not to embellish it but it was the truth, the way it really was. It was truly incredible how things can go on right next door, unimaginable to us. I found myself rooting for the kids & the mother in the story while at the same time weeping for them. I applaud the author for his perseverance & fortitude & feel like this is a book everyone should read at least once.

United States on Oct 18, 2023

Kindle Customer: One should truly count their blessings. Having the resilience of a dandilion growing up helped you find a way or make a way as the story of your life.

Canada on Oct 08, 2022

Vishnu Krishna: Amazingly emotional, gripping story of a true bully wouldn't settle for anything less than what he wanted and even tried to make his son part of his evil plans..

India on Nov 02, 2020