Tells the harrowing, yet wryly funny story of Safran's childhood chasing the perfect life off the grid--and how he and his mother survived the imperfect one they found instead. More than just a coming-of age story, "Free Spirit" is a journey of the spirit, as Safran reconnects with his Jewish roots; a tale of overcoming adversity; and a captivating read about a childhood unlike any other.

"Growing up on the Navajo Indian Reservation, David Crow and his three siblings idolized their dad. Tall, strong, smart, and brave, the self-taught Cherokee regaled his family with stories of his World War II feats. But as time passed, David discovered the other side of Thurston Crow, the ex-con with his own code of ethics that justified cruelty, violence, lies--even murder. A shrewd con artist with a genius IQ, Thurston intimidated David with beatings...