First published 2025
Jonathan Capehart opens his memoir by examining the dual worlds that shaped his early years. The future MSNBC anchor and Pulitzer Prize winner grew up shuttling between New Jersey and rural North Carolina, navigating questions of racial identity without his father present. He faced constant challenges about being too smart or not smart enough, too Black or not Black enough. A pivotal internship at The Today Show changed everything, setting him toward his broadcasting dreams. At Carleton College, Capehart discovered a community where he could embrace his identity as a gay Black man. He describes the fear and courage required to come out to his family, knowing rejection was possible. Moving to New York City brought fresh obstacles as he worked to establish himself in journalism. Through repeated setbacks and recoveries, Capehart built the career that made him a recognizable voice in cable news. This memoir captures his search for belonging and purpose across different communities and stages of life.
Genres: african-american, autobiography, biography-memoir, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family
Setting: New Jersey, North Carolina, New York City, Carleton College
Period: 21st Century
272 pages · Hardcover · Grand Central Publishing