January 2024

In Hunter’s debut memoir, a man recounts a harrowing childhood. The author was born in 1960 to Puerto Rican parents living in Brooklyn. He was the youngest of a large clan of 22 children, including those from his father’s first marriage. Hunter’s life, as he describes it in these pages, was very difficult, even early on; for example, he was still an infant when his mother first started showing clear signs of mental illness, including auditory hallucinations and violent outbursts, and he was still a child when his physically ill father died, which left the family in dire straits. Hunter’s mother’s deteriorating condition eventually necessitated her being placed in a psychiatric hospital, and he and his older brother Tommy wound up living at an orphanage. The author soon met a basketball coach for a local church and a Boy Scout leader. Hunter writes that he was enthralled by the charismatic man named Charlie, who excited him with the prospect of joining the Boy Scouts. One year later, the 11-year-old author became an official part of the troop, and when the author was 12, Charlie began sexually abusing the young boy. Not long afterward, Charlie coerced the author into “hustling” on the streets, earning money that the older man pocketed for himself. The author and his abuser lived together, although Hunter did see his mother regularly after she was released from the hospital. He writes of hoping to find a way to somehow escape from Charlie, whose abuse later included regular beatings.

Hunter unflinchingly relates his remembrance in unadorned prose that depicts his early years, although he never graphically describes any of the abuse he suffered. The book isn’t entirely linear in its chronology, since its first half alternates between the mid-1960s and the early ’70s, when he describes being trafficked for sex. Mostly, however, the memoir presents his life chronologically, revealing his increasingly dire situation and the gradual manner in which Charlie lured him into his abusive plans. The book also intermittently focuses on the author’s brother Danny, who returned from his military service in Vietnam shortly after their father’s death. Danny didn’t “lead the family,” though, as the other members of the family had hoped that he would; he suffered from PTSD, was addicted to drugs, and regularly mistreated his siblings. Charlie is clearly portrayed as a cruel person who habitually beat and intimidated the author. The book’s latter half centers on the author’s interactions with a couple of pedophilic “johns,” whom he remembers fondly for their occasional moments of apparent kindness—a dynamic that readers will surely find disturbing. Hunter rounds out his novel with a concise, effective wrap-up that details his days after freeing himself from his abusive situation, his loss of someone close to him, and where his life is now. One section includes a handful of personal photos of the author’s family and places he’s lived or once frequented, as well as one person’s mug shot.

An often absorbing true story of hardship and admirable perseverance.

January 2024

Ronald Hunter’s autobiography titled Angel Finally Found His Wings tells how he grew up in an extremely dysfunctional family. His mother suffered from a severe mental health problem. His elder brother had PSTD after returning from Vietnam and various other siblings, while trying to help, were not always in the home to keep the peace. Ronald has a deep affection for his mother, and to help her in any way he can, he allows a friendship to develop with his soccer coach and scout leader, Charlie. But unknown to him, his benefactor is grooming him as a rent boy. Ronald turns tricks, even though he is underage, with men on the streets of New York. Eventually, he falls in love with one of his punters, but Charlie is not ready to let go. Angel is the street name adopted by Ronald Hunter in his autobiography Angel Finally Found His Wings. He’s a Donny Osmond lookalike as the photographs show. I was close to tears as the story unfolded of an innocent and trusting boy led into a life of sex with numerous customers on the streets. Hunter holds nothing back, sharing his experiences as he is led down the road from quick visits in sleazy hotels to palatial mansions in the countryside. Many might decry his actions, although his motives are pure, and seldom does Angel take drugs or resort to alcohol. He maintains his standards and you cannot help but love and admire him. Without giving any spoilers as to the outcome, I loved this book. I found it impossible to put down as I flew through the pages. Not only is it well written, intertwining the past and the present, but we bond with Angel in his innocence and later his awakening. The sad episodes, the losses, and Charlie’s cruelty as Angel discovers that his friend and hero thinks nothing of him, are truly heart-rending. This is a book I shall remember for many years to come as it touched something inside. It will not be easily forgotten. I wish I could award it six stars.

