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Miseducated: A Memoir
An inspiring memoir of one man's transformation through literature and debate from a delinquent, drug-dealing dropout to an award-winning Harvard educator -- all by the age of 27.
Brandon Fleming grew up in an abusive home, subject to the brutal rages of his stepfather, a cocaine-addicted Baptist preacher. Spirit broken, Fleming became a threat to everyone around him. He was shuffled through school, his passing grades a nod to his skill on the basketball court, not his presence in the classroom. He turned to the streets, a life of drug deals and violence, saved only by the dream of basketball stardom.
Fleming earned a chance to play for a Division I school. But when he suffered a career-ending injury during his first semester, he dropped out of college. He spent the next years toiling on an assembly line, until the depression that stalked him drove him to the edge. Miraculously, his life was spared.
Returning to college, Fleming was determined to reinvent himself as a scholar -- to replace illiteracy with mastery over language, to go from being ignored and unseen to commanding attention. He immersed himself in the work of Black thinkers, from the Harlem Renaissance to present day. Crucially, he found debate, which became the means by which he transformed his life, and the tool he would use to transform the lives of others -- teaching disadvantaged kids to be intrusive in places that are not inclusive, eventually at Harvard University, where he would make champions and history.
Through his personal narrative, readers witness Fleming's personal transformation, self education, and how he takes what he learns about words and power to help others like himself. Not a "10 steps to personal transformation" or "how to go from the 'hood to Harvard," Miseducated is an honest personal narrative about resilience, visibility, role models, and overcoming all expectations.
Brandon Fleming grew up in an abusive home, subject to the brutal rages of his stepfather, a cocaine-addicted Baptist preacher. Spirit broken, Fleming became a threat to everyone around him. He was shuffled through school, his passing grades a nod to his skill on the basketball court, not his presence in the classroom. He turned to the streets, a life of drug deals and violence, saved only by the dream of basketball stardom.
Fleming earned a chance to play for a Division I school. But when he suffered a career-ending injury during his first semester, he dropped out of college. He spent the next years toiling on an assembly line, until the depression that stalked him drove him to the edge. Miraculously, his life was spared.
Returning to college, Fleming was determined to reinvent himself as a scholar -- to replace illiteracy with mastery over language, to go from being ignored and unseen to commanding attention. He immersed himself in the work of Black thinkers, from the Harlem Renaissance to present day. Crucially, he found debate, which became the means by which he transformed his life, and the tool he would use to transform the lives of others -- teaching disadvantaged kids to be intrusive in places that are not inclusive, eventually at Harvard University, where he would make champions and history.
Through his personal narrative, readers witness Fleming's personal transformation, self education, and how he takes what he learns about words and power to help others like himself. Not a "10 steps to personal transformation" or "how to go from the 'hood to Harvard," Miseducated is an honest personal narrative about resilience, visibility, role models, and overcoming all expectations.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published June 15, 2021
82 people are currently reading
3284 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
June 9, 2023
This is a truly beautiful memoir. Brandon Fleming was brutally honest about the abuse and hardships he endured as a child and I was honored to read what he was sharing. Brandon thought basketball would be his ticket out of gang life, drug dealing, and poverty, but when he injures himself just before college and before he could get a scholarship his life seems aimless. Somehow through that he found his direction in going back to college and finding his calling as a leader, debater, and teacher. The amazing work he did with at risk or underprivileged kids was beautiful to read about. I hadn’t heard of Brandon Fleming, but I will be looking into him more and the Harvard Diversity Project (and I’ve been to that campus, this was a much needed project). This book was a quick read and such a heart warming story.
June 14, 2021
If "Started from the bottom now we here" was a book.
Wow. This is a helluva story.
Brandon reminds me of people from my same hood. People from my high school. People that others counted out and gave up on.
“Black youth, no matter how gifted or talented, miss out on opportunities because their family’s earning power is less than their white classmates’. Lack of access, not lack of ability, often keeps Black people from accomplishing what they could in a more equitable world.”
This definitely rings true for me and others who grew up in ‘the hood.’ We were very Black and talented kids, who had no resources or access to programs that could take us away from our environment and/or provide us with the necessary exposure to get ahead in life. If you got out of the hood, you were an exception; not the norm.
