I'm Not Broken

A Memoir

By: Jesse Leon

Narrated by: Jesse Leon

In this unflinching and inspiring memoir, Jesse Leon tells an extraordinary story of resilience and survival, shining a light on a childhood spent devastated by sex trafficking, street life, and substance abuse.

"A book for survivors and those who know someone they hope survives, bodhisattvas all." —Sandra Cisneros, bestselling author of The House on Mango Street

Born to indigenous working-class Mexican immigrants in San Diego in the 1970s, Jesse Leon’s childhood was violently ruptured. A dangerous and harrowing encounter at a local gift shop when he was eleven years old left Jesse with a deadly secret. Hurt, alone, and scared for his life, Jesse numbed his pain by losing himself in the hyper-masculine culture of the streets and wherever else he could find it—in alcohol, drugs, and prostitution. Overlooked by state-sanctioned institutions and systems intended to help victims of abuse, neglected like many other low-income Latinos, Jesse spiraled into cycles of suicide and substance abuse.

I’m Not Broken is the heartbreaking and remarkable story of the journey Jesse takes to win back his life, leading him to the steps of Harvard University. From being the lone young person of color in Narcotics Anonymous meetings to coming to terms with his own sexual identity, to becoming an engaged mentor for incarcerated youth, Jesse finds the will to live with the love and support of his family, friends, and mentors. Recounting the extraordinary circumstances of his life, Jesse offers a powerful, raw testament to the possibilities of self-transformation and self-acceptance. Unforgettable, I’m Not Broken is an inspirational portrait of one young man’s indomitable strength and spirit to survive—against all possible odds.

Inspirational

This book has opened my eyes. It was heart wrenching and at the same time very inspirational. Thank you Jesse for your honesty and candidness.

Phenomenal!

All I can say is WOW! To hear his story! Wow! All I can say is he is a TRUE survivor! I’m thoroughly proud of his courage to keep pushing through as most would have quit. Thank you for your testimony! It needed to be shared.

Devastating, Raw, Inspirational, and Beautiful

I was told I would cry, and it was true. I couldn’t get past the introduction without feeling my eyes fill with tears.
Jesse takes us back to San Diego, “America’s Finest City”, back in the 80s and early 90s. He exposes the ugly underbelly of drugs and prostitution that the tourists and those living in the “nice” neighborhoods didn’t see. He brings us into his world to show us what it was like growing up as a Mexican-American in a poor neighborhood: the lack of resources, gang violence, and drugs. But also in that same neighborhood we find camaraderie, family, and a community that is rich in giving and helping one another. Jesse shows us the struggle of questioning one’s sexuality in the 80s with a machista father. He doesn’t hold back how his innocence is brutally stripped from him by a sex predator who forces the young sweet boy into a world of drugs and sex trafficking.
Jesse Leon’s story will punch you in the gut, make you cry, and mourn for all he lost. But you will also laugh, rejoice, and feel inspired by his strength, resilience, and love.

NPR was right

NPR had I’m not broken on their 2022 book list. They are right inspirational and heartfelt

Amazing

I truly enjoyed the book, Jesse. Thank you for sharing your story - the struggles and the successes. I know it will inspire!