About the Book
Doug acheived unimaginable success when he started his own firm in 1976 and grew it to become the largest law firm of its speciality in the United States. He retired, financially independent for life, at the age of fifty when he sold Wallace & deMayo, P.C. to Synovus in 1999.
In his true story memoir of a child born into generational poverty in the American south, Doug Wallace and his seven siblings barely survived childhood—fleeing in the night from landlords, scrambling for food, and burning down the only home they ever owned to collect the insurance money.
When Doug decided to write his memoir, he chose to write about his greatest success—escaping poverty. The memoir tells the story of Doug’s life from his earliest memory to the day he got into law school. We have already told you above what happened after Doug started his firm. But that story pales in comparison to the challenges Doug faced growing up poor in the South.
In this raw testimony of a heartbreaking, hardscrabble childhood, Doug Wallace paints an unforgettable portrait of a child determineed to free himself from the cycle of poverty that strangled his family for generations.
Separated from the haves by his poverty and from the have-nots by his desire for more, Wallace learns to use every person, every situation, and every encounter to realize his dream and serve his community.
Everything Will Be All Right empowers readers to overcome any obstacle through tenacious will, relentless drive, and indomitable faith. The timeless lessons he learned while working his way out of poverty are as applicable today as they were in the 60′s and 70′s.
His book launched nationwide on October 1, 2009 titled, Everything Will Be All Right is an engaging memoir about the riveting journey of a child desperately seeking to escape the vicious cycle of poverty.
In the book Doug gives the reader insightful business lessons on how to use comnon sense and street knowledge to become financially independent. In December 2009, the memoir won the prestigious Indie Bound Next List Notable Award in the best non-fiction category. The book can be purchased on the Internet at Amazon.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great American Classic, August 22, 2010
By Passionate About Reading
This review is from: Everything Will Be All Right (Hardcover)
Doug Wallace has carved a moving, page-turner with precision and grace out of one of the most chaotic, heartbreaking childhoods ever to be set down on the page. This deeply affecting memoir is truly a great American classic. Like a good bottle of wine, the lessons learned from the author’s story will become more valuable with time. It covers one of the greatest eras in American history from the perspective of a young boy growing up in horrible poverty in the 50′s and 60′s. It is triumph against all odds in every possible way, and it does what all the great classics do: it affirms our faith in the human spirit, in God, and in Love. WOW is all I can really say about this book. Everything Will Be All Right is now our family mantra. Thank you, Doug Wallace, for sharing your inspiring story.
1. Dear Doug,
WELL!!! What a wonderful discussion last night on your book. Several of the women have bought additional copies to pass to friends and relatives. Every part of your book opened so many doors for sharing. I wish you could have been here to see and hear the impact of your written words on so many people. I took a recorder to the meeting and asked if anyone wanted to make a comment or ask you a question. This morning I transcribed the info and am including it here for you. You know if you do a paperback version, you could include book club questions or a “Talk with the author” section.
a. Gloria R…”I am curious to know what happened at church on the night of “THE LIGHT” experience that made the minister come to your house.”
b. Diane D…”How did you handle the personal devastation of seeing your brothers self destruct after putting so much time and effort into trying to help them succeed?”
c. Becky K…” I was very impressed with how you related to the black students and how you seemed to understand them better than the white students.”
d. Gloria V…. “There were many painful parts of the book but the most painful part to me was the stoning of your father. What was the most painful event of your early life you had to recall in writing the book?”
e. Gay…”Linda shared with us the info on your new well and the desire you have now to be totally self sufficient. Is this something that comes from your childhood experiences or has this come about as a result of your belief system as an adult?”
f. Eyleen C….”I cannot relate to your childhood at all. I had bumps along the way in my childhood but nothing like what you and Linda had. The part that impressed me the most was when the older gentleman took you into his study and said, “Don’t lose your way. If you allow something to get in your way you will fail.” That is so profound. How did that impact your life?”
g. Chris O…..”That statement about not losing your way, is what both you and Linda did with your life. Both of you had huge things get in your way but neither of you let it cause you to fail.”
