Escape artist: transformation through tragedy

Description

"William A. Noguera tells his story from early childhood: heartrending experiences growing up physically and emotionally abused by his parents. It was no more safe outside, falling victim to vicious beatings by local gangs--a target of racial discrimination for being the only Colombian in a Mexican and Black Los Angeles County suburb. To cope, Noguera escaped into his imagination. Art has always been his refuge. To protect himself from attacks he was enrolled in martial arts, he mastered the skill and became Hapkido Middleweight Champion. In 1978, the undersized 13 year old Noguera, was given Anabolic Steroids by his father, but the desired effects of growth, strength and speed for competitions soon opened an unknown gateway to harmful side-effects and the unpredictable outbursts of Roid-Rage Syndrome. Noguera's rebellious teenage years gave way to forming a lucrative high-end car theft operation. Before long, Noguera suffered an unimaginable loss, triggering a steroid-induced lethal explosion--he was only 18-years old at the time. Over three decades later, Noguera recounts a searing and dreadful tale of being sentenced to death and catapulted into the violent worlds within Orange County Jail and the nation's most notorious Death Row at San Quentin Prison. It is from the confines of his cell that Noguera rediscovers natural-born gifts and escapes into his imagination to find refuge in art once again. Escape Artist is the emotional journey of a kid facing tragedy and remorse, his cross-over to manhood and survival, finding rehabilitation and redemption. Noguera connects with his creative voice to become a renowned artist and speaker--a magnificent evolution of overcoming adversity inspired by true events"--Publisher description.