Growing up wasn’t so joyous for Joy Harjo.

Joy Harjo

The noted American Indian poet and musician chronicles her troubled childhood and teenage motherhood in her new book, “Crazy Brave.”

In the book, Harjo talks about how dealing with her alcoholic father, an abusive stepfather and being a teen mom nearly pushed her over the edge. It was through poetry that Harjo passed through the turmoil.

Harjo will read from her memoir at the University at Albany this week as part of the New York State Writers Institute’s Visiting Writers Series.

4:15 p.m. seminar, 8 p.m. reading; Thursday. Free. Room 375, UAlbany Campus Center, Uptown campus, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany. 442-5620; http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst
A reception will be held following the evening event.