Brought up in an authoritarian, bordering on abusive, family in the 1950s, Kate Baer spent her life searching for love and acceptance. Determined not to repeat the mistakes of her parents, Kate's search led her to 'tune in, turn on, and drop out' in the later years of the hippie movement. Together with her first husband, Con, Kate headed across Route 66, soaking up the changes that were happening in the world and looking for a place to build a life on their own terms. What Kate was looking for couldn't be found in a geographical location, however, and secrets from the past add to the pressures on their relationship. Eventually, they divorce. Kate enters the 1970s struggling to finish college and begin a career. Love finds Kate again, but what secrets is her new love hiding, and is he really the one she has been looking for? Again Kate finds herself out of her element as she tries to support her new husband in his battle against drug and alcohol addiction. Can Kate manage to balance her responsibilities, not just to her husband but also to her young son? Can the relationship survive, and can Kate break free from her abusive past to build a better life for them all? ____ I Was Once an Interesting Person is a fascinating coming-of-age story that spans the 1970s to '90s. The vivid descriptions of the cultures of each decade, interlaced with Kate learning about what kind of mark she wants to make in the world, had me turning the pages and thoroughly caught up in the story world. Kate's story is a mix of sad, entertaining, bittersweet, laugh-out-loud funny - and is never boring. -Gillian Hill, editor / brand manager
"This is a story that easily connects to readers as they watch Kate grow and experience life's highs and lows. It is a reminder that, no matter our age, we all make mistakes, learn from them, and strive to be better people. Kate's character is strong and inspiring as she overcomes challenges with courage and resilience. Her journey of self-discovery will make you cheer for her successes, cry for her sorrows, and laugh at her misadventures." -Cynthia Young, researcher, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Patricia Bean was born into the regimented 1950s, part of the glut of babies born post-WWII. Tagged as the Baby Boomers, they attended new schools where they absorbed the mores embedded in the Fun with Dick and Jane books. It was the 1960s mindset that sent her searching for new ideas and new places amidst the general political upheaval erupting around the country. Patricia's search took her throughout the 1970s to many new places and to meet many new people. Patricia's career as a freelance Technical Writer and Instructional Designer spanned 25 years. She earned a BA in Human Resource Development from Oakland University and an MS in Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education from Michigan State University. She resides in northwest Michigan.
