“Coming of Age” Chapter Nineteen: In the Valley of Lost Children is now available to read for free.
In this chapter, we take a dive into the lives of many of the characters as they deal with the fallout from the block party.
I wrote In the Valley of Lost Children as a psychological profile on some of the main and supporting characters. One can argue its not necessary to read to understand the trajectory of where “Coming of Age” is heading, but I’d say differently. This is a valuable chapter; probably one of the most valuable ones I’ve written. It allows readers to understand secrets and details that haven’t been explored. It provides vital information on why some of the characters do what they do, how the feel, what’s going on in their heads, etc.
As someone who grew up around others engaged in crime, drugs, and general delinquent behavior, I’m not interested in condemning people who participate in these activities and substances. I’m interested in telling their stories and getting others to understand. These are not glamorous lives. None of the drug dealers live like Tony Montana from “Scarface”. They come from abuse, violence and trauma. They live in crappy apartments, surrounded by dangerous people. Their psychological make-up is greatly disturbed and tormented. I’m not in favor of giving them get out of jail free cards. I believe in law and order, but I also believe we have to understand our mistakes and others’ if we wish to stop bad things from happening. This is how we teach the generations that come after us.
I give you In the Valley of Lost Children not to pretentiously indulge you in my writing for the sake of it. I give you this chapter because I think the stories are relatable, the characters are people grounded from my own experiences, and that its important to know how someone with PTSD, depression, drug addiction, repressed sexuality, etc., thinks. Its through understanding we change.
All the best,
Benjamin