Beyond the Big Easy
One Man's Triumph Over Abuse

Tells the story of a child reared in the Cajun culture of the Louisiana bayous. It describes the malicious cruelty of abusive and addictive parents, of early abandonment and homelessness. This is a story of deep-rooted pain, of trusts turned sour, and of a magic that a boy held on to, nurtured, embraced, and passionately idealised as a man.

"Beyond the Big Easy" is a story which gives inspiration to all survivors of abuse. It is the true story of a child reared in the Cajun culture of the Louisiana bayous. It is a story of malicious cruelty and of abusive and addictive parents, of early abandonment and homelessness. Raped by his ninth birthday, he was further brutalised and molested by the 'upstanding' citizens of his island. As a teenager, he was estranged from all that he knew and thrown into a den of hypocrisy. Yet, he would survive and ultimately prosper because of a vision and an internal quest for family unity. This is a story of deep-rooted pain, of trusts turned sour, and of a magic that a boy held on to, nurtured, embraced, and passionately idealised as a man. This book is dedicated to those who may identify with wishes to generate hope, encouragement, and compassion.

Preface
Introduction: Ride the High Country or "They Went Thataway"
Cowboy Codes: Straight &
Pure &
All Boy
When We were Young: Nostalgia &
the Cowboy Hero
Arms &
the Man: The Friendly Gun
Give Me My Boots &
Saddles: Camp Cowboy
Tall in the Saddle: Romance on the Range
White Hats &
White Heroes: Who Is That Other Guy?
Virgin Land: Landscape, Nature, &
Masculinity
Corporate Cowboys &
the Shaping of a Nation
Postscript - The Frontiersman (1938)
List of Films Mentioned
References
Index.