Tom Seeman’s compelling memoir, Animals I Want to See: A Memoir of Growing Up in the Projects and Defying the Odds, offers a raw and deeply moving account of a childhood marked by poverty and hardship, ultimately blossoming into a story of resilience, kindness, and remarkable achievement. The book transports the reader to the Toledo projects where Seeman grew up, navigating a challenging family life with 11 siblings, an alcoholic father, and a mother determined to provide a better future. From a stark opening where a thirteen-year-old Seeman contemplates a destructive act, the narrative unfolds through moments of pain, humor, friendship, and unexpected kindnesses that shape his path. This memoir explores the journey of defying seemingly insurmountable odds, driven by an innate curiosity about the world, including the Animals I Want To See Tom Seeman meticulously cataloged in his lists, symbolizing a shift from documenting hardship to aspiring for a future filled with wonder.
From Projects to Promise: The Heart of the Memoir
The reader first encounters Tom Seeman at a precarious point, standing on a bridge, contemplating dropping pumpkins onto the traffic below – a moment encapsulating the crossroads he faced between a potentially bleak future and one of purpose. This gripping opening sets the stage for a narrative exploring his formative years in Toledo’s Ravine Park Village project.
Book cover for Animals I Want to See Tom Seeman memoir detailing his journey from poverty
A Stark Beginning: Life in Toledo’s Projects
Seeman shares his childhood experiences alongside eleven siblings, under the shadow of a cruel, alcoholic father. Life was difficult, marked by scarcity and instability. However, his mother emerges as a figure of strength and resourcefulness, orchestrating moves to slightly better circumstances and advocating fiercely for her children’s education, eventually securing spots for Tom and his brother at a local parochial school. This education became a crucial stepping stone on his path out of poverty.
The Role of Family and Early Influences
Amidst the large family, the dynamics and individual struggles are palpable. While the sheer number of siblings and acquaintances encountered throughout his journey – from project friends to classmates at two different parochial schools and later at Yale – can seem vast, they underscore the breadth of experiences and transformations Seeman underwent. His narrative details various phases of learning practical skills, from sewing and selling religious statues to fund his schooling, to growing vegetables and working as a janitor. These experiences collectively paint a picture of relentless determination and a drive to escape his circumstances.
Finding Wonder Amidst Hardship: Early Encounters with Animals
Even in the harsh environment of the projects and later near a field bordered by trash and rats, a young Seeman finds moments of beauty and fascination in nature. He observes Queen Anne’s lace, butterflies, and beetles, cherishing simple treats like watermelon shared amongst siblings following strict ‘dibs’ rules. His connection with animals begins early, though often tinged with the harsh realities of his surroundings. An attempt to befriend a chained dog results in a bite; an adopted pet, Taffy, is tragically taken away. It’s during this time he starts his first list, “Wild Animals I Have Seen,” documenting creatures like rats, snakes, and crayfish – finding significance even in the seemingly mundane or unpleasant encounters.
The Significance of “Animals I Want to See”
The memoir isn’t solely a chronicle of hardship; it is fundamentally a story of hope and the power of aspiring for more. It illustrates how one can emerge from deprivation with a resolve to build a meaningful life, significantly aided by acts of kindness encountered along the way.
From “Animals I Have Seen” to Future Aspirations
A pivotal moment occurs when Seeman’s original list, “Wild Animals I Have Seen,” is lost. He replaces it with a new one: “Animals I Want to See.” This shift signifies more than just a new list; it represents a change in perspective – looking forward with hope and ambition rather than dwelling on the past. This list becomes a symbol of his goals and dreams, items to be checked off as he navigates life beyond the projects. Later in the book, Seeman recounts the experience of finally seeing a Royal Bengal tiger in India, an animal from his list, highlighting the realization of long-held aspirations, even as he notes the tiger’s diminished presence in the wild.
Kindness as a Catalyst for Change
Throughout the narrative, small but significant acts of kindness from various individuals at crucial moments serve as vital support beams in Seeman’s journey. These instances, coupled with his fierce determination and competitive spirit, propel him forward. The memoir underscores that while personal drive is essential, the generosity and support of others can make a profound difference in overcoming adversity.
An Interview with Tom Seeman: Insights Behind the Memoir
Following the release of the advance readers’ edition, Tom Seeman shared further reflections on his life, the memoir, and the experiences that shaped him.
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The Owl: How long have you lived in Weston?
Tom Seeman: We’ve been here 20 years now, which is the longest time we have lived in one place. We came to Weston from Berlin, Germany.
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There are only two photos in this advance readers’ edition. Is there a reason for so few photos?
Tom Seeman: Well, as you can imagine, when you are poor, you don’t really have money for photos and cameras. The cover photo is an old Polaroid, as is the one of me and my (first five) siblings on page 6. That one is a photo of us on the concrete slabs of the “playground” at the projects where many of us cut our feet on the broken glass. If I had included more photos, I would have included a photo of my Uncle Dick and Harold, who were the most wonderful supports to me.
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Are there any animals left on the list of “Animals I Want to See”?
