OUT OF MY MIND: Vivid Dreams and a Storied Past (Paperback)
In his first two books, “Confessions of a Redheaded Stepchild” and “I Was a Teenage Runt,” Scott Perry took us into his world of TV stars, sandlot gymnasts, and a Grandma or two (or three). This time, in “Out of My Mind,” he gives a deep dive into a slightly weird, hyper-creative brain.
The stories are unusual, yet strangely common to us all—from his childhood as a junior matinee buff (“Idol Worship”) to his later brushes with celebrity (“Cat and Dog”); from his favorite childhood recipes (“Latchkey Kitchen”) to his first of many broken hearts (“Lagoon Day”). While many of his stories are funny, they also delve into his more introspective side; but without being maudlin or wallowing in self-pity. “Ping” and “Rantings of an Old Gay Man” tell of the author’s self-discovery through his hard knocks and “A-ha” moments. There are laughs, tears, and an occasional gut punch. “Out of My Mind” also contains a wild, surreal collection of dreams experienced and illustrated by the author himself.
Perry’s writing style is witty and breezy; and with stories just short enough to make it an easy way to pass an hour or an evening. Some readers of his first two books will attest to reading them two or three times. “Out of My Mind” is sure to get you thinking — about your own life and the lives of those around you.
The stories are unusual, yet strangely common to us all—from his childhood as a junior matinee buff (“Idol Worship”) to his later brushes with celebrity (“Cat and Dog”); from his favorite childhood recipes (“Latchkey Kitchen”) to his first of many broken hearts (“Lagoon Day”). While many of his stories are funny, they also delve into his more introspective side; but without being maudlin or wallowing in self-pity. “Ping” and “Rantings of an Old Gay Man” tell of the author’s self-discovery through his hard knocks and “A-ha” moments. There are laughs, tears, and an occasional gut punch. “Out of My Mind” also contains a wild, surreal collection of dreams experienced and illustrated by the author himself.
Perry’s writing style is witty and breezy; and with stories just short enough to make it an easy way to pass an hour or an evening. Some readers of his first two books will attest to reading them two or three times. “Out of My Mind” is sure to get you thinking — about your own life and the lives of those around you.
Scott Perry is an award-winning art director, creative director, and writer who has spent most of his adult life in the advertising and publishing worlds. His essays have appeared in “Salt Lake City,” “Catalyst,” and “QSaltLake” magazines, and in his previous books “Confessions of a Redheaded Stepchild” and “I Was a Teenage Runt.” Perry is also a graphic designer, fine art painter, and a somewhat internationally-known Jell-O sculptor.