Pat Conroy is one of America's biggest literature legends. He's the author of multiple novels, as well as a couple of memoirs, too. In fact, two of his novels, The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini, were even adapted to Oscar nominated films. He didn't always lead such a glamourous life - Conroy moved around a lot as a kid due to his father's job in the Marine Corps. By the time he turned 15, he had attended a total of eleven schools.
It was Conroy's novel, The Great Santini, that gave away his secret pain. The main character is based on his own father, and showcases what Conroy went through in terms of physical abuse as a child. The novel was bold for its time and provided a refreshing take on family drama.