This book chronicles the author's struggles to overcome his diseases as well as his doubts and indecisions in the world he lives in. The theme of the book is not for the faint of heart. Some of the topics touch on subjects a person doesn't talk about normally, but it does give us a glimpse on how one man can overcome the adversities of his every day life.
We're able to feel his pain and the depression he feels at being rejected by the one who should have cared for him and loved him unconditionally from the moment he was born. We also come to understand what he experienced during his stint as a naval officer while operating a submarine. That harrowing experience was hard to bear, but Paul is able to show us that in spite of such cramped quarters and limited contact with the outside world, there's still hope in being able to assert oneself as life goes on.
We are able to transcend time and live through Paul's experiences in such a dysfunctional home environment as he fights to overcome the trials and tribulations littered across his path. We see him grow into a man, unsure, at first, of where he stands and how he feels, who is willing to take a stand and right all wrongs committed against him.
Granted, his road to redemption isn't easy. It never is, but he is able to firmly cement his feet upon the ground and make his way back from everything he's encountered in the past. He's shown that anything is possible when you're willing to make the effort to better yourself, even when it doesn't seem as if you'll be able to in the first place.
This book was quite heart-wrenching. I felt Paul's pain with every turn of the page. I think he's come a long way from the man he used to be and think it takes courage to share his story with the rest of the world. Anyone who reads the book will be able to glean the subtle lessons he's instilled throughout the story itself. Perhaps by telling his story, he'll able to help someone else who is going through the very same thing he was in the past. A truly remarkable read!
