They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself

De: Monica Omorodion Swaida

Narrado por: London Nix

They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself by Monica Omorodion Swaida is a powerful and inspiring memoir that delves into the author's remarkable journey from a humble immigrant to a successful entrepreneur and advocate for open-mindedness. Through her narrative, Swaida shares her experiences of overcoming adversity and turning setbacks into stepping stones.

The book provides an intimate look into the challenges faced by an immigrant teenager navigating a new culture without guidance and how resilience, hard work, and determination led her to business ownership in a male-dominated field. Swaida's travels through various countries shed light on the universal aspects of humanity that transcend skin color and cultural differences.

With a genuine desire to inspire and uplift, Monica emphasizes the importance of open-heartedness and multi-dimensional thinking, encouraging listeners to break free from one-dimensional perspectives. She addresses issues like disenfranchisement, particularly among people of color, and challenges the status quo, advocating for a more inclusive and accepting society.

They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself transcends racial and cultural boundaries, making it a bridge between different perspectives. It serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action, urging listeners to reconsider their preconceptions and embrace a more inclusive and open-minded world.

©2025 Monica Omorodion Swaida (P)2025 Monica Omorodion Swaida

A tale of resilience and independent thinking

I found this memoir to be a deeply moving and thought-provoking read that balances a high-stakes adventure story with a strong call for personal accountability. Her journey from a crowded boat in Nigeria to becoming a powerhouse entrepreneur in the U.S. is nothing short of incredible, but what really stuck with me was her unapologetic commitment to thinking for herself. I was particularly struck by her "no excuses" approach to education and business, as well as her brave reflections on how modern society often pressures us to prioritize labels over our shared humanity. It’s a refreshing, gritty, and ultimately hopeful book that challenged me to look at the "American Dream" through a much more nuanced and grateful lens.

Gritty Guide to the American Dream

Honestly, the narrator’s delivery really captures Monica Omorodion Swaida’s no-nonsense energy. It’s a fascinating, 4-star listen that tracks her wild journey from being homeless in Poland to becoming a powerhouse in real estate and Nollywood, all while leaning heavily on her Catholic faith as a psychological safety net. I loved the practical "business of survival" talk—especially her strategic take on Section 8 housing and how she uses professional "dressing for success" as a shield against profiling—but I have to admit, the tone gets a bit "lecture-heavy" in the later chapters. She’s definitely got a "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" vibe that might rub some younger listeners the wrong way, and I wish we got more individual stories about her eight siblings instead of them just being grouped as the "MC Family." Still, if you're looking for a gritty, deeply personal roadmap on navigating life in America as an immigrant, this audiobook is well worth the credit.

Radical authenticity

This is such an incredibly powerful and honest account of one woman's journey from her roots in Nigeria to becoming a successful entrepreneur in America. Monica Omorodion Swaida shares her life with such transparency, covering everything from the discipline instilled by her father to her adventurous path through Europe. I was particularly moved by how she navigated the challenges of being an immigrant while maintaining her determination to never give up. Her success in real estate and the insurance industry is truly inspiring, showing what is possible through hard work and time management. I loved the chapters where she mentors young people, using her own life examples to teach them about self-confidence and accountability. Her perspective on the importance of education, regardless of when you start, is a great reminder for anyone pursuing their dreams. The book also dives into deep societal issues, encouraging readers to think for themselves and question the status quo. I appreciated her call for unity and her belief that "love wins, no matter what." It is rare to find a memoir that is both a practical business guide and a deeply spiritual reflection on humanity. This book left me feeling empowered and reminded me to cherish every precious moment of life.

A life story of hope

This book is a powerhouse of motivation that feels less like a lecture and more like a long, honest conversation with a mentor who has actually lived through the fire. Monica Swaida’s journey from Nigeria to becoming a successful American entrepreneur is nothing short of incredible, but what really stuck with me was her unapologetic stance on individual thought and hard work. In a world where it feels like everyone is constantly trying to put you in a box based on your background or skin color, Swaida’s insistence on being defined by her own merit and "thinking for herself" is incredibly refreshing. It’s a raw, sometimes blunt, but deeply inspiring read that makes you want to stop making excuses and start building your own empire.

A life story about courage and resilience

This book is a powerful, candid memoir that I found incredibly motivating. Her journey from a large family in Nigeria to becoming a successful entrepreneur in America is a testament to the "grit" she developed as a young girl. I was particularly moved by her transition from counting "millions of dollars that did not belong to me" as an accountant to building her own insurance agency from scratch through sheer perseverance. Beyond business, Swaida isn't afraid to tackle sensitive topics like Critical Race Theory and modern politics, urging readers to value individual thought over societal labels. Her story of overcoming betrayal and loss while remaining a "proud American" is truly inspiring for anyone looking to define success on their own terms.