“My favorite type of book draws me in from the first chapter, keeps me engaged throughout the narrative, and makes me wish the story wouldn’t end!  Boy At The Crossroads meets all 3 of these criteria.  In fact, I was drawn into this novel at the very first line in the prologue: “Three questions rattled around in my head for years.  How was I able to run off at 13 and live on my own?  How did I become self-reliant at such a young age?  Why was I more at home away from home?”  The story goes on to explore these questions, introducing the reader to Conley Ford, the 15^th of 16 children growing up in poverty and experiencing the abuse of a domineering father.  The pace of the narrative, highlighted by the insertion of colorful details and revealing memories, keeps the reader fully absorbed to the very end.  It’s a tale of resilience that would appeal to anybody from a young adult starting out in life, to a senior like me, looking back at memories of life’s challenges.  It’s a “2 thumbs up” read!”

This is a coming-of-age tale about Conley Ford, who is a likable, friendly kid. Running away from a home of poverty, 16 kids and an hard father, “Connie” ends up, among other things, selling hot dogs on the streets of New Orleans, which was my favorite part of the book. The book reads like an autobiography, with Connie’s upbeat voice navigating through a childhood that seemed hard and at times unfair, but ended up being a springboard for a happy, successful life. I’m not surprised he ended up “ok.”

This was truly a story I couldn’t put down! Mary Ford captures the essence of her husband so well as she tells his own personal tale of growing up as a runaway at 13. Trying to escape a difficult home life, Conley finds himself hitchhiking from place to place, using his charm and wits to keep afloat. It’s amazing to think of such a young boy making it on his own-working nights selling hot dogs from a cart in New Orleans! Would highly recommend and hope there is a sequel!

“Great story! Happy I read this book. A couple of parts made me laugh out loud and a couple touched me deeply. It brought back memories of my own childhood, growing up, and my siblings. Also spoke about my own father and his upbringing during the depression and war. Would strongly recommend to others.”

Mary Ford relates the amazing tale of a child delightedly navigating through his impulse to leave home at 13, taking us on a journey to 1950s New Orleans, Chicago and home-base Kentucky. With charm, chutzpah, and luck, Conley Ford’s story provides a fun, and sometimes serious, look back on those times in a story well told and certainly enjoyed!