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Someone's Someone: A Memoir of Motherhood, Mental Illness, and Not Taking No for an Answer
In this deeply personal and emotionally layered memoir, Someone's Someone, author Javonnie Shearn recounts the journey of trying to help her son, Chris, navigate life after being released from the Oregon State Hospital. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a fragmented mental health system that continually fails those who need it most.
As Chris struggles with schizophrenia and homelessness, Javonnie does everything in her power to protect him. Yet despite her efforts, the cracks in the system grow wider, and the weight of frustration and helplessness presses in.
At its core, this is a story of resilience—both a mother's and a son's—and the painful beauty of showing up for someone even when the result is uncertain. Through adversity, the author transforms anguish into action.
Heart-wrenching yet hopeful, Someone's Someone is a call to bear witness, to listen more closely, and to never stop loving.
Author Shearn is the founder of Up and Over, a mission-driven organization in Oregon, and the founder of Glenda’s Garden, both created to support individuals navigating housing instability, mental illness, trauma, and recovery. She served as Chair of the Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board and is recognized for her leadership in mental health advocacy and culturally responsive care.
A mother of five—four sons and one daughter—Javonnie brings deep personal experience to her work and writing. Her third son, Chris, was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and his journey through illness, homelessness, and institutional failure inspired her debut book. She shares her story to shine a light on the gaps in our systems and the power of community, family, and faith in the face of unimaginable loss.
Javonnie lives in Oregon, where she continues to advocate for justice, healing, and hope for all families impacted by mental illness, addition and trauma.
As Chris struggles with schizophrenia and homelessness, Javonnie does everything in her power to protect him. Yet despite her efforts, the cracks in the system grow wider, and the weight of frustration and helplessness presses in.
At its core, this is a story of resilience—both a mother's and a son's—and the painful beauty of showing up for someone even when the result is uncertain. Through adversity, the author transforms anguish into action.
Heart-wrenching yet hopeful, Someone's Someone is a call to bear witness, to listen more closely, and to never stop loving.
Author Shearn is the founder of Up and Over, a mission-driven organization in Oregon, and the founder of Glenda’s Garden, both created to support individuals navigating housing instability, mental illness, trauma, and recovery. She served as Chair of the Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board and is recognized for her leadership in mental health advocacy and culturally responsive care.
A mother of five—four sons and one daughter—Javonnie brings deep personal experience to her work and writing. Her third son, Chris, was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and his journey through illness, homelessness, and institutional failure inspired her debut book. She shares her story to shine a light on the gaps in our systems and the power of community, family, and faith in the face of unimaginable loss.
Javonnie lives in Oregon, where she continues to advocate for justice, healing, and hope for all families impacted by mental illness, addition and trauma.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2025
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January 10, 2026
Someone’s Someone is a raw and deeply human memoir that explores motherhood, mental illness, and the relentless fight to be seen when the system would rather look away. Javonnie Shearn writes with honesty and courage.
This is not a polished or sugar coated narrative and that is exactly what makes it powerful. The book captures the exhaustion, love, fear and resilience that coexist when motherhood and mental health collide. It challenges the reader to sit with difficult emotions and to recognize the humanity behind labels and diagnoses.
At its core, this memoir is a reminder that every person matters and that behind every struggle is a story worth hearing. Someone’s Someone is a moving and thought provoking read that stays with you long after the final page.
This is not a polished or sugar coated narrative and that is exactly what makes it powerful. The book captures the exhaustion, love, fear and resilience that coexist when motherhood and mental health collide. It challenges the reader to sit with difficult emotions and to recognize the humanity behind labels and diagnoses.
At its core, this memoir is a reminder that every person matters and that behind every struggle is a story worth hearing. Someone’s Someone is a moving and thought provoking read that stays with you long after the final page.
Displaying 1 of 1 review