Publications

Explore Ron's Works

Here are Ron N. Reel’s current publications available for purchase. These insightful works focus on overcoming challenging circumstances.

Featured Book

A memoir of an itinerant Oklahoma family settling in California’s fields, raising ten children amid hardship. One parent struggled to keep the family united but passed away from illness; the other, an abusive alcoholic, caused turmoil with affairs and instability. The author found hope through supportive teachers and a pastor, fostering a love for learning that led to college and a path out of poverty. This book inspires anyone facing adversity or dealing with family crises, showing how perseverance can overcome the odds.

Another Publication

In the second part of his memoir, Ron reflects on the summers between 1968 and 1974. He shares his experiences at four colleges, dealing with challenges like plagiarism accusations, stereotypes, heavy drinking, and low self-confidence, which led to depression and thoughts of suicide. However, with help from supportive teachers and friends, he managed to overcome these struggles and continue his education.

A Christmas Story

Many parents struggle to decide how much to spend on Christmas gifts. On average, they spend over $500, taking months to repay the debt, while some families can’t afford gifts at all. The Children’s Defense Fund reports nearly 12 million children live in poverty, with many families earning under $26,000 annually. As a result, millions of children receive no gifts during Christmas. Can a gift that costs almost nothing still bring joy? This true story of a struggling farm family shows how they created an unforgettable Christmas that will inspire your holiday season.

Overcoming All Odds Three -

What students Taught Me

Memoir three is a tribute to some of the students I taught during the first half of my teaching tenure.
Students come in many sizes, learning abilities, goals, capabilities, and learning desires. Some learn to overcome the odds of learning in the rural agricultural areas of America, while others fail to learn, and outcomes are not met or worse, these students are harmed while attempting to succeed. Without the student, there is no educational purpose. Teachers honor those students who dare to challenge all odds and try to better their own life so they can help their family, friends, and society. This is a book of a few of their stories.

I Killed My Twin For Ten Million Dollars

Revenge of those who Harmed the Twins

A novel about childhood and teen abuse by a parent, neglect by the church, non-intervention by the
police, unwillingness to provide care by the medical field, and no protection from child protection
agencies; resulting in irreversible physical damage leading to a terminal condition of one of the twins.
The twins turn to each other to “Right” the situation by creating a fraudulent claim from a Life Insurance
Policy.

A Compelling Tale of Adversity and Hope. This is an excellent narrative of a talented child born to a migrant family who faced numerous challenges and obstacles in his journey to adulthood. It is a compelling page turning read that leaves the reader caught in the dramatic moments of every encounter rooting for the success of Ron Reel and his loving mother to overcome all odds and live the American Dream. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in migrant family life in America.

Rachel Gates

Overcoming All Odds is a compelling and inspirational bildungsroman emanating from California’s Central Valley during the 50’s and 60’s. The story of Ron Reel’s early life is filled with hope, heartbreak and triumph. It is, in a nutshell, a tale of the American dream. An indefatigable spirit, he refuses to submit to the expectations of mediocrity so often foisted upon the underprivileged and, instead, he charts a path of achievement to which we can all aspire. A story of aspiration and accomplishment, Overcoming All Odds is a perfect primer on what it takes to rise above.

Amahuna

Overcoming All Odds: I Overcame Poverty, Illnesses, and Abuse is a book that told a story of strength and commitment. The narrative made it easy to read and I didn’t want to put the book down. The hardships that Ron Reel overcame, make me think I can accomplish anything.

Michelle