I know you are a busy man but I thought you would enjoy reading the comments and questions your book created during the discussion. Everyone deeply enjoyed reading about your experience and I enjoyed adding my two cents worth. Your book has opened the door for so many people to feel free to share their own stories. Thank you for that.
Letter dated October 19, 2010:
I was raised on Cub Creek, went to SCHS-Class of ’66, and am the lady who gave you the SCHS yearbooks a few years back. I’m Dale Edwards Young’s cousin, as well. Was Sue Byrd at SCHS.
I have just finished your fantastic book. I’m trying to think how to assess it. “I enjoyed it,” would just be wrong, given the contents. But it was definitely hard to put down, and it was very well written. You did a great job. I can only imagine how gut wrenching it was to write. And, so many memories were brought back for me – and so vividly.
Have you ever noticed how one thing in life prepares you for the next? I never expected that to bleed over to my reading shelf, but it has. A few weeks ago, I read a book with the theme of perspective, The Noticer, by Andy Andrews. My perspective was truly changed upon reading your book. Prior to reading it, I’d have assumed you were poor since you said you were, but I would also have argued you were no more so than my family. I stand corrected. Let’s just say I can relate to many of your Stewart County roots. Put in perspective, however, I’ve decided my childhood wasn’t so bad. I hurt that you and your siblings had the life you had, I hurt for the abuse your mother endured, and I have tremendous respect for her.
In reference to your mother, my Aunt Ann remembers her. My father’s family was raised on Cub Creek, in the same house I was raised in. (Four big rooms and an attic.) The family was Byrd (but spelled Bird before my grandfather’s generation), my aunt’s name is Elizabeth Ann Byrd Elliott, also 84, also born in 1925. She said she couldn’t remember which small farm your mother’s family lived on, but she remembers her attending the church where the Byrd family attended (Rose Valley Methodist). In fact, she is fairly certain the person they share cropped for was her grandfather. That would be Great Grandfather Bird, the one Dale Edwards Young and I share. Unfortunately, Dale’s side of the family would describe him as a wonderful, giving man, and my side would not. His son, my grandfather died when my father was only 8 and left my grandmother with 9 children, in the midst of The Great Depression. The great grandfather referred to above wouldn’t even buy shoes for the younger children when Momma Byrd had exhausted all other means. They made it on their own without his help, but they darn near starved in the process. I hope your mother’s family fared better with him. I never knew the man, of course, I only know the stories.
Speaking of the 1-room schools, I attended the one where my Momma Byrd taught for 3 years. It was called Can’t Find It (no joke). When it closed, my younger brother, Neil, and I went to Legate School.. We were the sister school of Center Point. We were the last two schools in the County with dirt basketball courts, and one day a week were allowed to go to Big Rock to practice. This made it possible for us to play in the gyms, when we had real games. Legate had the girl’s team, and Center Point had the boys.
When you and I were exchanging my brother’s annuals from SCHS a couple years back, I looked your picture up in one of my annuals. I do remember you. You hid your circumstance well, my friend. I always assumed your were one of the in-crowd, one of the popular kids, and never assumed you could relate to being poor. There it is again, isn’t it, “perspective.” And I also remember Bracy.
Some of the other things I wanted to mention: (1) I spoke with Aunt Mary (Mrs. Henry) Byrd last week. That family lived (she still does) in Granite City, Uncle worked at the steel mill. She remembers your parents names, but nothing more. She said the Kirpatrick projects were torn down about 3 years ago. (2) I worked at the Board of Education in Stewart Co. between mid-’66 and ’70, and am fairly certain I remember correctly that The Board retired corporal punishment in Stewart County during those years. (3) Larry (SCHS Class of ‘60) and I married in 1970. He had been living in Nashville about 2 years then. He, and then we, lived in Capital Towers until Fall of ‘73. We don’t remember hearing about the parties in your apartment. We lived on the 5th floor, also overlooking the railroad. I think we were only paying about $225 when we moved in ‘73 (including utilities!). (4) And I have to admit to being very shocked at the Big Rock principal (no doubt Mr. Bogard) making such comments to you. He was a good man (died a couple of years ago, I think), but nothing excuses comments like that to a child.