January 2024

Ronald Hunter’s memoir recounts the story of a boy who is forced into child prostitution but ultimately refuses to let the brutal circumstances of his youth define him. Ronnie’s father dies when he’s 6 years old, and his mother, who suffers mental illness, is unable to care for him. After a stint in group homes and an orphanage, he’s allowed visits with his mother. During these visits, Ronnie meets Charlie, a man considered respectable due to his relationship with the Boy Scouts and as a neighborhood sports coach. Other kids are wary of Charlie, but Charlie’s gifts and inclusion of Ronnie in sports lure him in. By the time Ronnie is 12, Charlie is forcing him to have sex with him and shortly after, to work the streets. When Ronnie – now Angel to clients – doesn’t meet Charlie’s demands, he’s beaten. Ronnie feels trapped: If Ronnie tells anyone about the abuse, “He will tell my family … I am a faggot… [and] my friends at our Boy Scouts Troop that I am a street whore.” He also threatens to inform his mother’s doctors that she should be in a mental institution. Oddly enough, Ronnie’s salvation comes from two men who are pedophiles but genuinely care for the boy. This is a gripping, candid tale, unavoidably difficult by its nature, but never gratuitous in detail and with an uplifting outcome. It’s a story of hope, endurance, and even love, albeit illicit and, some would say, unconscionable. While there are occasional shifts in tense (past to present) and some incomplete plot lines (how did Ronnie meet a certain character; what became of others?), these are minor issues, unlikely to deter most readers. Hunter’s story will engage a wide audience, from victims needing hope, to professionals seeking insight, to anyone looking for an engrossing read. The author is to be commended for sharing a painful tale that might well serve as a beacon of hope for others.

January 2024

Young Ronnie’s home life is chaotic growing up in the projects in Brooklyn. As the child of Puerto Rican immigrants, he and his large family get by together, though not living the dream life they’d necessarily hoped for. By the age of six, Ronnie has to deal with the loss of his father to chronic illness, the deteriorating mental health of his mother — who begins to speak to people nobody else can see, and the tyranny of a drug-fueled, traumatized Vietnam War vet of an older brother who returns home to be the family’s patron. Traveling in and out of family homes to avoid child services, the abuse from his older sibling reached a point where it can no longer be ignored. Subsequently, Ronnie and his brother Tommy are moved into the care of a nearby orphanage. On weekends, the brothers can usually return home and spend time with thier mother and a sibling or two, but the desire to belong to a normal circle of friends and family and act like a normal child leads Ronnie into troublesome territory. Under the stewardship of Charlie, a man who works with local kids with the Boy Scouts and other young sports leagues, Ronnie finds out what he thinks if someone who will care for him and give him the things he is missing in life. Instead, Charlie begins sexually abusing Ronnie and gets him involved in child prostitution, under threat of everyone finding out about his double life and his mother potentially being committed to a mental institutional permanently. His innocence stripped away, Ronnie has to navigate the life of a hustler in the 1970s, looking for stability in a world where he is treated as little more than a commodity to be used.

The author tells his story from two different points of view, alternating between them as needed. Both belong to him, but sometimes he switches from a past-tense retrospective to a first-person account as it’s happening — sometimes as Ronnie, other times as “Angel",” the name that he uses for work. Though the story eventually reaches a conclusion of triumph and healing the author’s story is one that is naturally challenging, each chapter detailing horrendous abuse, criminal activity, and trauma in its many shapes and sizes. Still, the storytelling in this book is superb, with the author’s memories and evocative descriptions bringing New York City of the 1970s to life in a way that engages the reader even when the subject matter might want them to pull away.

Vintage photographs are also included of some of the primary locations and characters, particularly in the first half of the book. This visual interlude serves to split the story’s two halves. It is at about the halfway point when an unlikely savior appears in Ronnie’s life, and although his struggles are far from ending at this point, there is at least a marked difference from the continuous turbulence and trauma that the author self-describes as a “landslide.” This memoir looks back on difficult times without rose-colored glasses, challenging the reader to accept that there were and are elements to our lives that are often swept under the rug by others. Though the material can be shocking or upsetting, ultimately, the author’s story is one that needs to be told, and the frank nature of this book makes it something that stays with the reader, leaving a strong impression.

