Steely

Being poor, broke, and "e;oilfield-trash"e; during the 40's and 50's, presents a young boy many challenges as he adapts to society's obscure status classes. His parents slide from a Christian lifestyle into alcoholism while pursuing "e;black gold"e; through Wyoming and Nebraska giving rise to eleven school changes. Oil "e;boomtowns,"e; populated with hardworking tough individuals, were always socially segregated from the locals. Wally's plight for a supportive family, similar to the privileged local kids he was vying against, was virtually nothing more than a dream. His struggle from a necessitous childhood to a young man of twenty-one years delivers a unique survival technique, STEELY: Never Kowtow to "e;Can't."e; His experiences growing up in such a nomadic alcoholic world, are emotional as well as humorous; leaving the reader with an insight into the struggles of the lower class. A true story with an inspiring message.