The Pale-Faced Lie

A True Story

By: David Crow

Narrated by: Kaipo Schwab

Length: 11 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Growing up on the Navajo Indian Reservation, David Crow and his 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 to coerce him into doing his criminal bidding. David's mom, too mentally ill to care for her children, couldn't protect him. One day, Thurston packed up the house and took the kids, leaving her nothing. Soon he remarried, and David learned that his stepmother was just as vicious and abusive as his father.

Through sheer determination, and with the help of a few angels along the way, David managed to get into college and achieve professional success. When he finally found the courage to stop helping his father with his criminal activities, he unwittingly triggered a plot of revenge that would force him into a showdown with Thurston Crow. With lives at stake, including his own, David would have only 24 hours to outsmart his father - the brilliant, psychotic man who bragged that the three years he spent in the notorious San Quentin State Prison had been the easiest time of his life.

©2019 David Crow (P)2020 Tantor

Best new release I’ve read!

This isn’t the genre I normally gravitate to, but a dear friend recommended this book and I could’t say no. I first purchased the hardcover and while reading it the audiobook came out which is my preferred media for time reasons. I utilized both, for some excerpts I just had to re-read with my own two eyes. This fast paced, unbelievably true story kept my interest the whole time and the heart wrenching descriptions left me in disbelief that this is reality for some children/families. All that being said, author, David Crow never took on a hostile, bitter, or begrudging tone which you will better understand as the book progresses. I appreciated the insight into Native American reservation life and will seek out more books on this topic thanks to this one. David Crow: you overcame so many odds. Your love of reading, resilience and straight up grit resulted in an amazing book. Thank you for sharing your story! My very best to you and all your extended family affected by your rocky upbringing.

Making something positive out of total negativity!

(as posted in Goodreads)
Somehow, I remember it being advertised as a "true crime". I don't think it quite fits that category, although it does involve crime, that's not the overall emphasis of the book. I think that the overall emphasis is overcoming unlivable and unbelievable circumstances and building a positive reality anyway.
Everything that the narrator does that's horrible and unforgivable is done as a child, and is thus, actually FORGIVABLE. What actually miserable life that all those children had growing up, and what a DESPICABLE father! And David is understandable with understandable mixed feelings and guilts. The whole thing just makes me so sad :-(.

Not your typical true crime in such a good way.

I am a true crime fan so of course this book sounded so interesting, but there is so much more to it. I would call this more a true life story that is honest and raw and sometimes painful to listen to...but also so hopeful and inspiring. Some moments hit very close to home for me and I appreciate David Crow’s honest portrayal of his life and family.

relatable book for those with difficult childhoods

Really enjoyed this book. A lot of sadness and heartache but a great story. It reminded me that sometimes kids who are up to malicious mischief are hiding some very painful truths about their home situation. I found it relatable as a kid who had a very unsettled trajectory at the beginning of life.

Insight Into a Mind

Marvelously written this true life story was engrossing from beginning to end. The strength of David Crow is indescribable yet makes one wonder how he survived such a miserable childhood and ultimately life long existence with his despicable lying father.

Excellent

An honest view of the world, the struggles, highs and determination of a family growing up with a manipulative, abusive father.

Great!

This book was worth reading. It was beautifully written and a real inspiration. I’m so glad to have heard David Crow’s story.

sad sad sad

This was a hard story to listen. It shows love o siblings staying strong together.

Deserves to be heard

Child abuse is by far right up under murder. David Crow’s life had both. The book is difficult to hear, but it deserves to e heard. He was able to end the cycle of abuse and narcissistic behaviors of his parents to become a successful man.

oh my

just listen to this already. if I could rate the story at 27 stars I would.