Description
Six Hail Marys and a Bag of Chips is a raw, honest and deeply human account of one man’s journey from rejection and institutionalisation to love, family and a life he once believed would never be possible.
Paddy Fox was born into circumstances that appeared to determine his future before his life had truly begun. After spending his earliest years hidden away, he was placed in a Catholic institution where cruelty, humiliation and punishment became part of everyday life.
Written off as unintelligent and made to feel that he had little value, Paddy entered adulthood without the emotional foundations, security or guidance most people take for granted. By the age of seventeen, he was homeless, had been to prison and believed he had reached the destination that had been chosen for him.
But Paddy’s story did not end there.
Told with remarkable honesty, wit, courage and defiance, this memoir follows his determination to challenge the expectations placed upon him and create a different future. Vividly written, with the pace and intensity of a compelling television series, the book takes the reader through unforgettable moments of hardship, humour, survival and transformation.
Six Hail Marys and a Bag of Chips is ultimately a story of hope. It is a powerful reminder that no matter how your life begins, your beginning does not have to determine your destination.
Steff Hanson –
Absolutely incredible, so so moving and inspirational! I read around twelve books a year and Paddy’s book was the one out of the whole lot that I couldn’t put down. I was gripped from start to finish and I loved learning about his life. I am so proud of Paddy and so proud to have him as an uncle. It must have been so difficult for him to write and relive the events that occurred but I hope it was a cathartic process for Uncle Paddy despite the challenges of writing it. I am in awe of his strength, courage, determination and perseverance throughout every aspect of his life. I highly recommend this book to anybody who enjoys reading about proper lived experiences. Six Hail Mary’s and A Bag of Chips has given me hope for the future to keep on weathering the storm to get to brighter days and the faith to keep trusting the path i’m on will bring everything that I want and need into my life on divine timing. Thank you so much for writing this awe inspiring, raw and honest book, I cried multiple times reading it, sad tears, happy tears and tears of laughter when reading some of Paddy’s funny jokes.