Why am I passionate about this?

I've always had a passion for reading deep personal stories that provide me with a better understanding of the world and equip me with the tools and life lessons I need to continue growing as a person. I believe that storytelling's vulnerability is one of the most powerful instruments for self-reflection, self-healing, and ultimately, for us to evolve into better versions of ourselves through introspection.


I wrote

I Wasn't Supposed to Be Here: Finding My Voice, Finding My People, Finding My Way

By Jonathan Conyers,

Book cover of I Wasn't Supposed to Be Here: Finding My Voice, Finding My People, Finding My Way

What is my book about?

As seen on Humans of New York, Jonathan Conyers introduces us to the teachers, his debate coach, a homeless man,…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of When Crack Was King: A People's History of a Misunderstood Era

Jonathan Conyers Why did I love this book?

Growing up in a household where both of my parents battled crack addiction was extremely difficult. It caused deep-seated feelings of resentment, anger, and a profound lack of trust in both my parents and society as a whole. Not being able to rely on my parents, and witnessing them consistently choose drugs over their family, was incredibly painful, especially for a child.

Reading this book brought me closer to my parents and helped me understand that their addiction was just a symptom of a much larger issue that extended beyond our home. I found a connection with characters like Elgin Swift and delving into the crack epidemic during the time my parents were growing up was truly eye-opening.

This experience allowed me to feel a deeper bond with my parents and gain a better understanding of their struggles. 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has loved ones facing crack addiction and is dealing with barriers that prevent them from connecting with their community. It provides valuable insights and can be a significant part of your healing journey.

By Donovan X. Ramsey,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked When Crack Was King as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A “vivid and frank” (NPR) account of the crack cocaine era and a community’s ultimate resilience, told through a cast of characters whose lives illuminate the dramatic rise and fall of the epidemic
 
“A poignant and compelling re-examination of a tragic era in America history . . . insightful . . . and deeply moving.”—Bryan Stevenson, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Just Mercy

The crack epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s is arguably the least examined crisis in American history. Beginning with the myths inspired by Reagan’s war on drugs, journalist Donovan X. Ramsey’s exacting analysis traces…


Book cover of What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma

Jonathan Conyers Why did I love this book?

In this memoir, Stephanie Foo, in my opinion, displayed remarkable courage and vulnerability.

The idea that you don't necessarily have to "move on" from your trauma but can instead learn to live with it was truly eye-opening for me. Often, we feel the pressure to completely move on and bury the difficult experiences we've endured in life, rather than accepting them and discovering ways to better cope.

Despite all the hardships Stephanie had to endure, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her relationship with Joey and how he became an integral part of her support system and healing journey.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who has C-PTSD and for anyone learning how to cope with the trauma they have faced in their life.

By Stephanie Foo,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked What My Bones Know as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A searing memoir of reckoning and healing by acclaimed journalist Stephanie Foo, investigating the little-understood science behind complex PTSD and how it has shaped her life

“Achingly exquisite . . . providing real hope for those who long to heal.”—Lori Gottlieb, New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, NPR, Mashable, She Reads, Publishers Weekly

By age thirty, Stephanie Foo was successful on paper: She had her dream job as an award-winning radio producer at This American Life and…


Book cover of You Owe You: Ignite Your Power, Your Purpose, and Your Why

Jonathan Conyers Why did I love this book?

ET is a formidable force, and this book unequivocally proves it.

It underscores the importance of taking control of your life and embarking on the journey to become the best version of yourself – something we all aspire to. ET breaks down this journey and shares the secrets to waking up, taking action, and uncovering your "why."

I highly recommend this book to anyone in search of motivation and a roadmap for achieving their full potential. It serves as a vital first step that we all must take, which in return will lead us to build a support network of village members on our path towards greatness.

By Eric Thomas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked You Owe You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “You Owe You is full of insight and guidance for those seeking their inner selves.”—MICHAEL B. JORDAN
 
No matter your story or your struggle, Eric Thomas—celebrated motivational guru, educator, and problem-solver to many of the top athletes and business leaders—will “help you work harder, discover your real motivation, and crack the code of enduring success” (Ed Mylett, #1 bestselling author of The Power of One More)

If you feel like success is for others, that only certain people get to have their dreams fulfilled, Eric Thomas’s You Owe You is your wake-up call. His urgent…


Book cover of Solito: A Memoir

Jonathan Conyers Why did I love this book?

