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Paul C. Thornton was raised in Brooklyn and Long Island, New York. After working on a mental ward at a VA hospital while in high school, Paul decided to pursue a career of working with soldiers dealing with mental health challenges. At 17, he joined the Army and trained as a mental health specialist. He was assigned to the mental health clinic at Fort Benning, GA working among psychiatrists, psychologists, and other professionals. Working with these individuals impressed upon Paul the value of education and they supported Paul as he took college classes nights and weekends. He earned his bachelor degree around the time he completed his 3-year enlistment.
Now cognizant of the value of education, Paul attained a masters degree in business and joined a major multinational. He enjoyed a successful career as a financial executive, went on to found a chain of retail stores, briefly served as a mayoral appointee in city government, and moved into higher education--first as a college professor and then as an administrator.
This diverse background was derailed over 30 years ago by a major life event. While Paul got his life back on track, there were lasting consequences--familial, emotional, physical--much of which Paul has kept "bottled up". Until now... Recently, the wedding of Paul's oldest daughter, Kina, who was integral to the major life event of 1985, moved Paul to "release" what had been bottled up. White Man's Disease, Paul's first book, chronicles that story.
Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite
As a black man, Paul Thornton had broken barriers and disproved some stereotypes of the time to attain a life many did not think possible for someone like him. In his book titled White Man's Disease, Paul narrates his amazing life journey, from his earliest childhood memories, through his teenage years, school, career and marriage, and the battle that completely threw his life off track in every sense. Before the nightmare that landed him in hospital and left him struggling both physically and emotionally, Paul had it all; he was married to his high school sweetheart, had a beautiful family, and an amazing career. Everything went south, however, after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor with associated complications. The resulting treatment would later leave Paul with many physical and emotional struggles. This is the amazing story of his journey, the life he lived, the battles he fought, and how he lifted himself up again.
White Man's Disease by Paul C. Thornton is an engaging and inspiring tale about a man's life journey with all its ups and downs, and the people that formed an important part of that journey. The very detailed chronological narration of his story, with flashbacks thrown in where needed, will draw you into Paul's story and urge you to follow his journey. There is an amazing and serene sense of family that radiates right off the pages; the Thorntons, at whatever level, might not have been a perfect family, but they lived a life of contentment that honoured the family bond above all. Paul Thornton's story is one worth reading; a true reflection on life, its ups and downs, and the strength it takes to live and love again. You will be touched, you will be moved, and you will be inspired.
