Written Off: How One Man’s Journey Through Poverty, Disability and Delinquency is Transforming the Juvenile Justice System

by Hasan Davis, Yael Cohen MA (Editor)

This book is the culmination of a lifetime of love and lessons that have shaped my personal journey from a young man in crisis to a champion for children. There were critical moments in my story where self-appointed “Hope Dealers” like my mother, Alice Lovelace, and my educator, Dr. Lorraine Wilson, intervened in my projected course to failure. The lessons I learned from them became the foundation of my own work with and for young people facing challenges that they often did not believe they can face hopelessness, shame, disability, tragic home life, generally summed up as the trauma, drama, and pain of life.
I have put these lessons into my practice of reaching and teaching young people and try to share them with other caring adults who have committed themselves to being the difference in the lives of the children within their sphere of influence. My name is Hasan Davis, and I am a Hope Dealer. This is my story.

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2015

Reviews

[Jenny Hobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non fiction isn't usually a "must read" for me, but I couldn't put this one down. The author does a great job of portraying the complexity of his early life and education; the moments when things went well or went badly; the good choices he made and the bad; and especially, the complex interactions between the "hope dealers", people who wanted him to succeed, and the people who very much wanted to hold him back. Even though the author's story is extraordinary, he conveyed hope for all the kids who are getting lost in our educational and justice systems, and I came away with a lot of great ideas of how I can "deal hope" to the young students in my life.

[Wendy Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. I started school the same time Hasan did at Berea College. We all have stories that no one else is aware of, I am so glad that Hasan chose to share his in a book. This book created all sorts of emotions in me, I cried, I got mad, I cried again. I had to stop about every 20 pages to let it all sink in, to process the things Hasan wrote about his life. I recommend it to everyone and think that it must be required reading for anyone who works with young people. Thank you, Hasan for sharing your story.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I pre-ordered this book when he made the announcement that he had written a book to his fellow Berea Beloved classmates. I received my email that the book was available and I opened my Kindle expecting to just read a few pages and then I was going to get back to work. Nope, I read the entire book! I am always interested in knowing a person's journey. I was a TA for a class where his sister was a student, enjoyed the poetry books of his mother and now, I got to go back in time and see where it all started for him and see how Berea took a chance on him and as a result he is the outstanding man he is today.

There is a lot of good information in the book, but this one line stands out and resonates with me: "Every day in America, thousand of our children are drained from the robust cradle to career pipeline and flushed down some other pipeline of criminal justice, poverty, race or disability. We can do better. For our children, our families, and our communities, it is time for us to say there are no more acceptable losses, no more children written off."

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to attend an event featuring Mr. Davis as he portrayed York, the sole African American in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He was spellbounding. Mr. Davis has a gift for storytelling, connecting, and lifting those around him. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about his life, struggles, and profound work in social justice. His impact on many is without doubt.

I wish the print edition didn't look so "self-published". Some spacing, page setting, and even some repetitive, overly detailed portions of his life story could have been improved with a gifted editor and publisher.

Don't let these nitpicky editor things keep you from reading and learning from his story. It was a great read.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hasan Davis shares his life and challenges. He came from a poor back ground but the hard part was that he had a learning disability and no one ever made an effort to diagnose his problem or offer help. (this includes college and law school)
His big point is that he never gave up. He was kicked out of many schools and yet he went back and talked the school into allowing him to try again. There were a few people along the way who helped and encouraged him and he calls them "Hope Dealers."
Hasan is an amazing man and has written an encouraging book.

[Jim Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this guy talk at a conference and was really, really moved. His keynote was a brilliant and inspiring spoken word performance, meant to rally the "hope dealers" of the world. The book is the same-- an autobiography, meant to push those of us in the human service field to keep fighting the good fight. The book lacked the charisma and power he brought to a microphone. If you have the choice between seeing him and reading him, go see him.

[Arlenea Higginbotham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required Reading

I truly believe this should be REQUIRED reading for any individual whom may be working with children. Anytime a person who serves children can walk in a child’s shoes there is a spark, a spark of empathy, and I truly hope they are changed to.
Thank you Hasan for telling your story. We are not alone.

[Tracy Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

No words. A personal memoir with professional perspective as to how trauma effects development. Excellent.

[Tanya Bjerke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw him in person and the book was just as good. A must read for people who work with those tough kiddos! Become a hope dealer!

[Patty Corwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Very good read. Will be on a zoom call with him through my JEDI book group

[Morgan Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is no doubt that Davis is an incredibly impressive and world-changing individual, and so this book receives 4 stars. However, let it also be known it is a blatant telling of his life story, which is one worthy of telling, but with little deeper reflection past the facts of the story. If nothing else, it will inspire you to get out and promote change in your community.

[Trevor Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for my GSTR class and I really enjoyed it. Hasan Davis's story is a very inspirational one and I found myself relating to a lot of his experiences. One great thing about this autobiography, though, is that Hasan doesn't try to depict himself as a perfect person and complete victim of society. He admits to making mistakes along his way to success and does what he can to correct them. It's a much appreciated element of realism that lifts this book up.

The book isn't without flaws. The story begins to drag in a few parts and Hasan's motivations for attending law school (which seem to be based off of an off-hand remark from a friend) aren't the most admirable. But aside from that, this is a well-written and inspiring tale that I would recommend to anyone looking for a motivational read.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an advocate for youth engaging with the Child Welfare/Juvenile Justice systems, I found Hasan Davis's personal story of struggle and achievement both inspiring and challenging. As our nation works to reform systems we must find a way to maintain hope in each child's potential. We must then develop programs to foster this hope in youth. We may be tired but we may not give up...

[Steven McCullough · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a gift of a book by a genuine Hope Dealer! I am proud to know Hasan and call him friend. Thank you for sharing your story.

I enjoyed the narrative of Hasan's story and the thread of justice that runs through it all. It paints a vivid picture of everyone and everything it takes to keep a child on the right path.