Doug, I’m proud of what you’ve accomplished, proud of the peace you seem to have found, proud that you were able to scratch and fight (excuse that) out of “your raising,” proud you can finally relax and enjoy life. I hope you have accepted that you did all you could to bring your family out with you. Fact is, it can only be done if they want it – particularly when alcohol flows through the family genetics. These things I know firsthand.
Thanks for writing this amazing book, and thanks for changing my perspective about my own childhood. Congratulations on a job well done.
Letter dated October 19, 2010:
I was raised on Cub Creek, went to SCHS-Class of ’66, and am the lady who gave you the SCHS yearbooks a few years back. I’m Dale Edwards Young’s cousin, as well. Was Sue Byrd at SCHS.
I have just finished your fantastic book. I’m trying to think how to assess it. “I enjoyed it,” would just be wrong, given the contents. But it was definitely hard to put down, and it was very well written. You did a great job. I can only imagine how gut wrenching it was to write. And, so many memories were brought back for me – and so vividly.
Have you ever noticed how one thing in life prepares you for the next? I never expected that to bleed over to my reading shelf, but it has. A few weeks ago, I read a book with the theme of perspective, The Noticer, by Andy Andrews. My perspective was truly changed upon reading your book. Prior to reading it, I’d have assumed you were poor since you said you were, but I would also have argued you were no more so than my family. I stand corrected. Let’s just say I can relate to many of your Stewart County roots. Put in perspective, however, I’ve decided my childhood wasn’t so bad. I hurt that you and your siblings had the life you had, I hurt for the abuse your mother endured, and I have tremendous respect for her.
In reference to your mother, my Aunt Ann remembers her. My father’s family was raised on Cub Creek, in the same house I was raised in. (Four big rooms and an attic.) The family was Byrd (but spelled Bird before my grandfather’s generation), my aunt’s name is Elizabeth Ann Byrd Elliott, also 84, also born in 1925. She said she couldn’t remember which small farm your mother’s family lived on, but she remembers her attending the church where the Byrd family attended (Rose Valley Methodist). In fact, she is fairly certain the person they share cropped for was her grandfather. That would be Great Grandfather Bird, the one Dale Edwards Young and I share. Unfortunately, Dale’s side of the family would describe him as a wonderful, giving man, and my side would not. His son, my grandfather died when my father was only 8 and left my grandmother with 9 children, in the midst of The Great Depression. The great grandfather referred to above wouldn’t even buy shoes for the younger children when Momma Byrd had exhausted all other means. They made it on their own without his help, but they darn near starved in the process. I hope your mother’s family fared better with him. I never knew the man, of course, I only know the stories.
Speaking of the 1-room schools, I attended the one where my Momma Byrd taught for 3 years. It was called Can’t Find It (no joke). When it closed, my younger brother, Neil, and I went to Legate School.. We were the sister school of Center Point. We were the last two schools in the County with dirt basketball courts, and one day a week were allowed to go to Big Rock to practice. This made it possible for us to play in the gyms, when we had real games. Legate had the girl’s team, and Center Point had the boys.
When you and I were exchanging my brother’s annuals from SCHS a couple years back, I looked your picture up in one of my annuals. I do remember you. You hid your circumstance well, my friend. I always assumed your were one of the in-crowd, one of the popular kids, and never assumed you could relate to being poor. There it is again, isn’t it, “perspective.” And I also remember Bracy.
