Former Fugitive's Memoir Is a True Comeback Kid Story

I've just distributed this release about a new author and his memoir. I've read most of the book and it is quite entertaining and an inspiring story.

Many at San Quentin knew of “Billy’s” heroics and brave voluntary return. But few until now – know of his antics.?

Author Jorge William Nayor’s memoir, told in third person, is an account of his numerous stays in California penitentiaries, including the infamous San Quentin. “Dinosaur in the Park: Adventure Behind the Walls and Inside the Criminal Mind” written in a fast-moving, salty, no-nonsense style, is not the “typical” prison story. The book follows “Billy’s” life from early childhood to his days “on the lam” in New Hampshire. The sum of his experience, while unfortunate, is in no way presented as negative or even apologetic. It is simply one man’s experience, albeit unconventional, in navigating life ups and downs told in a credible, likable way. Front and center, the book highlights Nayor’s sense of adventure and indomitable spirit.

In 1950, at the age of three, Billy’s father was deported back to Cuba, leaving him with just one parent on the tough streets of New York City.?Ginny, Billy’s mother, was concerned and loving toward her young son.?Unfortunately, his childhood was prematurely robbed from him at the hands of two child molesters, and later being violated by his first puppy love.

Billy’s schooling was below average, and his military service was tumultuous, yet by government standards “honorable.” A criminal path seemed inevitable for him.

All of his offenses were drug related — possession with intent to sell, parole violations due to drug test failures, and so on. According to the book, “There was no question that Jorge ‘Billy’ Nayor liked to get high; he just didn’t think of himself as a drug dealer per se. To him it was just a little friendly bartering with close friends, their friends, and a few of their friends of friends and so on. Unfortunately, the authorities didn’t see it that way.” This excerpt gives you a clear understanding of the author’s philosophy on life as a younger man. Now, years later, and an honorable {law-abiding} member of society, Mr. Nayor is sharing his memoir because he “wants others to know what it's like when you don't walk the straight and narrow.”

The author embraced a thrill-seeking lifestyle and performed daredevil stunts behind the walls to mentally escape from the harsh conditions around him. Always the thrill seeker and cut-up, he chronicles his big house escapades and stunts with fellow prisoners who have names like “Cellie three” and “Red Shoes.” Billy committed as many "infractions" behind the walls as he did on the outside. The adventures are reminiscent of Truman Capote’s “The Glass House” and Ken Kesey’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” In combining the starkness of the former with the dark humor of the latter, “Dinosaur in The Park” offers an honest glimpse into Nayor’s life without sacrificing the sense of adventure at its core. Despite the rigors and regimentation of prison, he never lost his jovial nature and sense of fun.

“Dinosaur in the Park” is unlike any other written depiction of prison life. Absent are prison gangs, shivs, and ‘bullying guards.’ Prison ‘guards’ are honestly referred to as COs (Correctional Officers),” said the author. “If you acted down to earth, they were fair with you."?The book humorously recounts time spent washing pots and pans and slicing slabs of meat into cold cuts. The inmates frequently made playful games out of their mundane tasks, although some were perilous. “We had fun — there was a serious camaraderie between us.”

Incredibly during the author’s second to last stay behind bars, he was released due to a paperwork glitch. At that point he decided to get out of Dodge before the mistake was discovered. He moved to Massachusetts because his friends in California knew someone in Massachusetts who knew ‘someone’ in New Hampshire,” according to Nayor.

The someone in New Hampshire was a teacher named Gloria.?He remained with her, first as acquaintance, then friend and ultimately as husband.?He credits his late wife’s love and devotion for keeping him on the "straight and narrow." An English teacher, Gloria helped Jorge by proofreading and offering encouragement as he wrote the memoir. She passed away in the summer of 2020. “I just wish she had lived to see me finish the book,” Nayor said emotionally.

Nayor’s final return to prison resulted from his dying mother’s last wish, she wanted him to turn himself in, which he did.?After his release Nayor, now retired, established a remote video production company with a portfolio that includes national recording artists’ concerts, stage plays, and sporting events. “Dinosaur In the Park” is the true story of a comeback kid.

“Dinosaur in the Park: Adventure Behind the Walls and Inside the Criminal Mind” is now available for purchase on Amazon.com and wherever books are sold. An e-book version is pending release on December 7, 2021. Pre-orders are being accepted.

Nayor currently lives in Manchester, NH and is a member of the New Hampshire Writers’ Project, and the Write Free or Die Group.