Don't Call Me Jupiter — Book One "Tightrope": Memoir of a Reluctant Hippie Kid

In 1962, the Bross family was handpicked to model Dr. Sabin's oral polio vaccine for the Cincinnati Enquirer. By 1973, the kids were homeless.

Even before their mother's second divorce, there were signs. She took the kids on naked nature walks and once shook her bare chest at a low-flying plane that circled back for a second look. After the divorce, she went full hippie — changed her name to Mare, quit shaving, and her rule was that kids should be at least ten before smoking weed. Then she scattered her five kids among strangers. His siblings ended up at friends' houses. Tom, age twelve, got the garage of one of her ex-lovers.

That's just the first book.

What readers are saying about Don't Call Me Jupiter :

Trying to find the words to express all the emotions I felt throughout the series, well I just cant. — Deb S., ★★★★★

I LOVED this series! I’m reading book #1 again! I grew up in that era so related to much!! Crazy story ; hard to believe how selfish/abusive his Mom was…..and the kids still loved her!! Great book Tom Bross!!!!! — Lyn G., ★★★★★

Amazing, disturbing, interesting and bit insane. Terrible to think they lived like that and survived it all. – Colette T., ★★★★★

Probably the best book series I’ve ever read. Stayed up until 2am to finish #3 then cried myself to sleep. — Mary S., ★★★★★

Don’t Call Me Jupiter belongs on the shelf next to The Glass Castle , Educated , and I’m Glad My Mom Died .