Local author awarded two national awards

Congratulations are in order for first-time author Patrice Johnson. The Stockbridge resident, former Stockbridge teacher, non-paid editor-in-chief of the Stockbridge Community News, and a graduate of Stockbridge High School was notified that her book is the winner of two national awards.

by Judy Williams 

Congratulations are in order for first-time author Patrice Johnson. The Stockbridge resident, former Stockbridge teacher, non-paid editor-in-chief of the Stockbridge Community News, and a graduate of Stockbridge High School was notified that her book is the winner of two national awards. The Fall and Rise of Tyler Johnson was selected as Winner of the National Indie Excellence Award for new nonfiction. Plus, the National Federation of Press Women’s 2018 National Communications contest awarded the book First Place At-Large and Honorable Mention U.S in the category of nonfiction books for adult readers-biography or autobiography.

In her creative nonfiction work, Johnson weaves a powerful narrative of her deceased son’s life as a fugitive of the US government. The 496-page book, based on Tyler Johnson’s journals as recovered after his death, depicts an idealistic young genius’s struggle to overcome the crushing consequences from a night of college binge drinking in a post-911 world.

The 496-page book, based on Tyler Johnson’s journals as recovered after his death, depicts an idealistic young genius’s struggle to overcome the crushing consequences from a night of college binge drinking in a post-911 world.

This serious, tender, and gentle-humored book reveals the degradations of homelessness and the resilience of the human spirit. It is also a love story. As importantly, it raises a warning flag to impulsive youth who may feel tempted to commit acts with irreversible consequences.

Plus, the National Federation of Press Women’s 2018 National Communications contest awarded the book First Place At-Large and Honorable Mention U.S in the category of nonfiction books for adult readers-biography or autobiography.

Tyler’s journals record stories of his and Yuki’s struggle to live off the grid in the wilds of Corsica and on the streets of Marseilles and Paris. Together, the couple battles thirst, hunger and wild boar attacks in the desert. With Yuki lost on a sleet-covered mountain as a storm approaches, Tyler races against time to rescue her. Together, they learn to live homeless on the streets of Marseilles and Paris—all while isolation and fear chip away at their relationship. Throughout, Tyler’s goal is to make things right and find a way home to his family.