In her new memoir, Peeing On Hot Coals, Pat Montandon, the irrepressible Icon of San Francisco leads us on a journey from the Dust Bowl of Oklahoma to the highest circles of San Francisco society. Told with her usual pluck, wit and compassion, Montandon not only survived her brutal past, she bravely chronicles how she rose above it to live the Great American Dream. Through wit and creativity Montandon became a well-known figure not only in San Francisco but internationally and the basis of a character in Armistead Maupin’s best-selling Tales Of The City series. Montandon’s ongoing philanthropic efforts on behalf of children earned her three Nobel Peace Prize nominations and the UN Peace Messenger Award. Peeing on Hot Coals is an unblinking view into Montandon’s soul and offers a poignant and insightful look at some of the major events of the 20th Century. Throughout, her self-deprecating humor and general humanity shine through taking readers on a journey of the soul, the heart and the mind.
“This is not only a beautiful memoir but also a gem of Americana. The imagery of the dust bowl depression, preacher father’s fanatical sermons, Montandon's great sense of humor remains with you long after you’ve finished reading it, and you are so touched by the indomitable spirit of Patsy Lou that you feel her pain, determination, and joy throughout the book. You are in awe of a woman who searches for greatness in the cinder of the hot coals-even if that means peeing on them.” Alev Lytle Croutier—bestselling author of Harem: The World Behind the Veil
This book is utterly delightful. The writing is stunning. It's funny and, moreover, poignant, insightful. I'm blown away. David Sheff New York Times best-selling memoir Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction.
Pat Montandon's charm and decency and trademark spunk shine through on every page of this genuinely heart-tugging and beautifully written memoir. Armistead Maupin, best selling author of Tales of The City
This is a childhood memoir to rival Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes. Sean Wilsey, bestselling author of Oh The Glory Of It All