Boy in the Barn: Journey of Triumph Over Horrific Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse, and PTSD

John grew up in an incredibly narcissistic, dysfunctional family on a farm in southeastern North Carolina during the repressive 1960s. This was the model family to the broader community; his parents were considered pillars of society. Yet, this family held many deep, dark secrets governed by family honor, vanity, and pride. The parents’ standing in the community was paramount to everything else. No one, no family member, circumstance, event, or situation, was to shame and embarrass them and get in the way of how they ranked and viewed themselves. 

This way of life was ripe for something more insidious. In a calculated and controlled manner, John was sexually abused and groomed to become a sex worker for a satanic cult by his sadistic brother. The sexual abuse began when John was six and lasted for eleven years. The ever-escalating forms of child and sexual abuse seemed to know no limits. During his abuse and afterward, John was controlled, silenced, coerced, and threatened with further violence and death by his abusers. 

Often leaning on words of wisdom from his grandfather, John held it together and vowed as a teenager to move away and better himself. This book is about his journey. A lifelong journey to escape from boyhood sexual abuse, his struggles to overcome severe PTSD, his determination to survive, and his steel will to succeed and make something out of himself. 

Based on Kurt B. Ellis’s life, this fiction follows a boy from his terrible childhood. It contains his memories, flashbacks, triggers, and struggles to overcome abuse and trauma. 

This inspiring LGBTQIA+ coming-of-age story is about hope, courage, and the resilience of the human spirit. 

This novel was recognized as a 2024 NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARDS FINALIST in the FACTION category, a 2024 BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARDS FINALIST in the LGBTQ FICTION category, and a 2023 GLOBAL BOOK AWARDS FINALIST in the POLITICS & SOCIAL SCIENCES category.

*TRIGGER AND CONTENT WARNING!* PLEASE TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY! This book contains many graphic examples of foul, offensive, obscene language, child abuse, sexual abuse, brutality, violence, suffering, homophobia, and racism. This book contains mature, adult (18+) content. Therefore, it should not be read by children or minors.