Gawky: A True Story of Bullying and Survival (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798218104528)

What will it take for one man to overcome his traumatic past and put his life back together?

When Rick Pallattumadom's family emigrates to America during his childhood, he has high hopes for a life there. But it turns out to be quite different than what he expects. He's suddenly thrust into a new culture, with new customs and a language he doesn't understand. While he faces the traditional struggles immigrants face in their teenage years, he also encounters much more than he bargained for.

Rick finds himself at the wrong end of a group of middle school bullies. He suffers through in silence, not realizing that these fateful months will affect him for the rest of his life. Afterward, he tries to pick up the pieces of his life, but faces mental health issues like PTSD and anxiety.

Determined to be more than a victim, Rick goes on a journey to recover his original self and overcome his mental health issues. Through more bullying, struggles with his family, and difficulties accepting and living with his mental health, Rick overcomes obstacle after obstacle, eventually coming to terms with his own psychology and life.