By Thomas & Jogena Howlett

“Angel finally found his Wings" is a compelling read,  that is highly recommended for parents and grandparents alike. This book sheds light on the complexities of human nature, revealing that one may never truly know those closest to them.

The narrative is skillfully crafted, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Ron's formative years as if observing from the sidelines. Sensitively written, the depiction of abuse strikes a delicate balance, providing enough detail to understand the events without delving into explicit context.

In essence, "Angel finally found his Wings" is a compelling testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the indomitable will to survive in the face of unimaginable circumstances. It is a narrative that resonates with profound emotional depth, shedding light on the enduring strength and fortitude displayed by individuals in the most trying of circumstances.

Ron emerges as a symbol of bravery, inspiring readers to embrace the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.

Rating: 5/5

I love reading true stories. This time I got my hands on the book that tells us the story of hardship and perseverance. The story begins when Ronnie was thirteen years old and Charlie has put him on the street for the business. Charlie is using Ronnie for making money. Times Square in New York was the epicenter of peep shows, X-rated movies, massage parlors, etc.

Ronnie has a deep love for his mother. He didn't want to let her down so he rises each day, says his prayers and finds his strength to get back out on the street. Ronnie calls himself an Angel. He needs protection from his current life and looks for an escape from Charlie. Will he ever find a life away from Charlie?

This story will stay in my mind for a long time. It is a true story that details the hardships of Ronnie. I am impressed with the perseverance Ronnie showed throughout his journey. Life without parents is tough. People misuse even children and exploit them for their own benefits. I am grateful to the author for sharing this story with us. The book doesn't have any dull moments and will keep you eager with every turning page.

See the full review here.

Rating: 5/5

Those who are fans of reading autobiographies should get their hands on this book. This is the story of Ronnie who was turned into a rent boy from a normal kid. Ronnie's life changed for the worst after the death of his father. His mother started having hallucinations.

Charlie used Ronnie's loneliness as an opportunity and he took him under his control. Ronnie was asked to give good adult services to his clients and hand over the money to Charlie. Ronnie had a difficult childhood and he didn't have a family member around who could have protected him from the evil intentions of Charlie. It is nice to see that Ronnie has a happy ending.

This book makes the readers realize how important the protection of parents is in our lives. The writing is raw and I was able to feel each and every word by the author. This story could be turned into a movie. The title choice is impressive. A must read book that you should add to your tbr.

See the full review here.

Rating: 5/5

Charlie became the self-appointed guardian of the author. Everyone believed that he was taking good care of him. However, Ronnie was on the street from eight or nine in the morning until ten at night. Ronnie was doing all this for his mother.

To keep his mother out of the hospital, he was working for Charlie. Ronnie was afraid to upset him. He was doing business even though he felt guilty initially for doing it. Charlie has taught Ronnie to never leave a block without making a deal. Charlie kept him in business for a long time. Even though Ronnie was looking for an escape, he was stuck.

I loved the ending of this story. This book has increased my faith in God and his grace. This story teaches us not to lose hope in difficult times as someone out there is having a more difficult life than us.

I am thankful to the author for sharing his story with everyone. A book that is worth reading. I enjoyed every bit of it.

See the full review here.

Rating: 4/5

This is an unputdownable autobiography with many twists in the life of the author. He had an extremely difficult childhood especially since the time Charlie came into his life. Charlie was a man who brought Ronnie, the author, on the streets and put him into business.

Ronnie’s life with Charlie was quite different as compared to the one with his parents. If Ronnie doesn’t earn money, Charlie would beat him. So, everyday Ronnie worked hard to keep him happy and the money kept flowing in.

Ronnie survived the difficult years of his life and he feels that he is alive by the grace of God. The author mentions that we have to forgive ourselves and love ourselves to be healed.

This story inspires the readers to find their own wings. It gives hope to the readers that there is light after darkness. I am glad to read this book. It is a thought provoking read that memoirs lovers should read.

See the full review here.