Brandon tells the story of many young Black kids, who needed direction, support, and accountability while growing up. He experienced a life of pain, suffering, despair, hopelessness by the hands of the ones who were supposed to protect him. However, because of the vicious cycle of domestic violence and substance abuse, and lack of parental support, Brandon turned to the only things that could be there for him when he needed it.
Many topics discussed in this book:
- Systemic racism
- Domestic violence
- Substance abuse
- Parenting
- Black male/youth stigmas
- Imposter syndrome
- Mental health
- Micro/Macro Aggression
- Self-worth
His story is a story of inspiration. People say they don’t believe in God or a higher power, they are crazy! God is making qualified people every single day. He is moving mountains. He is performing miracles. He is protecting and providing, loving and blessing. Though the human being has natural sinful tendencies, along with free will, we are then subjected to the free will of all people. That includes the violence and abuse that befalls us. The world is broken, and for that, all I can say is God grants us mercy and blessings daily. Trust in Him that all will turn out well eventually because he has a plan for all of this.
Brandon is no exception. God had, and still has, a plan for his life. Through all the trouble he went through, God saw him through. He showed up for Brandon on numerous occasions, and it just goes to show that you should not count someone out. Even if you are counting yourself out, God is not willing to count you out.
Brandon’s story should be shared across the globe because if he can do it, and learn to shift his thinking, and practice his deficiencies, and learn how to hone skills, others have the capacity to do so as well. Young Black men and women, need support, resources, access, belief, self-esteem, and self-confidence to push themselves past that comfortable threshold. It is no secret that we grow through painful experiences, but if you can channel those experiences and failures into opportunities, you will become amazing! Having the right support system is vital to young Black youth, and teachers and those who have a direct link to young people should definitely feel encouraged because a word, or a hug, or a nod, can make a difference in some person’s life when they need it most.
Brandon is living his dream, and living his life on purpose and this book made me so proud of the growth he accomplished within himself. God used his circumstances to build him up, and I’m just amazed at what God can do with a person who counted even himself down and out. This book was stellar, and I highly encourage young teens and also adults to read his story. Don’t give up on yourself! Keep pushing. There will be a breakthrough eventually!
The language and vernacular that Brandon uses in this book immediately transported me back home, to my block, to my street, and to my friends I grew up with. I felt like he was a homeboy that I could easily relate with while reading this book. I know Black people are not a monolith, but I swear we were all raised the same! I laughed, I cried, I was angry, I was emotional, I was pensive, I was anxious… I mean, I ran through the entire gamut of emotions in this book, and I loved every minute of Brandon P. Fleming’s story. 5 stars.
Side note: The use of the word n*gga is used quite often in this book. The word is used in AAVE to describe a host of things, as it is used in this book.
Wow. This is a helluva story.
Brandon reminds me of people from my same hood. People from my high school. People that others counted out and gave up on.
“Black youth, no matter how gifted or talented, miss out on opportunities because their family’s earning power is less than their white classmates’. Lack of access, not lack of ability, often keeps Black people from accomplishing what they could in a more equitable world.”
This definitely rings true for me and others who grew up in ‘the hood.’ We were very Black and talented kids, who had no resources or access to programs that could take us away from our environment and/or provide us with the necessary exposure to get ahead in life. If you got out of the hood, you were an exception; not the norm.
Brandon tells the story of many young Black kids, who needed direction, support, and accountability while growing up. He experienced a life of pain, suffering, despair, hopelessness by the hands of the ones who were supposed to protect him. However, because of the vicious cycle of domestic violence and substance abuse, and lack of parental support, Brandon turned to the only things that could be there for him when he needed it.
Many topics discussed in this book:
- Systemic racism
- Domestic violence
- Substance abuse
- Parenting
- Black male/youth stigmas
- Imposter syndrome
- Mental health
- Micro/Macro Aggression
- Self-worth
His story is a story of inspiration. People say they don’t believe in God or a higher power, they are crazy! God is making qualified people every single day. He is moving mountains. He is performing miracles. He is protecting and providing, loving and blessing. Though the human being has natural sinful tendencies, along with free will, we are then subjected to the free will of all people. That includes the violence and abuse that befalls us. The world is broken, and for that, all I can say is God grants us mercy and blessings daily. Trust in Him that all will turn out well eventually because he has a plan for all of this.
