I Wasn't Supposed to Be Here

As seen on Humans of New York, Jonathan Conyers introduces us to the mentors who changed his life as a troubled teen in this "courageous and inspiring" memoir (Stephanie Foo, author of What My Bones Know).

Everybody was rooting for Jonathan Conyers after 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 for the most vulnerable students. In I Wasn’t Supposed to Be Here, Jonathan shares the full story of his incredible journey escaping the precarious circumstances he was born into, and the teachers, mentors, and guides who helped him along the way. ​

Born into a family crippled by addiction and homelessness, Jonathan “failed” kindergarten and was told he would never succeed academically. But instead, Jonathan found ways to defy the limited expectations placed upon him, ultimately realizing his dream of getting into med school. Throughout this heartwarming memoir, we meet the unique and diverse cast of characters who helped him change the trajectory of his life.