Endorsements - Leaving The House Of Tears

“What a privilege it is to endorse Marten’s testimony of his journey through life’s inescapable obstacles resulting in the achievement of clarity of mind and emergence of soul. This beautiful memoir is the answer to every parent who has a teenager who is reluctant to read a book because he or she cannot find a story they can relate to or have an interest in, and to every teenager who has a parent who claims the same. Who has not walked the road of confusion in need of guidance from one’s fellow man, one’s elders, one’s God?
We invite all readers to travel with us as we follow Marten’s struggle, as we face his honesty, his pain and his joy and see it reflected in ourselves. What more could one ask from a memoir, from its author? Our heartfelt thanks to Marten for his love in sharing his story with us and transporting us to his world. We are proud to be a part of his life and to have him as a member of our family.”
—Michele A. Cappel, ReadWest, Inc. Literacy Volunteers of America, Board of Directors

“Marten Griego’s Leaving the House of Tears came in the form of a touching, shocking, at times frenetic memoir of a life gone wrong and the outright courage and conviction of the man who put it all back together. As I read the manuscript, at times I raged, screamed, cried and laughed right along with Marten. I strongly recommend this memoir, not only as an example of hope where if seems all is lost, but as an inspiring story of Good vs. Evil, with Good eventually, and permanently, persevering. My heart is with you, Marten.”
—Harvey Stanbrough, a Pulitzer Prize, Frankfurt Award, and National Book Award nominated poet

“I highly recommend Leaving the House of Tears, Marten Griego’s inspirational memoir about a man who beat depression, substance abuse and was functionally illiterate, to become a writer, mentor, and literacy volunteer. In an era where vapid celebrity memoirs dominate the bestseller lists, it is refreshing to read a memoir that both instructs and enlightens. Mr. Griego writes with a candid honesty that makes Leaving the House of Tears both a moving portrait of an extraordinary life, and a valuable resource for those suffering from clinical depression and substance abuse.”
—John Oelfke, Central Avenue Press

Marten’s suffering draws the reader into his turbulent life. It’s well written, hard hitting descriptions, and a real view of manic depression which few of us know. The relationship with the mother is at once terrifying and moving. Marten’s story will be of interest to others like him suffering through illness and to health care professions who help those in need.”
—Award-winning author, Rudolfo Anaya

“In my reading, this book is not so much about Marten’s alleged psychosis as it is a book about Marten’s relationship with his grandmother/mother. I think this relationship, this sick, crazy, tense, exhaustion, endless, love/hate dance, is the key. It affects every other aspect of Marten’s life: his work, his music, his marriages. His struggle to overcome its devastating effects on his life will be inspirational to the reader — it was to this one.”
—Maxine Conant, Published Author

Press Release
November 14, 2006
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Leaving the House of Tears
Marten Griego

“Adult Literacy Student Writes Memoir”

ReadWest Inc. Literacy Volunteers and Future Destinations Publishing announced today the publication of Marten Griego’s inspirational memoir Leaving the House of Tears.

Written by a man who was functionally illiterate eight years ago, this story portrays his struggle with adversity, illiteracy, addiction, and the evil that spirals his spirit into darkness.

Mental illness runs in his family. His mother teaches him to repeat the chant, “I rebuke you Satan in the name of Jesus Christ”. But the curse is not lifted. The eleven year old boy is an alcoholic and filled with anger toward God. At the age of twenty-six, he is pronounced mentally ill. Mental medications, street drugs and alcohol become his drugs of choice. Anger and self-pity dominate his life.

Through a series of circumstances, he eventually finds himself at the adult literacy organization, ReadWest, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. It was there he made the shameful admission that he was a fifty-year old man who was functionally illiterate. He was paired with an inspirational tutor, Gordon Suits, whose unique teaching method required his students to write. At first, Marten was adamant and reluctant to reveal himself or relive his personal hell, but with steadfast encouragement from Mr. Suits, Marten faced the fear of his past.

Through improved literacy one will find abundant treasures. For Marten, the rewards are: acceptance, gratitude, prosperity and life. “The gift of literacy lights the mind with knowledge, and that knowledge stirs the wisdom within. My mind became clear and, through the writing of my book, I released the negativity that imprisoned me.”

Leaving the House of Tears is more than personal therapy. As the name implies, it has a hopeful message that will be an inspiration for other people struggling with adversities, illiteracy, or addiction.

Marten Griego serves on the Board of Directors for ReadWest. He is currently making presentations for United Way of Central New Mexico. His goal is to become a national spokesperson for adult literacy.

Today, Marten’s mission is quite clear: to recognize and thank those who have made literacy organizations possible and to promote literacy.

Book signings and/or presentations are available upon request. Five percent of net sales from this book will be donated to ReadWest.