Brandon is no exception. God had, and still has, a plan for his life. Through all the trouble he went through, God saw him through. He showed up for Brandon on numerous occasions, and it just goes to show that you should not count someone out. Even if you are counting yourself out, God is not willing to count you out.
Brandon’s story should be shared across the globe because if he can do it, and learn to shift his thinking, and practice his deficiencies, and learn how to hone skills, others have the capacity to do so as well. Young Black men and women, need support, resources, access, belief, self-esteem, and self-confidence to push themselves past that comfortable threshold. It is no secret that we grow through painful experiences, but if you can channel those experiences and failures into opportunities, you will become amazing! Having the right support system is vital to young Black youth, and teachers and those who have a direct link to young people should definitely feel encouraged because a word, or a hug, or a nod, can make a difference in some person’s life when they need it most.
Brandon is living his dream, and living his life on purpose and this book made me so proud of the growth he accomplished within himself. God used his circumstances to build him up, and I’m just amazed at what God can do with a person who counted even himself down and out. This book was stellar, and I highly encourage young teens and also adults to read his story. Don’t give up on yourself! Keep pushing. There will be a breakthrough eventually!
The language and vernacular that Brandon uses in this book immediately transported me back home, to my block, to my street, and to my friends I grew up with. I felt like he was a homeboy that I could easily relate with while reading this book. I know Black people are not a monolith, but I swear we were all raised the same! I laughed, I cried, I was angry, I was emotional, I was pensive, I was anxious… I mean, I ran through the entire gamut of emotions in this book, and I loved every minute of Brandon P. Fleming’s story. 5 stars.
Side note: The use of the word n*gga is used quite often in this book. The word is used in AAVE to describe a host of things, as it is used in this book.
December 13, 2021
More thoughts to come, but definitely a dope memoir.
Fleming's story and mindset are both inspiring to say the least.
Fleming's story and mindset are both inspiring to say the least.
March 13, 2021
Miseducated has “Starring Denzel Washington” written all over it or perhaps someone younger like Michael B Jordan or Daniel Kaluuya — idk but I do know that as I was reading this story I felt like I was watching the movie in my head.
Thank you @netgalley and @bpfleming for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Brandon Fleming is a young black man who survived physical & sexual abuse, neglect, gang banging, drug dealing, a failed college basketball career, and a suicide attempt to become a teacher, mentor and director & founder of the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Program — a program that gives black youth in Atlanta the opportunity to study and compete at Harvard’s summer debate residency.
Most of the transformation stories that we hear are from people who are much older reflecting on their past experiences through the Jim Crow era or the Civil Right Movement. This is a story about someone who came of age during the ‘big white T-shirt with Timbs’ phase of the 90s/00s. This story is from someone who “Milly Rocked” and “Cranked Dat Soulja Boy” on the dance floor at prom — someone from MY generation. That’s what I appreciate most about this story. It’s real and relevant!
I love the message in the title of this memoir, Miseducated. Some of us aren’t just underprivileged or poor, rather we are taught too much about things that are irrelevant to our struggle or we lack the teachings of things that can elevate us. We’re taught how to survive the streets and not how to survive in the corporate world because a lot of our family members & peers never really made it out of the streets to begin with. We’re taught about Abe Lincoln & Shakespeare but not taught enough about WEB Dubois & Langston Hughes. That’s what it means to be miseducated.
Miseducated deserves to be on the big screen — think the transformation of Malcolm X movie meets the triumph of The Great Debaters!
Thank you @netgalley and @bpfleming for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Brandon Fleming is a young black man who survived physical & sexual abuse, neglect, gang banging, drug dealing, a failed college basketball career, and a suicide attempt to become a teacher, mentor and director & founder of the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Program — a program that gives black youth in Atlanta the opportunity to study and compete at Harvard’s summer debate residency.
