I just finished reading John Turner's memoir, and I'm still reeling. This is not your typical success story. John grew up in the harshest projects of Boston – a deaf black man surrounded by the temptations of crime, drugs, and poverty. But here's the kicker: from a young age, he started hearing voices in his head. Not your average internal monologue, but the sound of "Spirit" guiding him through the minefield of his childhood.

 

This disembodied voice warned John when to duck for cover as gunfire echoed through the streets, steered him clear of the wrong crowd, and even whispered advice on how to turn his life around. It sounds far-fetched, but John's story is so raw, so authentic, you can't help but believe him.

 

What unfolds is a rollercoaster of heartbreak, narrow escapes, and ultimately, triumph. John's journey is a testament to the human spirit's boundless potential when paired with a dash of the inexplicable. This book will keep you up all night, flipping pages, wondering what's going to happen next.

 

John's voice is constantly injected into this harrowing tale: it's real, it's gritty, and it's inspiring. He doesn't sugarcoat the harsh realities he faced, but he also doesn't ask for pity. Instead, he shares his story with a humility and openness that's humbling.

 

This story stands out among many stories I've read. It's a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a little faith – in yourself, in something bigger than yourself – to overcome even the tallest odds. John's story is a punch to the gut and a kick in the pants, wrapped in a healthy dose of hope.

 

If you're looking for a read that will shake you out of your comfort zone, make you rethink what's possible, and maybe even spark a little faith of your own, pick up John's book. I'm still processing it days later, and I know it's a story that will stick with me for a long time.

 

All the best,

 

Dr. Neal Blaxberg