I Wasn't Supposed to Be Here

Finding My Voice, Finding My People, Finding My Way

By: Jonathan Conyers

Narrated by: Jonathan Conyers, Imani Bruno, Dr. Jarvis Watson, Francisco A. Colón, Kristine DiColandrea, Pamela Matzner

Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

As seen on Humans of New York, Jonathan Conyers introduces us to the teachers, his debate coach, drug dealers, and a boy named Diego who changed his life.

Everybody was rooting for Jonathan Conyers after seeing 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 by building a village to save his own life, and realize his dream to get into medical school.

Throughout this heartwarming memoir, we meet the unique and diverse cast of characters who made up Jonathan’s village and helped him change the trajectory of his life.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Jonathan Conyers (P)2023 Legacy Lit

Critic reviews

"Memoirs narrated by their authors always sound more authentic. This audiobook is no different. Jonathan Conyers, who works with at-risk communities in Brooklyn, shares his complex personal story of growing up in a chaotic household with two parents whose drug addictions often kept the family homeless. Yet they were committed to their children obtaining an education.... Additional interviews with Conyers's mentors truly enrich his story, which includes descriptions of how he has given back to his community." (AudioFIle)

"Jonathan's story is a shining example of true, honest resilience: not borne just of his grit, but of luck and community. His battle against racism and poverty is courageous and inspiring. An engrossing read."—Stephanie Foo, author of What My Bones Know

“I Wasn't Supposed to Be Here left me floored—I will be forever transformed, and I highly recommend that you not only read this book, but use it as a tool to strive for more.”—D Watkins, New York Times bestselling author of The Beastside and Black Boy Smile

“His mere living is an act of rebellion, Conyers invites us into a life hard-lived in a family and world that sought to extinguish his light. With compassion and frustration alike, Conyers navigates New York City, Virginia, and the systems meant to help—but utterly fail—families like his. Most precious is the vulnerability shown by his admitted imperfection, allowing us to cheer even in those moments for his success. Conyers builds his own ‘village’ of helpers because his light cannot be extinguished.” —David Ambroz, author of A Place Called Home

The best memoir I’ve “read” in years

This book is incredible! Jon narrates his story in a warm and natural way, but most importantly for me, the writing of this story is phenomenal. I already had respect for Jon after reading his story on HONY, and I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with him on several occasions but his book and the obstacles he overcame to become the man he is, is inspiring.

Congratulations on an amazing story! More to come.

Inspiring, touching, honest, real -

Well done Jonathan - with the book and in life!! I bought your book for my GF who found your story thru HNY. I love the audible format - there’s so much more that can be conveyed verbally, it’s no wonder early cultures didn’t develop writing - they had such a deep oral tradition. Somehow I think you channeled that and I’m thankful that you will be inspiring so many more young minds and hearts to make the world a better place. Cheers bro - from a white prince to a black king - thank you and keep dreaming ; )