Most of the transformation stories that we hear are from people who are much older reflecting on their past experiences through the Jim Crow era or the Civil Right Movement. This is a story about someone who came of age during the ‘big white T-shirt with Timbs’ phase of the 90s/00s. This story is from someone who “Milly Rocked” and “Cranked Dat Soulja Boy” on the dance floor at prom — someone from MY generation. That’s what I appreciate most about this story. It’s real and relevant!
I love the message in the title of this memoir, Miseducated. Some of us aren’t just underprivileged or poor, rather we are taught too much about things that are irrelevant to our struggle or we lack the teachings of things that can elevate us. We’re taught how to survive the streets and not how to survive in the corporate world because a lot of our family members & peers never really made it out of the streets to begin with. We’re taught about Abe Lincoln & Shakespeare but not taught enough about WEB Dubois & Langston Hughes. That’s what it means to be miseducated.
Miseducated deserves to be on the big screen — think the transformation of Malcolm X movie meets the triumph of The Great Debaters!
August 15, 2021
Brandon Fleming is so inspiring, but also a survivor. Some parts reminded me of the book Heavy by Kiese Laymon, because he talks in detail about some really raw and graphic experiences he's faced.
Brandon's writing is really captivating, I couldn't put it down! Many parts hit me hard, and I really felt his pain through his writing. We see what he had to overcome and how much he's accomplished, his transformation just truly shows us how remarkable he is!
I think this is the perfect book to start with if you don't read that much nonfiction as it's very easy to follow and it reads like fiction. If you're already a nonfiction/memoir lover, you'll love this one like I did! Highly recommend this book!
Thank you to Hachette Books for the review copy!
Brandon's writing is really captivating, I couldn't put it down! Many parts hit me hard, and I really felt his pain through his writing. We see what he had to overcome and how much he's accomplished, his transformation just truly shows us how remarkable he is!
I think this is the perfect book to start with if you don't read that much nonfiction as it's very easy to follow and it reads like fiction. If you're already a nonfiction/memoir lover, you'll love this one like I did! Highly recommend this book!
Thank you to Hachette Books for the review copy!
July 17, 2021
Wow. Just wow. When I requested this ARC, I briefly read the synopsis, but I can’t honestly say I understood Fleming’s accomplishments or what this story would bring. I am absolutely blown away and couldn’t put this book down. I mean, I had to during work hours but you better believe I was thinking about this book during meetings.
Every teacher needs to read this. Every human needs to read this.
I’ve listened to so many stories about privilege, what comes with it, and what it means in our society to be Black. Will I fully understand it as a white woman? Absolutely not. But, this story elevated everything I’ve learned so far. By no means was it new information, but something about Fleming’s storytelling struck a chord. It’s brutally honest, powerful, and truthfully, the inspiration each person needs.
The title alone was the first message in the book. What does it mean to be miseducated? It’s not giving kids a chance. It’s stereotyping them from day one teaching them how to survive in life rather than helping create the best possible version of themself. Fleming is proof that if you give someone a chance, or even a second chance, they can create so much good for the world.
I am in awe of Fleming. His story is absolutely incredible. My heart ached for him yet cheered for him towards the end of this book. While he was hyping up his scholars, I was hyping him up in my mind hoping for the best possible outcome.
And bonus for me, I didn’t realize his journey navigated through Atlanta! He mentioned so many familiar spots in town that excited me even more.
If I could have a book wish answered, it would be for everyone to read this story.
Content warnings: racism, drug use, suicide attempt, sexual assault
Thank you Hachette books for the finished copy!
Every teacher needs to read this. Every human needs to read this.
I’ve listened to so many stories about privilege, what comes with it, and what it means in our society to be Black. Will I fully understand it as a white woman? Absolutely not. But, this story elevated everything I’ve learned so far. By no means was it new information, but something about Fleming’s storytelling struck a chord. It’s brutally honest, powerful, and truthfully, the inspiration each person needs.
The title alone was the first message in the book. What does it mean to be miseducated? It’s not giving kids a chance. It’s stereotyping them from day one teaching them how to survive in life rather than helping create the best possible version of themself. Fleming is proof that if you give someone a chance, or even a second chance, they can create so much good for the world.
