Joe GwerderMy name is Joe Gwerder. I was born in 1959 and still live in my native home area of Yolo county California. My family's roots are deep and very diversified in this area. This is a book about my family that encompasses several generations and focuses n the years of the 1940's through the 1970's. Much happened before and during my childhood that most would call extreme... me included. This story is based on true events within my family. I have written many things and even published a few other books, but this personal story was by far the most challenging. It is very emotional at times. During the 3 years it took me to be satisfied with this composition, I internally relived those earlier days as I put the words into what has become this book. I finally looked through many old family photos that were handed down to me, that I had kept hidden away in boxes until now. While doing this, I realized a few things that have been waiting a very long time to surface. I needed to quit hiding from my past and instead, embrace it fully so I could create the written legacy I have been waiting to do for so long. The creation of this book has brought me an unexpected healing. Deep wounds from a childhood filled with contrast and conflict have been locked up inside me for 50 years. Now, with the creation of this story, I have found it to be true... sometimes the teacher learns the most. Read More Read Less