This is a remarkable story of resilience, providing an intimate look at the immense challenges of migration and the near-impossibility of relocating from one country to another.

What struck me the most were the members of Javier's village. There were numerous powerful moments where people were willing to go the extra mile to help one another in times of need. The kindness and love among them were essential for their arduous journey from Mexico to the USA.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Unfortunately, it tells a painful yet powerful story that many people must confront daily when they have no choice but to leave their homes.

By Javier Zamora,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked Solito as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

New York Times Bestseller • Read With Jenna Book Club Pick as seen on Today • Winner of the Los Angeles Times Christopher Isherwood Prize for Autobiography • Winner of the American Library Association Alex Award

A young poet tells the inspiring story of his migration from El Salvador to the United States at the age of nine in this “gripping memoir” (NPR) of bravery, hope, and finding family.  

Finalist for the PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction • One of the New York Public Library’s Ten Best Books of the Year

Longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence…


Book cover of The People We Keep

Jonathan Conyers Why did I love this book?

This novel was extremely moving and emotionally gripping.

The major lesson that stood out to me was that even tragedy can lead to blessings. This resonated with my personal life, and how through all the chaos, the protagonist finds a sense of community and village members she can hold on to. The character was brought to life in a way I have never seen before, and every moment of this book felt so vivid and genuine.

An emotional rollercoaster but beautifully told story. I highly recommend this book.

By Allison Larkin,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The People We Keep as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Little River, New York, 1994: April Sawicki is living in a motorless motorhome that her father won in a poker game. Failing out of school, picking up shifts at Margo's diner, she's left fending for herself in a town where she's never quite felt at home. When she "borrows" her neighbor's car to perform at an open mic night, she realizes her life could be much bigger than where she came from. After a fight with her dad, April packs her stuff and leaves for good, setting off on a journey to find a life that's all hers.


Explore my book 😀

I Wasn't Supposed to Be Here: Finding My Voice, Finding My People, Finding My Way

By Jonathan Conyers,

Book cover of I Wasn't Supposed to Be Here: Finding My Voice, Finding My People, Finding My Way

What is my book about?

As seen on Humans of New York, Jonathan Conyers introduces us to the teachers, his debate coach, a homeless man, and a boy named Diego who changed his life.

Everybody was rooting for Jonathan Conyers after seeing his profile on Humans of New York went viral and sparked millions in donations to the Brooklyn Debate League. The kid who went from struggling to read to being a breakout star on his high school debate team, thanks to a life-changing friendship with his transgender debate coach, captured the heart of America. Jonathan’s story highlights the important role teachers play in opening up worlds of opportunity. Jonathan shares the full story of his incredible journey escaping the precarious circumstances he was born into, and those who helped him along the way.

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Secret St. Augustine: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

By Elizabeth Randall, William Randall,

Book cover of Secret St. Augustine: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

Elizabeth Randall Author Of Fire is the Test of Gold

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Reader Baker Teacher Matriarch Adventurer

Elizabeth's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

Tourists and local residents of St. Augustine will enjoy reading about the secret wonders of their ancient city that are right under their noses. Of course, that includes a few stray corpses and ghosts!

Secret St. Augustine: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

By Elizabeth Randall, William Randall,

What is this book about?

It is no wonder the ancient city of St. Augustine is steeped in secrets. St. Johns, the oldest continuously occupied county in America celebrated its 450th birthday on September 4, 2015. More like a European enclave than an urban landscape, it is a place of cannon fire, street parties, historical reenactments, concerts, and more. From admiring replicas of fine art at Ripley’s Believe or Not, to hunting haunts in restaurants and museums, to eating ice cream from a recipe originated by World War II bombardiers, St. Augustine has it all from beaches, gourmet dining, festivals, and attractions. A young and…


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