Cliff Johnson Reviews

Added July 22, 2004

Wrong Side of the River

Author: Cliff Johnson
Publisher: Misty Peak Publishing
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: September 18, 2004
Genre: Nonfiction: Autobiography
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $14.95
ISBN: 0-9746794-8-8
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo

Wrong Side of the River cascades with a heart-stopping and heartbreaking story!

Cliff Johnson is a young boy who wanted a normal life and family. What he got was a nightmare. His mother goes to prison for writing bad checks, his uncle tries to kill him, and he has to live with his abusive, alcoholic grandparents. Cliff is forced to travel around the country as his family stays one step ahead of the law, and miles away from a normal life.

While this story is difficult to read at times, it's also impossible to put down. The author has an honest, neighborly style of writing that makes this book seem almost like a conversation among friends. He was able to depict his childhood in clear and compelling details. Readers will alternate between amazement, anguish and anger at the lifestyle young Cliff endured. The word dysfunctional doesn't even begin to describe his life and family.

Yet, there were some bright spots and special people that touched this young boy's life and gave him the encouragement and strength to survive. This book should serve to motivate and console others who may not have had the ideal childhood. The theme of faith in God also runs throughout this story. Cliff's great-Grandma trusted the Lord, and Cliff recorded some of his prayers and thoughts about God. In light of all that he went through, it would seem almost impossible to deny God's constant care and protection of this boy.

As this reviewer neared the end of the book, I wondered what would happen. Cliff's journey was a series of non-stop events and incidents, and as the final pages approached, the tension builds to a dramatic and fitting conclusion. The very last page features an update as well as a photo of the author. Too bad it didn't give this reviewer an opportunity to shake his hand and thank him for writing his story.

Wrong Side of the River is an extraordinary inside look at a young boy growing up on the outside of society.

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