I am in awe of Fleming. His story is absolutely incredible. My heart ached for him yet cheered for him towards the end of this book. While he was hyping up his scholars, I was hyping him up in my mind hoping for the best possible outcome.
And bonus for me, I didn’t realize his journey navigated through Atlanta! He mentioned so many familiar spots in town that excited me even more.
If I could have a book wish answered, it would be for everyone to read this story.
Content warnings: racism, drug use, suicide attempt, sexual assault
Thank you Hachette books for the finished copy!
September 18, 2021
One of the best autobiographies I have read this year. A true story of rising above your situation and become the person you want to be. Truly inspiring.
March 5, 2022
Brandon Fleming's story is harrowing, traumatic, and an all too familiar reality for anyone who teaches in public education. As a child, Fleming lived in an abusive home where his siblings lived in fear of his abusive step father and where good parenting was absent. His peers became his parents as he learned the rules of being a black man in New York, which consisted of drugs, women, and a life that most certainly did not include education. The only thing that got him by in school was his love of basketball. But when he suffered a career-ending injury, he had to figure out his identity outside of his sport. Left only with his meager education, he begins pursuing a college degree, facing immense challenges and roadblocks along the way. But his story, unlike so many black and brown students in America, has a happy ending -- he was able to get that education and now spends his life teaching others why its important to meet kids where they are and love our students beyond common misconceptions and stereotypes.
I read this book first as a memoir, but second as an educator. As Fleming details many of his issues with public education, I found resonances with the stories of some of my students. While this book's main aim is telling his life story, it is also incredibly relevant for educators in building empathy with students who are often categorized as "lazy" or "defiant" in the most positive conversations and "thugs" or "failures" in the most negative. His narrative is an alarm bell for teachers to make their practice more culturally responsive, to meet students where they're at, and to ensure they view all of their students as capable of success and find the real reasons they are disconnected with the curriculum. His story will not only be relevant to educators, but also students who see their stories in his life. Perhaps they can't relate to this level of trauma, but I'm sure this book would reflect how many students see their relationship with school.
I see this book pairing well with books commonly taught in high school now, like "Educated", offering a more realistic journey for some of my students, and I'm sure others in America.
I read this book first as a memoir, but second as an educator. As Fleming details many of his issues with public education, I found resonances with the stories of some of my students. While this book's main aim is telling his life story, it is also incredibly relevant for educators in building empathy with students who are often categorized as "lazy" or "defiant" in the most positive conversations and "thugs" or "failures" in the most negative. His narrative is an alarm bell for teachers to make their practice more culturally responsive, to meet students where they're at, and to ensure they view all of their students as capable of success and find the real reasons they are disconnected with the curriculum. His story will not only be relevant to educators, but also students who see their stories in his life. Perhaps they can't relate to this level of trauma, but I'm sure this book would reflect how many students see their relationship with school.
I see this book pairing well with books commonly taught in high school now, like "Educated", offering a more realistic journey for some of my students, and I'm sure others in America.
June 21, 2021
This memoir is so fascinating and inspiring! Miseducated details Brandon Flemings life, from school drop out to Harvard educator. After suffering years of abuse at the hands of his stepfather, Brandon turned to the streets. Drug use, crime, and failing at school ran rampant in his life. This is the starting point for his life yet now he’s a Harvard educator, using his story to help other disadvantaged youth. His story from point A to B is fascinating. I loved learning his story. I loved learning about his “helpers” along the way. As a school educator this is something I strive for in my own life, to be a helper and encourager for the students. I loved learning about how he’s using his story to help others. While the end of the book feels like somewhat of a brag, when you think about where he came from and all that he’s overcome- brag away Brandon. This was beautifully written and extremely powerful. He was courageous and vulnerable in sharing his story. And by doing so, he will inspire a lot of lives. I absolutely loved this memoir and give it the full 5 ⭐️. My thanks to @hachettebooks for the gifted copy!
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December 13, 2021I found his exaltation of PWIs (Harvard in particular) as the pinnacle of higher education exhausting. I would have thought that he would have more reverence for HBCUs especially given his appreciation of black culture. Of course as a Howard grad, I am unapologetically biased.
