Charles Herrick

Purple Boy Charles Herrick

Just because growing up is brutal and crushing, doesn't mean it can't be fun. Realistic and moving, the saga of a spirited, potentially world-class high school half-miler is interwoven with colorful vignettes and amazingly detailed childhood reflections, one long day in a sleep psychiatrist's office. Dr. Vanetta senses there's a reason Charles a 38 year old executive, sleeps only four hours a night - and it isn't physical. The doctor cancels the scheduled sleep lab and explores a history in which his exceptional patient is kidnapped by thugs, chased by gangs and set up by a football coach intent on serious injury. Later, Charles spars cavalierly with an undermining track coach while secretly fighting a disintegrating knee. On the lighter side, he organizes swimming parties in a leech-infested swamp; has a whimsical running battle with a school principal for repeatedly mangling bullies; and at age ten, he's taught everything there is to know about business by a Jewish neighbor lady who takes the art of lemonade "peddling" to a level beyond Wall Street. His severe parents move the family constantly. They use public humiliation for "correction." By not dwelling on the negative Charles thinks he's gotten beyond it. But has he? His life is an unsettling parade of adults failing to fulfill their appointed roles. Heartwarmingly, at every stage of his life, there is at least one person who believes in him and who keeps him believing in himself. From the WWI vet to the old-fashioned Kentucky teacher; from the New York Jewish lady who really cared to the wise, calm school counselor; these are the people everyone would want in their corner. And would he realize too late that there had been someone else who wanted to be in his corner but didn't know how - someone just like him?