That Mean Old Yesterday

By: Stacey Patton

Narrated by: Robin Miles

A collegiate Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Stacey Patton penned this moving memoir describing her tumultuous childhood growing up first in a state institution and then in a fractured foster family. Her hope is to shed new light on issues facing black families.

Growing up, Patton had very little sense of personal identity while living in the foster-care system. When she was adopted by a God-fearing and hard-working couple, she finally felt like she had a place in the world. But her life quickly descended into a nightmare when her new mother became increasingly domineering while her new father often acquiesced to his wife's blistering demands. Stacey would go on to pursue a Ph.D., but not before battling thoughts of suicide and even homicide.

©2007 Stacey Patton (P)2008 Recorded Books

eye opening

There was a lot about this book that I loved. It helped me understand another culture in ways I never could have without experiencing the authors pain and ultimate survival.

Introspective biography

Would you consider the audio edition of That Mean Old Yesterday to be better than the print version?

Yes. Robin Miles made this biography a real joy, both with her depiction of many characters and depth of emotions - anger, pain, sorrow. One would lose out by simply reading the print version.

What was one of the most memorable moments of That Mean Old Yesterday?

When Stacey had her interview for the high school and the subsequent wating and hoping... She wrote it well and Robin Miles narrated it pitch-perfectly.

Any additional comments?

As a white Canadian woman, I cannot say that I would normally relate to Stacey's experience as a black teenager... but Stacey's style is so universal that it didn't really seem to matter.
The only real drawback in this book is that the prologue was never really resolved. One does not get an understanding of what caused Stacey to act the way she did, nor how she got back on track. That aside, this is an engrossing complex read, well-done!

Moving-powerful & insightful

Interesting and educational. Easy to follow story but with facts and history mixed. The author allows you to look into portions of her life while educating us on portions of other lives.

Well written & nicely narrated.

Reality in The Life if Too Many Children

I l9ved the authenticity of this work. It tells the reality many children face. The "System" is often Tragically flawed, enabling children to be in a sort of Legal Bondage.

Honest and moving.

Honest and movie portrayal of a young woman who overcame odds that seems to be stacked against her. The story is told in conjunction with historical references.
I appreciated her honesty and thoughtful discussions on the condition of modern America in regards to race.

WOW. SO POWERFUL

Powerful and authentic. Another story of “survival” of physical, emotional, and religious, and racial abuse. Thank you for sharing! Look up adultchildren.org for more support on these issues.

Gripping, Honest & Powerful!

The author Stacey Patton is downright courageous. Fearlessly standing up to save her own life at the tender age of 12 without anyone to guide her. Setting boundaries to secure her future in ways most adults struggle to do. Her story is the epitome of purpose. I read the book years ago when first published. The audible is equally enthralling. Dr. Stacey Patton, Bravo to you and your destiny which continues to positively impact so many lives!

great book

I heard about this author through a podcast by demetria Lucas. her insight during the podcast made me curious about her and her books. I am so glad that I got a chance to listen to this one. she made so many great points in regards to slavery, the African American culture in the US and how it ties back to a lot of our ideals good and bad that have carried over for decades. her personal story is intriguing, sad, and maddening all at the same time. I am so happy to hear that she has been able to move forward and become the great author that she is. I am truly looking forward to her next book.

Great!

This was a great story with an AWESOME narrator! I know Stacey and that alone gave this book more depth.

Resilience!

A captivating story that I had to listen to twice, back to back to catch the details that I missed the first time. It's always good to get the back story on someone who's doing a great life work that affects our community. Thank you so much for surviving your childhood and using the lessons you learned to start a movement to save children from child abuse!