Step right up and immerse yourself in the captivating memoir of Joey, a carnival kid who grew up with his half-brother and sisters in the scorching heat of the Tucson desert. Largely neglected by his mother and unaware of his father's identity, Joey embarks on a lifelong journey to find a place he can truly call home. Early in that journey, faith and a church community become Joey's solace, filling the void left by his fractured family. Along the way, he encounters several compassionate souls who give him hope for a life beyond mere survival. But amidst this newfound warmth and acceptance, Joey guards a profound secret - he is gay. Fearful of losing his chosen family, Joey buries his truth deep within, unwilling to risk losing their love and acceptance. As his life unfolds, Joey finds himself entangled in a web of both happiness and heartbreak. Marrying a remarkable woman and starting a family seems to complete his life, until divorce shatters his carefully constructed world. Haunted by his buried truth, he must summon the courage to face the monsters that have been relegated to a desolate place in the depths of his soul.

Heartwarming, poignant, and brimming with resilience, "Creosote Rain: A Carnival Kid’s Quest for Home, Family, and Belonging" is a memoir that captures the raw essence of one man's quest for acceptance. Join Joey as he navigates the winding paths of self-discovery, healing, and ultimately the transformative power of embracing his authentic self.