Special needs. Addiction. Divorce. Righteous grandmas. Overwhelmed parents. One kid in the closet and another on the road as a showgirl. How can it all be happening in the same family? There's only one sure bet-things will get worse before they get better. Join young Warn Barnes for a bumpy ride through the 1970s and 80s in a sweet, heartfelt and funny story that will make you laugh until you cry. It's all part of ... THAT WHICH MAKES US STRONGER.

FIRST REACTIONS TO

THAT WHICH MAKES US STRONGER

“THAT WHICH MAKES US STRONGER is a beautifully written story, told with the nostalgic sensibility of a modern-day Jean Shepherd, combined with the gentle sardonic wit of David Sedaris. Greg Triggs made me alternately laugh and cry with this very personal novel. Part memoir, part fiction,
completely heartwarming.”

Gary Adler, Broadway conductor, and composer/lyricist of Altar Boyz

"THAT WHICH MAKES US STRONGER is a colorful and brutally honest account of growing up gay in an alcoholic Midwestern household. Greg Triggs’ memories are all at once wholesome as apples and sharp as razor blades—peppered with bitter truths about the families we’re born into and the ones we choose for ourselves. Overflowing with sardonic wit, Triggs’ story is heartfelt, haunting and ultimately hopeful."

Bizzy Coy, The New Yorker, McSweeney's, Vulture

“‘THAT WHICH MAKES US STRONGER is a touching, page-turning triumph with lots of belly-laughs. Greg writes as if he’s sitting next to you, whispering in your ear, with a twinkle in his eye that suggests the unexpected. In that way, ‘That Which Makes Us Stronger’ is the stuff of life.”

Tom Dyer, founding editor, Watermark Newspaper

“Triggs paints a portrait of a Midwestern family that is hilarious, tender, and gimlet-eyed. I was instantly transported to his evocative emotional and physical landscape. This is a unique family whose engaging story could be a version of anyone's. A wonderful read indeed.”

Mary Jo Pehl, Mystery Science Theater 3000 and author, Dumb Dumb Dumb: My Mother's Book Reviews.