There were little things that bothered me. His contradiction of not wanting his scholars to perform for people’s entertainment but then allowing them to blast Migos and milly rock on Harvard’s campus stood out to me. His introducing how he became his brother’s guardian but not following up on what happened to him. It is a fine memoir and probably helpful for people to understand some of the challenges of being a black male but it didn’t hit for me the way I had hoped it would. The author seems to be his biggest fan so my opinion obviously doesn’t mean much.
There were little things that bothered me. His contradiction of not wanting his scholars to perform for people’s entertainment but then allowing them to blast Migos and milly rock on Harvard’s campus stood out to me. His introducing how he became his brother’s guardian but not following up on what happened to him. It is a fine memoir and probably helpful for people to understand some of the challenges of being a black male but it didn’t hit for me the way I had hoped it would. The author seems to be his biggest fan so my opinion obviously doesn’t mean much.
December 5, 2025
Miseducated deserves to be turned into a movie. Brandon P. Fleming recounts his journey through hardship, including physical and sexual abuse, gang involvement, poverty, drug dealing, a failed basketball career, educators that consistently underestimate him, a suicide attempt, ultimately becoming a teacher, mentor, and the director and founder of the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Program. This program offers Black youth in Atlanta a chance to learn and contend in Harvard’s summer debate program.
The writing is great, and I had a hard time putting it down. I paused on three other books that I was currently reading so I could focus only on this one. This is one of the best memoirs that I have read all year. Teachers are heroes. This book was very fascinating and inspiring. Loved it. It gets all the stars!
The writing is great, and I had a hard time putting it down. I paused on three other books that I was currently reading so I could focus only on this one. This is one of the best memoirs that I have read all year. Teachers are heroes. This book was very fascinating and inspiring. Loved it. It gets all the stars!
August 5, 2023
Amazing! This book exceeded my expectations and left me with chills and in tears at certain parts. I did not know Brandon Fleming before this book, but his story sounded interesting.
I am hear to say that he is an amazing speaker, writer, human being and I am glad I stumbled upon this book! I listened to the audiobook and can't recommend this book via audiobook enough.
I am hear to say that he is an amazing speaker, writer, human being and I am glad I stumbled upon this book! I listened to the audiobook and can't recommend this book via audiobook enough.
May 16, 2022
This one gets all of the stars!
November 19, 2023
Honestly this may be one of the best memoirs I’ve read. The transformation in Fleming’s life is incredible and inspiring. As an educator, it was interesting to see the education system through his eyes as a student with the experiences he had at home and at school which are similar to what my own students go through. But even more he took those experiences and began to transform education and his own students’ lives. This book is a must read for teachers, leaders, and anyone who wants to be inspired. May we all love first and teach second.
May 19, 2024
One of the best books I’ve ever read, couldn’t recommend it more
September 3, 2024
Eye-opening, inspiring, and engaging—these words perfectly capture my experience with this memoir. Fleming’s storytelling is both vivid and brutally honest, skillfully painting a clear picture of the intense struggles he faced throughout his life. From the depths of hardship to the heights of achievement, Fleming takes readers on a journey that is as heart-wrenching as it is uplifting. What truly makes this memoir shine is its ability to balance the darker aspects of the story with moments of resilience and hope. Fleming doesn’t just share a tale of survival; he offers a narrative filled with inspiration, showing how perseverance and a desire for change can lead to profound personal transformation. The themes of overcoming adversity and finding purpose resonate deeply, making this a thought-provoking read that lingers long after the last page is turned.
May 21, 2023
This is a powerful and thought-provoking memoir. It graphically details Fleming’s abuse and indoctrination into an injurious and self-defeating lifestyle, a pattern repeated throughout America and the world. His rise, in small part inspired by fellow drug dealers pushing him out of the lifestyle, is inspiring.
People often see drug and violent cultures and wonder why and how it happens - this memoir helps answer that question and fill in puzzle pieces. It will definitely help me in my work with struggling high school students.
Memorable quotes -
“Our house was no home while Mom was away. It was a callous crypt where fear and darkness loomed. It was an eerie penitentiary where we barred our rooms like stony cells. We thought we were safe as long as we pretended not to exist. We would have starved rather than tell Lucas we were hungry” (16).
