Concrete Dreamland

"Aside from being a brilliant visual artist, Patrick is also a man with stories and the ability to tell them well. A writer to watch! Looking forward to his stories in the world."—Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award Winner

"A gripping and luminous storyteller."—Yrsa Daley-Ward, author of THE TERRIBLE

"As an avid reader of autobiographies, I can honestly say that Patrick Dougher's Concrete Dreamland is one of the most compelling books I've read since reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X decades ago. Patrick's journey is one of trauma, struggle, and survival. In picking up the book, I intended to read only one chapter, however, after reading the first five pages, I was immediately hooked and could not stop reading until I finished it. I am still processing this incredible story of survival and addiction. A must read book for guidance counselors, mentors, educators, and those battling internal demons." —Jamel Shabazz, award-winning photographer

"The NYC book we’ve all been waiting for, Concrete Dreamland is the fire next time and Dougher is its incandescent heart, a riotous poet prophet calling to the past in order to summon the future." —Junot Diaz, Pulitzer Prize-winning author

"This book teems with life, never more so than in his powerful account of working as an art therapist for children born with HIV. A moving, modest, sometimes hilarious account of self-discovery."—Kirkus Reviews

"A personal narrative that conquers family trauma, addiction and poverty and curating a creative life in the Big Apple."—EBONY Magazine, Books by Black Authors April 2025