Smile Now, Cry Later by Terry James
Written while incarcerated, Terry James tells the story of his first twenty-nine years. Beginning with heartbreaking descriptions of abject poverty and creative survival as child in rural Oregon, James goes on to detail his successive ups and downs while traveling across the country, working an assortment of jobs, struggling with addiction, evading the law, and winding up in various jails and prisons.
The book features an afterword by Miranda July and cover artwork by Chris Johanson depicting a story in the book.
About the author
Terry James is a father of five, currently helping raise his youngest son, Ethan. A troubled childhood, life of poor decisions, addiction, and an extensive criminal record culminated in a prison sentence for a simple driving charge, which resulted in the time needed to write this book. Terry strives to be a dedicated, moral, and optimistic father. He enjoys spending time with his son in the outdoors, auto mechanics, do-it-yourself projects, working hard, and staying fit.
PRAISE FROM MIRANDA JULY
READER REVIEWS
“I think everyone should read Smile Now, Cry Later. It gives you an understanding of the scars and burdens people carry.”
POPPY D., PORTLAND, OREGON“I loved the book! It felt like I was sitting next to Terry while he shared his life story without it becoming a ranting monologue full of self pity and with no sense of me being there—or that it wouldn't matter who would be next to him, as long as someone was listening.
I very much appreciate his common sense. His humor and tempo, his eye for detail and acknowledgement to the other, and what it means to be and get caught up in being ill (addicted) and being alone and together in that.”
LIZA W., ROTTERDAM, HOLLAND