Some of the other things I wanted to mention: (1) I spoke with Aunt Mary (Mrs. Henry) Byrd last week. That family lived (she still does) in Granite City, Uncle worked at the steel mill. She remembers your parents names, but nothing more. She said the Kirpatrick projects were torn down about 3 years ago. (2) I worked at the Board of Education in Stewart Co. between mid-’66 and ’70, and am fairly certain I remember correctly that The Board retired corporal punishment in Stewart County during those years. (3) Larry (SCHS Class of ‘60) and I married in 1970. He had been living in Nashville about 2 years then. He, and then we, lived in Capital Towers until Fall of ‘73. We don’t remember hearing about the parties in your apartment. We lived on the 5th floor, also overlooking the railroad. I think we were only paying about $225 when we moved in ‘73 (including utilities!). (4) And I have to admit to being very shocked at the Big Rock principal (no doubt Mr. Bogard) making such comments to you. He was a good man (died a couple of years ago, I think), but nothing excuses comments like that to a child.
Doug, I’m proud of what you’ve accomplished, proud of the peace you seem to have found, proud that you were able to scratch and fight (excuse that) out of “your raising,” proud you can finally relax and enjoy life. I hope you have accepted that you did all you could to bring your family out with you. Fact is, it can only be done if they want it – particularly when alcohol flows through the family genetics. These things I know firsthand.
Thanks for writing this amazing book, and thanks for changing my perspective about my own childhood. Congratulations on a job well done.
Letter November 25, 2010:
Hi Mr. Wallace,
I read your book and it is an inspiration. I grew up in a home filled with poverty, abuse and anger. I am now the single parent of three boys who I adore. In many ways I have changed the course of my family history, for example I achieve higher education. However, in many ways I have not; I still suffer from poverty. I have made many mistakes and believe that God is enabling me to change my direction in life. I have spent way too much time being angry. My parents abused drugs and alcohol.
I have not yet attained financial independence, but I have not given up on that goal. Your book came at a time in my life when I felt overwhelmed and empty. It helped me to renew my faith in God and know that He has a plan for my life. I am grateful that you shared your story. I am even more grateful that you overcame poverty and abuse. Your life is the exampled that I needed.
I hope that you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving
We just received some great news! Your book has been chosen as an Indie Next List Notable for December . Congratulations on winning the best non-fiction in Dec 09. This is a great honor. The ABA will include a mention of your book on the back page of the monthly printed Indie Next List at no charge to you, plus they make some supporting materials available for bookstores to download from their website.
Again, congratulations, Tanya Hall, Greenleaf Book Group
Tue, 11/24/09, Terry Lowry wrote:
From: Terry Lowry
Subject: Re: The What’s UP Radio Program in Houston
Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 1: Mr. Wallace:
Our listeners loved your interview…they pounded our phone system … and maxed out its capacity with 51 calls!
Received the 5 copies you sent today, also.
We announced to our audience that a copy of your book will be given to every 5th caller…so we are going to give a copy to every 5th caller until the inventory runs out.!
And, I will contact you next week about a follow up interview. I reviewed my hit rates after your radio interview. Your hits exceeded any radio interview I have done anywhere in the country by a factor of 4. I’d love to find ways we can work together.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving…and make memories with family and friends,
Terry Lowry, host of the What’s UP Radio Program
Letter dated Jan 21, 2010
Hi Doug,
I enjoyed reading your book and almost finish it at one sitting. I had similar experience of growing up in disadvantaged circumstance.
My mom passed away when I was only 4 years old. My father is a traveling mason and I was brought up by my second sister who was married to a cab driver.
When I was in second grade I was placed near the bottom of my class in my midterm exam and I had a spanking from my sister. Thereafter, I performed much better and Finished 4th in class. Thereafter, I managed to stay in the top 10th of my graduating class.
I remembered when my elder brother brought home a beautiful but empty chocolate box from his workplace after Christmas – I only hoped it was filled with chocolates.
