That Which Makes Us Stronger

By: Greg Triggs

Narrated by: Greg Triggs

Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

"That Which Makes Us Stronger is a beautifully written story, told with the nostalgic sensibility of a modern-day Jean Shepherd, combined with the gentle sardonic wit of David Sedaris. Greg Triggs made me alternately laugh and cry with this very personal novel. Part memoir, part fiction, completely heartwarming.” (Gary Adler, Broadway conductor, composer/lyricist of Altar Boyz)

"That Which Makes Us Stronger is a colorful and brutally honest account of growing up gay in an alcoholic Midwestern household. Greg Triggs’ memories are all at once wholesome as apples and sharp as razor blades—peppered with bitter truths about the families we’re born into and the ones we choose for ourselves. Overflowing with sardonic wit, Triggs’ story is heartfelt, haunting and ultimately hopeful. (Bizzy Coy, writer The New Yorker, McSweeney's, Vulture

"'That Which Makes Us Stronger' is a touching, page-turning triumph with lots of belly-laughs. Greg writes as if he’s sitting next to you, whispering in your ear, with a twinkle in his eye that suggests the unexpected. In that way, That Which Makes Us Stronger is the stuff of life.” (Tom Dyer, founding editor, Watermark Newspaper

“Triggs paints a portrait of a Midwestern family that is hilarious, tender, and gimlet-eyed. I was instantly transported to his evocative emotional and physical landscape. This is a unique family whose engaging story could be a version of anyone's. A wonderful read indeed.” (Mary Jo Pehl, Mystery Science Theater 3000 and author, Dumb Dumb Dumb: My Mother's Book Reviews)

That Which Makes Us Stronger is a colorful and brutally honest account of growing up gay in an alcoholic Midwestern household

©2022 Greg Triggs (P)2023 Greg Triggs

Fantastic!! It’s a must read/listen.

I couldn’t wait to listen to Greg narrating his book everyday on my commute to and from work. I often wished traffic were worse so I could listen longer! The book is relatable on so many levels as I grew up in the Midwest. But I’m sure all who read/listen to this book would be hooked after the first page. I didn’t want the story to end. Highly recommend!

Extraodinary Story Told by a Master Storyteller

I was absolutely blown away by how exceptional "That Which Makes Us Stronger" was and was deeply moved. One of the finest books I've read in a long time, it moved me to tears and laughter at the same time. Greg Triggs is a master story teller, both in print and as a narrator. I highly recommend it.

Even more enjoyable than my first read on paperback

When That Which Makes Us Stronger was first published by Red Hawk, I thoroughly enjoyed this often funny, somewhat autobiographical novel by Greg Triggs. The setting, mostly in Madison, Wisconsin during the last 30 years of the 20th century, was so relatable to me.
The story centers around Warn Barnes, and his large, blended family. Warn is a smart, creative thoughtful kid. He is also gay, and as he grows towards and into adulthood, this part of his identity is more fully explored.
I enjoyed the author’s sense of humor, his story and narrative style. When I first read the book on paperback, I remember thinking, “The only thing that would make this better, would be hearing the author read it.” Thank you, Greg, Red Hawk, and Audible for making my wish come true.