The Truth About Make-Believe
The Truth About Make-Believe by Mickey Grubb is a coming-of-age novel published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform on January 21, 2014. This 176-page work explores the journey of a young man grappling with his identity after discovering he is adopted, set against the backdrop of the emotional turmoil of war and the cultural landscape of the 1950s and 60s. The narrative unfolds as he begins his military service and reflects on his childhood memories, revealing a nostalgic yet complex view of growing up in West Virginia coal country.
Readers will find a layered storytelling approach, where chapters often resemble standalone short stories, each contributing to the protagonist’s understanding of his unique circumstances. The first-person perspective invites an intimate connection with the character’s experiences, making it easy to engage with the narrative. The book delves into themes of identity and belonging, offering insights into the challenges faced by those who are adopted. Grubb’s writing provides a reflective glimpse into a past that, while seemingly simpler, is marked by its own struggles and complexities.
Official synopsis Publisher
The Truth About Make-Believe is an account of a young man’s journey to find his place, a coming-of-age type novel, revolving around his adoption at a young age. Surrounded by the emotional wounds of war, the story unfolds as the young man begins his military service and sees action in Vietnam. His childhood unfurls as memories, and some chapters could be short stories on their own merit. As a child of the ’50s and ’60s, the milestones of his life are those that anyone born of those eras may share. The tone is somewhat nostalgic with an underlying sense that some of the by-gone days were not as easy or as trouble-free as we might like to believe… Because of the first person style, it’s easy to forget that this is a fictional work. Thought provoking… Vonda Henderson, Forsyth Woman, October 2014 The story is about a young boy discovering that he is adopted while growing up in the middle of the 20th century in WV coal country. But the structure of the book is fascinating with the way the chapters are layered. Mickey is a great story teller, a resolute narrative seen through the eyes of personal experience, taking us on an entertaining, gripping journey that dares us to blink. It’s impossible to put down once you begin to read. Harry Furness, author of Valed Secrets Growing up in the coalfields is nothing new for a West Virginia author. The setting for most of this work is the free state of McDowell (County). For every reader who grew up in West Virginia, you will find your memories rolling back. This is not just a “growing up” story. The undercurrent of the book is the young man’s dealing with his unique position. He is adopted. I do not believe that every child who is adopted travels the same roads, but Mickey provides a special glimpse into the question. His writing gives the reader an experience not available without his personal insight. There are books that need to be read. There are books that should be read. The Truth About Make-Believe qualifies for both. J. D. Waggoner, West Virginia Library Commission Executive Secretary, Retired
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