The Pale-Faced Lie: A True Story

David Crow grew up on the Navajo Indian Reservation idolizing his Cherokee father, who claimed to be a World War II hero. He later discovered the truth: Thurston Crow was an ex-convict and pathological liar whose twisted moral code justified cruelty, violence, and murder. Using beatings and intimidation, Thurston forced David to participate in his criminal activities. David's mother, disabled by mental illness, could not protect him. Despite his circumstances, David pursued higher education and built a successful career. When he finally refused his father's demands, he triggered a deadly plot of revenge. David had twenty-four hours to outwit the brilliant, psychotic man who had spent three years in San Quentin State Prison. This memoir recounts Crow's survival and resilience as he escaped the control of a dangerous parent. The book won the Spur Award for Best Western First Nonfiction Book, the IPPY Silver Award for Best Memoir, the Next Generation Indie Award for Best Memoir (Overcoming Adversity), the International Book Award for Best True Crime, and the Readers' Favorite Gold Medal for Nonfiction Drama.