Later on in childhood Harlan soon discovered his love for comic books and literature through the children’s column of the Cleveland News, eventually
leading him to shoplifting books like his first science fiction The Other Side of the Moon by August Derleth. Because of his Jewish roots and smaller stature Harlan was often bullied and beaten by other kids during his time in school, giving him an early taste of alienation and anger. This also pushed him to run away from home frequently where he later began working different jobs such as a short stop cook or truck driver. In ‘49 when Harlan was only 15 years old his father died of a heart attack in front of him.