Tom Seeman: Well, sadly the original lists are gone though I do remember them. I am still a list-maker though and animal lists seem to happen a lot on family vacations. I remember being in Panama and we added a plume-y blue bird that was remarkable to me. How visitors and tourists can see animals is changing so much now – the animals are either disappearing or you see them only as a bit of a zoo-like experience. There are orangutans in Malaysia that are still quite wild and I would like to see them. There is a snub-nosed monkey in China that I would really like to see. I remember that pangolins were on my list of animals I wanted to see, and I’ve seen those now. The one I feel like I have little chance of seeing in the wild is the snow leopard. In some sort of irony, the Toledo Zoo has a few snow leopards but out in the wild, they are pretty much impossible to find.
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Did the animal cruelty, such as the burned cat, the drowning of kittens or endlessly chained up animals strike you at the time as animal cruelty or was that (at the time) just what happened?
Tom Seeman: Obviously the burned cat was a disaster, and no one would think that acceptable then or now. It’s not that long ago that drowning kittens [rather than letting them starve to death] was thought in certain areas of the country as what you did. When you grow up with something–you don’t know any different. You think it is “normal” because everyone has a chained up dog, or there are more kittens than can be cared for. It’s as you get older and get out that you see things differently.
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What is your relationship with religion now? Your wife is Jewish; have you changed your beliefs?
Tom Seeman: As you know from reading the book, I was raised very Catholic, but all my questions were about organized religion, not in questioning the existence of God. I have an analytical, logical mind and organized religion had some inconsistencies that I questioned. I was quite religious when I went to college–I went to church all the time. It was a cathedral-like church in New Haven and it was a place where I could think alone. I have not converted to Judaism — I would say that I follow a more Eastern view of God– not a personal god who is following your missteps – that you are a sum total of what you do in your life.
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Before the book, did your four children know how you grew up?
Tom Seeman: They really didn’t know about it until this book. The stories — our family stories– that were told in their childhood were about trips I had taken or we had taken and animals we had seen. They really didn’t know about my upbringing. I told stories like when a friend and I were chased by Komodo dragons. Those were the scary stories they heard.
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At the end of the book, you write “Remarkably, all my siblings went on to find their own versions of education, fulfillment, and happiness.” Is your mom still alive? What does she think of the book? And what about your siblings?
Tom Seeman: My mom is 92 years old and very much alive, and living with my brother Dan, in a house I gave to her. My siblings have had a range of socio-economic outcomes–I am the most successful financially, but two of my brothers have done very well. All of my siblings but one were willing to be interviewed for the book, and of course we all have different memories. Even my mom started micro-editing a bit and I had to tell her that this is my memoir and my point of view. My mom is very self-effacing but I think she was pleased by how she was portrayed.
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Final question: Is how you grew up still a lens you see through daily? Or is it compartmentalized?
Tom Seeman: I think we all have vestiges of how we grew up that show up later in life. For example, I use a tea bag multiple times and I will wear clothing until it absolutely tears. And I probably notice waste more than others – do we really need one more kitchen gadget? But I also recognize that some things are not worth fighting about. Yes, I do think I see things with a different lens. I would emphasize though that I am a happy person – I have always been happy inside, and I am grateful about how fortunate I am every day.
Themes That Resonate: Cruelty, Resilience, and Hope
While Animals I Want to See is ultimately uplifting, it doesn’t shy away from depicting harsh realities. Seeman recounts witnessing horrific animal cruelty, the pain of losing a pet, and the deep emotional scars inflicted by his father’s cruelty – the one figure for whom empathy is difficult to find. These difficult passages are integral to understanding the depth of the adversity he faced and overcame. The memoir also touches upon his intellectual and spiritual questioning, particularly regarding the Catholic faith that provided educational opportunities but also presented logical inconsistencies to his analytical mind. His experiences as an altar boy, questioning doctrine while performing duties, add layers to his evolving worldview.
Ultimately, Tom Seeman’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience. It’s a fascinating and unlikely narrative of escaping poverty, achieving significant success, and embracing a philosophy of “paying it forward.” In the Afterword, Seeman reflects on the systemic unfairness he observed, questioning if the same opportunities would have been available to him had he been Black. He concludes with a powerful affirmation: “the most important lesson I’ve learned is that every act of kindness, no matter how small, makes a difference.”
Tom Seeman’s journey from the Toledo projects to Yale and beyond is a powerful narrative captured vividly in Animals I Want to See. His reflections on the Animals I Want To See Tom Seeman hoped to encounter serve as a poignant metaphor for aspiration and the pursuit of a better life. The memoir stands as an evocative and thought-provoking read, celebrating determination while emphasizing the profound impact of compassion. His commitment to giving back is evident in initiatives like the scholarship fund established at St. Francis High School in Toledo, ensuring other young boys have the chance to pursue their own educational dreams.
Animals I Want to See: A Memoir of Growing Up in the Projects and Defying the Odds is available for pre-order ahead of its May 14 release date. You can find it at Amazon.com or support local independent bookstores by pre-ordering through Wellesley Books. Learn more about Tom Seeman, find book club discussion questions, and discover more about his story on his website. You can also watch the story of his gift to St. Francis High School here.
