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The Things I Came Here With

By: Chris MacDonald
Narrated by: Max Lloyd-Jones
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Publisher's summary

“Does it hurt?” When you’re a tattoo artist, that’s the most universal question. For Chris MacDonald, the answer is simple: hurts less than a broken heart. Those words are painted above the entrance to his shop, Under My Thumb Tattoos, as a reminder.

Chris and his brothers were as wild as the wind, in their house among the fields of Alliston, Ontario, when their parents divorced. Shell-shocked, they were uprooted and brought to Toronto by their dad. Their mother’s mental illness worsened in the aftermath, and she disappeared. As a teenager, Chris left home and found himself immersed in the city’s underbelly, a world where drugs, skateboarding, and punk rock reigned. Between the youth shelters, suicidal thoughts, and haunted apartments, a light shined: and it was art.

He eventually found himself following the path of his brother, Rob, and pursuing life as a tattooist. Then, at the height of a destructive summer, everything changed: he met Megan, the girl who would become his rock of ages.

This remarkable memoir examines what tattooing means to MacDonald and traces the connection his artistic motives have to both his family and childhood. The Things I Came Here With is about how crucial our past is to understanding our future, but it’s also a love letter to his daughter about the importance of expression, life’s uncertainty, and beauty.

©2022 Chris MacDonald (P)2022 ECW Press
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Critic reviews

“At its core, The Things I Came Here With is a story about family; it’s a story of art, of loss, of grief, and of passion. It is raw and heartbreaking and funny at times—often within the same paragraph. And it is especially a story about love and finding your way home.”—Urban Info Girl blog

“The way Chris tattoos is awe-inspiring—a truly beautiful expression of the craft. The work he does elegantly dances the line of art and technique, gentle and strong, just like him.”—India Amara, indiaamara.com

“I look at Chris as a real deal songwriter and lyricist. Am I surprised he’s now an author? Hell no, a talent like his would never go unnoticed. I’m proud to call Chris a friend, and I’m sure you’ll be as amazed by his writing as I’ve been over the years.”—Cone McCaslin, Sum 41

What listeners say about The Things I Came Here With

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tattoo me

I enjoyed floating in the thoughts of this young man who brought love and joy to his art. Max Lloyd-Jones is perfection with his clear delivery and steady pace. A fine listen I do recommend.

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