Given the family’s financial situation, I know for a fact that I have to join the work force immediately after finishing high school. I did continued taking night classes at a local polytechnic and eventually qualified as and industrial engineer and earning a post graduate degree in systems engineering.
I had a successful corporate career working for Fortune 500 companies and with wise financial planning, am able to retire at 55.
I have been comforted by the thought:“When God Closes One Door, He Opens Another”.
It was good of you to share your experience by putting it in writing. I hope your book will receive a bigger readership from similar “baby boomers”.
Best wishes for the New Year
Mr. Wallace,
Your book was truly inspirational to me. My father, RLB III (Baby Robert), contacted me by phone from his home in Pensacola to tell me that I MUST read this book. I read it in two sittings as I could not put it down. My father is from Tobacco Port.
My mother, the former Brenda Lewis, is from Big Rock. I was born in 1957. I grew up in Mainey Pearl Ross Shelton’s old, old house that used to stand next to Dean Wallace’s store in Bumpus Mills, TN. We warmed by a coal fire and drew our water from a cistern. We had chicken dinners quite often as they lived in the chicken coop out back on the path to the outhouse.
My struggle to what is my version of success is quite different than yours as yours was much more difficult to attain. The underlying theme, however, remains constant. Everything will be alright. Trust in God
My memory of my great grandmother, Miss Mainey, hoeing in the garden in her 80′s, is something that even today I draw strength from. My family broke out of the cycle of “poverty”, if you can call it that, by joining the military. First, my grandfather. and then, my father. I mean, we were poor but we kids didn’t know it because we always had loved to sustain us. I have been able to fashion a successful life for myself here in Stewart County working for the TVA. My wife, the former Lori Steeley from Carlisle, is a RN.
We have two children who are 8th generation Stewart Countians.
Mr Wallace, your book is truly a piece of wonderful art as it portrays the way in which poverty can be overcome. Through preserverance, hard work, and keeping your eyes on the prize as you make the right decisions, a person can overcome just about anything and become a “light” that shines for others to see the “way”. Your book is a light in the darkness for those who have little hope.
Sir, I am honored to claim you as a fellow Stewart Countian. You have made your County, your State, and even your Nation proud as an example of the American Dream
.
I look forward to the day we can meet and I may have the opportunity to ask you to autograph my book.
I will be passing this book to my children to read now.
Have a wonderful and blessed day, Sir.
Doug, I wanted to let you know my book club will be discussing your book tomorrow night. I’m so excited! I can’t wait to hear their thoughts.
Letter dated Jan 21, 2010
Doug:
I am the Catholic Campus Pastor of the Newman Parish at UWEC. As I read the first thirty or so pages of your book I found that they sounded like the story of one of our current students. I always say we have “orphans” who arrived on this campus. They should never have made it to school but somehow they do.
Usually it’s because some high school teacher took an interest and actually drove them here. I’ve been the pastor here for 25 years now and we always have such orphans who come from extreme poverty or very, very dysfunctional families. Our parish becomes their family and helps them with tuition and daily basics like dental work, health care, clothing and food.
We currently have a student who is graduating whose early life was very similar to yours. He is just now flying back from an audition at the Cincinnati School of Music. He has already been accepted at Ann Arbor in their Masters program. He was lucky to stumble in here one day four years ago, down to his last box of Triscuts and a slice of cheese. He was about to leave school when we hired him and got him to a dentist and a doctor.
He has an amazing voice and last summer was able to enter the Seagle Colony summer program for young artists in upstate NY on scholarship. I’m told by the director (who is also the director of the Fort Worth Opera) that some day, with a little help, he will make it big in opera. I am not a fan of opera, but this kid does have a phenomenal voice.
When he gets back here today I intend to give him your book to read. I know that there have been a couple of times that he has wanted to give up. I am hoping your book helps him.
Letter dated Feb 10, 2010: