Paul Bradford’s Walk a Mile in My Shoes delves into the life of a man scarred by childhood trauma, exposing a harrowing journey from victim to perpetrator. Bradford recounts his life with unflinching honesty, refusing to excuse his actions as an adult while tracing their origins to the extreme hardships he endured as a child. The narrative begins with Bradford’s recollections of an abusive, alcoholic father whom he blames for his mother’s death. A pivotal moment in his life unfolds during a hitchhiking trip to his grandparents’ home, where he endured molestation, a secret he reveals for the first time in this book. The story continues through his unstable upbringing, bouncing between foster families, and the damaging influences that shaped his understanding of sexuality. Both the church and manipulative older boys contributed to a distorted, exploitative perception of intimacy and boundaries. Bradford’s use of vivid, colloquial language, what he describes as “hillbilly” expressions, paints a raw, authentic picture of his early years. His descriptions evoke the atmosphere of a bygone rural society, adding texture to the narrative.

As a piece of writing, the book is well-crafted. Bradford’s grammar is precise, and his articulation is engaging. Despite the deeply unsettling themes of abuse, violence, and exploitation, the narrative holds the reader’s attention through its clarity and flow. However, the focus of the book tilts heavily toward the darker chapters of his life. Positive memories, though present, sometimes feel rushed and underdeveloped. These moments, when they appear, offer glimpses of light but I feel lack the depth and exploration given to his tragedies. A more balanced portrayal, with a fuller depiction of happier times, could enrich the narrative and serve as a reminder that not all of his childhood was consumed by pain.

While the book is well-written, the content may not appeal to everyone. Bradford’s candid acknowledgment of his past wrongdoings and his struggle with trauma elicits some sympathy, but it does not mitigate the gravity of his actions as an adult. His experiences underscore how a lack of education and societal attitudes like “boys will be boys” can perpetuate cycles of harm. Yet, as someone who endured similar trauma, Bradford’s choices remain difficult to reconcile. Walk a Mile in My Shoes is a raw, unsettling account of a life shaped by adversity and mistakes. While it may resonate with readers drawn to unfiltered stories of human frailty and resilience, the graphic and disturbing subject matter makes it a challenging read.