jack m van hooser

This is a factual account of a man and two young sons who hitchhiked throughout the Southeastern United States from 1939 to 1944. They lived in rooming houses and relocated every few weeks because of the father's work. The boys rarely attended school but learned priceless lessons on the streets of dozens of towns and cities in which they lived.

The author and only remaining survivor lived with four different families prior to his high school graduation in 1951. Each setting was environmentally different and unique in terms of expectations, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and degree of regimentation. Many believed the challenges of continual adaptation and on-going instability during his formative years would doom him to failure. Conversely, he overachieved profoundly as an athlete, student leader, model family head, community volunteer, and public servant in a mission and purpose career. Fortunately, he continues to serve and is willing to share this inspiring tale—the strangest and most gripping saga you will ever read.