Battling the Blessings - Terry Fulgham
Battling the Blessings is author Terry Fulgham’s life story which spans over fifty years, reflecting on his
childhood, the teen years, and into his adulthood. Fulgham changed the names of the characters, including his
own, to protect the innocent. We meet Reggie Manchester-Pallor as a nine-year-old in 1956. Reggie lived in
Flint , Michigan with his grandparents, who he lovingly referred to as “Big Mama” and “Papa Manchester.”
The Manchester house was a caring, respectful, and disciplined Christian home. Growing up then was different
than it is today; children only spoke to adults when they were spoken to. If a kid stepped out of line, they were
spanked. Reggie saw his share of spankings, or whippings, as he called them. Reggie was very close to his
grandparents and, as his father was not around; Papa Manchester was his only male influence.
The passing of Papa Manchester left a profound emptiness in 10-year-old Reggie’s life, leaving him with a feeling
of helplessness. A few months after the loss of his grandfather, Reggie met Jesse “Pancake” Stoner. Reggie was
small for his age and a favourite target of bullies. Pancake was one of the biggest kids in school. With Pancake
around, no one bothered Reggie. Pancake and Reggie grew to be as close as brothers, and together were both
respected and feared in their neighbourhood. At age 13, Reggie, Pancake and their friends began drinking wine,
smoking, and later, stealing cars.
Reggie was the only one of his friends to graduate from high school. In the last few years of school, he held
numerous jobs where he was known as a hard and dedicated worker. This weekday life differed greatly from his
weekends, as he continued to love the street life. Drinking alcohol and cough syrup (for a codeine high), popping
pills, fighting, stealing, and chasing girls filled his off work hours. Big Mama doubted Reggie would see his 21st
birthday if he didn’t stop his street life.
The failure of his second marriage and the death of a close friend had Reggie drinking more than ever and deeper
into drugs and his life of crime. It took losing a fight to a younger man, being severely beaten, and his mother’s
desperate pleading for him to straighten out his life to get Reggie to take his sobriety seriously and pray, “Lord,
stop me from drinking.”
Much more than a story of addiction, Battling the Blessings is a snapshot of American history. Fulgham treats us
with his memories of growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, using the slang and lingo of that time in his realistic
dialogue. He adds the music, clothes, hairstyles, and vehicles of the day and tells his riveting story with his own
unique style to take us back to that turbulent time.
Battling the Blessings isn’t simply a kid-gets-hooked-on-booze-and-drugs-and-turns-his-life-around story. It is an
unflinching and inspiring telling of a man’s struggle with himself and his demons. Fulgham doesn’t make excuses
for his actions; he takes full responsibility. Reggie isn’t a bad guy—he is a smart, compassionate person who just
made many bad choices. I found myself cheering for him, hoping that he would one day leave the street life behind
and make himself and his family proud.
This is Fulgham’s first book. However, he writes with the skill of a seasoned author. He knows how to spin a
story in a way that will affect and captivate his reader. Often, I was laughing at his humour, shaking my head in
shock, and misting up at a sad passage all in the same chapter. I highly recommend this entertaining glimpse into
a remarkable life. 5 Stars.
Reviewed by William Potter for Reader’s Choice Literary Reviews Battling the Blessings RCLR Book Review
Battling of the Blessings is a wonderful read. You will laugh and cry, you will be mad and sad as you go through
Terry Fulgham's history of the battling of his blessings throughout his years. This is one book that you will read
again and share with others. Share in this story of frankness and honesty. There'll never be another one like this
one!
Anastasia Cassella-Young
“You Gotta Read This One! This book is straight from the author's soul and heart. He shares warm memories of
his family life and his battle with drugs / alcoholic while growing up in Flint , Michigan in the 50’s & 60’s.
Roger Miller, Mount Morris, Michigan.
Just honest story-telling and practical advice. Highly recommended
Jerry Laster
This book was very easy to read. The story lines stay with the characters. There is just enough detail about the
story to know that the setting takes place in Flint, Michigan without going into a lot of detail about the city itself.
The author has done a wonderful job of developing the character of Reggie.
Jabar F.
This book can be related by a whole lot of people that fell in the same situations of life. It shows that an ordinary
man ,not another superstar being raised in a not so privilege life, can share his life story and humility and still
come out with a successful story. I to can relate to his life story.
Zakia Fox
I really loved this book. It's a real page turner. The author was so descriptive in his writing that I could identify with
the characters. I have read this book twice in a week. Because I just couldn't put it down.
Sharon Mackie
" Inspiring..... If you read only one book this year, read this book
Carrie Butler
The subtitle of Garden of Souls reads, “Fact or Fiction. You be the Judge.” Whether or not author Terry Fulgham
based his book on a true story or from his imagination, it is a remarkable read. We meet Peter Knight and George
Martin seconds after the end of the 1965 Michigan State Golden Gloves boxing tournament, Lt. Heavyweight title
fight. Both Young men feel battered and beaten.
Each prepares to suffer a loss, only to learn that they will share the championship when the fight is declared a
draw.
Soon after, Peter enters law school and George goes to jail when he returns to his life of crime. Never close, the
two are forever connected by the fight. George learns to accept that he actually lost the fight, while Peter can
never acknowledge defeat to a two-bit criminal. George finds himself pitted against Peter again and again. First,
when Peter is an upstart District Attorney and later, when Peter is a Judge.
Peter never misses a chance to make George pay for the only defeat of Peter’s life. Years later, George is finally
free of prison. He promises his family that he will give up his criminal lifestyle and never go back to jail.
Meanwhile, the ambitious Peter positions himself for the Governor’s mansion.
This sets up a rematch of sorts as the two meet once more in a climactic face to face. I believe this quick read,
written much like a screenplay, could become a wonderful motion picture.
Fulgham’s writing style is raw and emotional. He captivates readers with the potent and believable story of two
intriguing yet very different characters.
The ending packs a wallop and is sure to have you drying moist eyes.
I highly recommend Garden Of Souls. If you enjoy great stories, pick up a copy at
Amazon…you won’t be disappointed.
Highly recommended by reviewer WR Potter for Reader’s Choice Reviews. 5 Stars
This was a great book to read! A page-turner, a book I couldn't put down. I just Kick back and enjoy a well written
book. For this to be only your second book, you are the man. What a Great Read!! I would highly recommend
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Send mail to contact@battlingtheblessings.com with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2008 Ida Publishers. No part of this web site including photographs may
be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the author. Last modified: March 3, 2008
be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the author. Last modified: March 3, 2008
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