When he was a high school basketball star - “I yearned for that paternal passion and motherly concern - but I had neither. The stands were full - but to me, they were empty” (85).
“But what if someone had put a book in my hands instead of a ball? What if someone had showed me how to read and then told me I was smart? What if that book had exposed me to something great about my people and identity that I could be proud of?” (125).
From the epilogue - “In this book, I tell these stories and pen uncomfortable truths because it took me far too long to learn that where a man has no voice, he does not exist” 251).
People often see drug and violent cultures and wonder why and how it happens - this memoir helps answer that question and fill in puzzle pieces. It will definitely help me in my work with struggling high school students.
Memorable quotes -
“Our house was no home while Mom was away. It was a callous crypt where fear and darkness loomed. It was an eerie penitentiary where we barred our rooms like stony cells. We thought we were safe as long as we pretended not to exist. We would have starved rather than tell Lucas we were hungry” (16).
When he was a high school basketball star - “I yearned for that paternal passion and motherly concern - but I had neither. The stands were full - but to me, they were empty” (85).
“But what if someone had put a book in my hands instead of a ball? What if someone had showed me how to read and then told me I was smart? What if that book had exposed me to something great about my people and identity that I could be proud of?” (125).
From the epilogue - “In this book, I tell these stories and pen uncomfortable truths because it took me far too long to learn that where a man has no voice, he does not exist” 251).
March 10, 2021
Wow strong 5 ⭐️ Thank you netgalley for this ARC
This book touched down on alot of topics. And i want to thank the author for being so vulnerable and sharing his story and what he went through his family etc.
It was honestly amazing to read about how many people brandon helped it truly was so beautiful he saw himself in alot of the people and stuff he did in his past and he didnt want people doing what he did so he wanted to help people for the better and make them strive because he knew they had it in them. He was hard on them but it all was worth it in the end.
He even wrote about things that i didnt know of and i thank you for talking about some of these things.
Also i never knew ron clark did all these different things i watched him on survivor and just thought he was a teacher and that was it.. so thank you for informing me on him aswell!
I loved reading this story because it touched down on alot of topics we deal with in america.
The mind of brandon was just so amazing to me he knew what he wanted and he made sure he reached his goals and helping people along the way like his younger brother etc was so important and im glad he shared that.
Also the writing in this book was great.
Im so glad brandon found himself and didnt let his past define him and he grew from it and is doing such great things for the youth. This memoir was such a great read. I love a good memoir so thank YOU brandon for sharing your story and the stories of others along the way and also informing me on people from long ago.
This book touched down on alot of topics. And i want to thank the author for being so vulnerable and sharing his story and what he went through his family etc.
It was honestly amazing to read about how many people brandon helped it truly was so beautiful he saw himself in alot of the people and stuff he did in his past and he didnt want people doing what he did so he wanted to help people for the better and make them strive because he knew they had it in them. He was hard on them but it all was worth it in the end.
He even wrote about things that i didnt know of and i thank you for talking about some of these things.
Also i never knew ron clark did all these different things i watched him on survivor and just thought he was a teacher and that was it.. so thank you for informing me on him aswell!
I loved reading this story because it touched down on alot of topics we deal with in america.
The mind of brandon was just so amazing to me he knew what he wanted and he made sure he reached his goals and helping people along the way like his younger brother etc was so important and im glad he shared that.
Also the writing in this book was great.
Im so glad brandon found himself and didnt let his past define him and he grew from it and is doing such great things for the youth. This memoir was such a great read. I love a good memoir so thank YOU brandon for sharing your story and the stories of others along the way and also informing me on people from long ago.
September 23, 2021
Bloomingdale staff says: It's hard to summarize someone's life story, especially one with so many twists and turns as Brandon Fleming's. What I can say, however, is once you start this book, you won't be able to put it down.
Throughout this autobiography, the author remains humble and honest about himself. Fleming never elevates his actions or opinions above other people's, rather, he describes himself as weak and easily influenced. Even when he is asked to coach the Harvard debate team, Fleming undermines himself. The reader will be rooting for Fleming to succeed with every turn of the page.
Invigorating, matter-of-fact, and captivating, this BIPOC autobiography should be added to your must-read list.
Trigger Warning: Child abuse, racial slurs, drugs, suicide, and rape (not explicit)
Throughout this autobiography, the author remains humble and honest about himself. Fleming never elevates his actions or opinions above other people's, rather, he describes himself as weak and easily influenced. Even when he is asked to coach the Harvard debate team, Fleming undermines himself. The reader will be rooting for Fleming to succeed with every turn of the page.
Invigorating, matter-of-fact, and captivating, this BIPOC autobiography should be added to your must-read list.
Trigger Warning: Child abuse, racial slurs, drugs, suicide, and rape (not explicit)
June 18, 2023
This is without a doubt my new, favorite memoir. It’s a narrative masterfully crafted with unapologetic authenticity imbued with hope. While some may be offended by the raw telling of Fleming’s story, he sings his song with a purity that inspires people to love deeper and serve others well, no matter their life circumstances. I would argue he places even greater responsibility on educators, but he doesn’t leave us in the dark as to how. Instead, he models in his story how to get it right by leading with love and meeting students where they’re at. I know I am both inspired and invigorated to do likewise.
September 29, 2024
4.5⭐️
I saw Mr. Fleming speak at my daughter’s commencement and I wanted to know his full story. It was a great read.
I would love to know how his brothers, sister and mom are now. How did Ben, specifically, end up? And I need to know that Lucas is not still out there “preaching” the Bible as the man was clearly not a Christian.
Does Brandon have a relationship with his dad now?
Too many questions unanswered.
I saw Mr. Fleming speak at my daughter’s commencement and I wanted to know his full story. It was a great read.
I would love to know how his brothers, sister and mom are now. How did Ben, specifically, end up? And I need to know that Lucas is not still out there “preaching” the Bible as the man was clearly not a Christian.
Does Brandon have a relationship with his dad now?
Too many questions unanswered.
June 18, 2023
I loved this book and kept forgetting that the man at the end of the book was the same person at the beginning of the book because Mr. Fleming’s transformation was so beautiful and inspiring as a teacher and as a human being. As a teacher, I always strive to “love first and teach second” and that is the premise of this book.
August 3, 2025
Hands down one of the best memoirs I have ever read. Raw, full of emotion, gritty, and he just takes you there. So full of heart and fierce authenticity at its truest level. I wish I could have everyone I know read this. I had no idea what the book focused on or where it would take me, it was shared for a book study and I am forever inspired.
August 13, 2021
Brandon Fleming’s memoir: an abused, forgotten dropout finds a voice through teaching and debate. Ahhhhhh so inspiring! Loved it, despite it fulfilling literally every possible expectation for a dropout-to-Harvard story. Grateful to the memoir genre for stuff like this, which reminds me what excellent teachers do.
November 6, 2021
A wonderful and inspiring book. Open and honest throughout, the author takes you on his truly remarkable journey from drug dealer with a bleak future to life-changing teacher at Harvard. Also includes many great sections and snippets that could be used to help drive serious DEI discussions on race and class. Highly recommend.
August 15, 2022
This was an inspirational memoir! I don't read them, but I'm so glad I picked this one up. As an educator, it hit me really hard. Never give up on kids, and be there for them always.
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February 6, 2025
A fairy tale memoir of Flemming's life- a journey from abuse, drugs, and death to guiding kids into places of self worth and power.
His memoir spoke to me deeply his failures and reflections lifted my broken spirits. The educational system is designed against many of us. The teachers who pull you out of the narrative of status quo are priceless.
His memoir spoke to me deeply his failures and reflections lifted my broken spirits. The educational system is designed against many of us. The teachers who pull you out of the narrative of status quo are priceless.
November 26, 2024
A must read.
July 22, 2025
This is a great story of how one person can influence and change a person’s life - often a teacher, like Mr. Fleming. And when one person is changed, it multiplies, all for the greater good. This one had me cheering and feeling so proud of Brandon! Bravo, Mr. Fleming!! There is a reason people are on their feet after hearing your story!! 👏👏👏
February 13, 2025
I’m finding memoirs so powerful and moving lately. It’s really inspiring to hear Fleming’s story and all the things he not only overcame but worked towards to help others
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