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Autobiography of Jonathan Anthony Burkett

by Jonathan Anthony Burkett (Goodreads Author)

3.79 of 5 stars 3.79 · rating details · 92 ratings · 34 reviews

This book is surprising, dramatic, unbelievable, heartbreaking expressions said and done. One young man going through trials and tribulations, feeling unloved, unwanted, never needed, and unexpected, from a lady that he had finally understood was his true mother. The one he was told loved him the most in the world no matter what she does and says to him. Growing up and fee ...more

Paperback , 132 pages

Published February 3rd 2009 by Xlibris Corporation (first published November 4th 2007)

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Feb 27, 2013 Brent Soderstrum rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-read

I won this book through GoodReads First Read program.

I am truly sorry for all Mr. Burkett has gone through in his life. Nevertheless, this is a bad book. Burkett describes how his mother beat him using various methods to inflict the beating, she would then tell him not to tell anyone or she would beat him more severely and then she would beat him again using a different method. This goes on and on for many chapters. Every once in awhile a different form of abuse from someone else is thrown in su ...more

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Feb 14, 2013 Tanya Harrison rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads-shelf , best-first-read-memoirs , first-reads-faves

Parts of this memoir are unbearable to read. But life is unbearable sometimes. It's his life's story. He was so resilient. You could definately see a hand guiding him through impossible moments. I love his humaness. He made a lot of mistakes in his life, but he kept going on. That's what I love about his story, he kept getting back up and walking forwards.

I highly recommend reading this book. He's a beautiful soul. His poetry and quotes are beautiful at the end too. I look forward to reading mor ...more

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Apr 05, 2013 Whisper Pines rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-reviwed

Jonthan and his journey through an abusive childhood and life really spoke to me and at times a tear slid down my face. He must have had an angel protecting him through this ordeal. He himself was not a perfect person but he never gave up. He survived and he rose above that kind of life to a knowing that there was something better and he could be in control of it.
I was given this book through goodreads and it is one of my favorites that I will read again I am sure.

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May 23, 2013 Lauren rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: my-books , first-reads

I in no way want to belittle the horrors that Jonathan had to suffer through his childhood and adolescence. The beatings and cruelty he had to endure were obviously terrible and reading about them was traumatizing. Like most people I have never experienced anything close to his abuse and I sympathized with him greatly.

That being sad, I didn't think the book was a very good read. A lot of the things the events didn't seem to make much sense. I was confused by the adult women attempting to have pe ...more

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Apr 19, 2013 Liza rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own

The things that Jonathan went through at such a young age by a mother who could/would not love him is heartbreaking. I can not imagine what was going through his mother that would make her be that abusive, and for so long. What is worse is the child's fear of things getting worse if the child tells.

There are so many children who are getting abuse like this, who have no one they can turn to. Telling someone would not bring immediate or permanent remedy. If the issue is investigated and a crime is ...more

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May 05, 2013 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I got this through a Goodreads giveaway. I've been super excited to read it.
This book.... wow! What this man has been through... and still standing to fight the next battle in life is amazing.
He was originally raised by his grandparents in Jamaica and was then sent to the States with his mother. In Jamaica, he witnessed countless acts of violence in the streets but had unconditional love. Once he was with his mother (a term I use loosely,) he was abused to levels I would think are impossible be ...more

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Apr 07, 2013 Tiffany rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Let me first start off by saying it takes a lot for a person to relive their past, especially a past like the one in the book, but it takes even more for that person to be brave enough to write it down and give it to the world to read.

Growing up in a household and an environment filled with love and familiar faces and quickly taken away from that environment and having to grow up in a household full of uncertainties. A household where one would expect nothing but love and nurture, is a house th Let me first start off by saying it takes a lot for a person to relive their past, especially a past like the one in the book, but it takes even more for that person to be brave enough to write it down and give it to the world to read.

Growing up in a household and an environment filled with love and familiar faces and quickly taken away from that environment and having to grow up in a household full of uncertainties. A household where one would expect nothing but love and nurture, is a house that has anything but. Growing up in a house where you feel like the outside, where beatings are something you expect on a daily basis regardless if your good or bad. Not only were there brutal beatings given out daily to a child, there was also verbal abuse as well as neglect in many forms, medical and food neglect. Jonathan goes through so much at an early age that he cant even understand whats going on. There are incidents that happen to him in school with older people, there are things that he witnesses when he is growing up in Jamaica that no child should see, that also effects his life when he moves to Miami to be with his mother. Due to her past that she doesn't share she takes much of her fustrations out on her son because she sees him as someone else. All Jonathan ever really wants is the love of his mother and to feel welcomed by her. How can a boy who grows up going through brutal beatings, verbal abuse, a mother who was a monster still have a positive side and willingness to overcome everything that he had been through.

I enjoyed this book. It was a very powerful and touching story that I think people growing up in care, or growing up in the same situations can relate to. When you read this you just cant help to feel your emotions rise with the story, the way this young boy had to grow up being beaten everyday and scared to tell the truth and let people know what was going on or fear of being killed was really sad. There were parts in the story were I was hoping and wishing that he would tell anyone someone just tell the truth about what was going on with him because the way he was getting beat and treated, no food, holes in his shoes, in a way he loves his mother that he didnt want to see her get taken away. As he got older and realized things wouldnt change but since his family dynamics did he just did what he had to do to survive out there. At least there were people around him who suspecting something and were willing to give him a helping hand when they could. The story did have a few minor errors here and there but not a whole lot and also I felt some parts kind of repeated somewhat. Overall a really good book, its sad that anyone had to grow up going through these things, but its great to have so much love in you that you want to give that love and can take that and move forward with your life thats a really strong person. I have recommended this book to a few people, it is a strong subject matter but the lesson of neglected but undefeated is an amazing one. ...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Ashley rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

About The Book:
This book is surprising, Dramatic, unbelievable heartbreaking expressions said and done. One young man going through trials and tribulations, feeling unloved, unwanted, never needed, and unexpected, from a lady that he had finally understood was his true mother. The one he was told loved him the most in the world no matter what she does and says to him. Growing up and feeling like there was and cannot be any future and purpose for him because he felt and was being told that he cou About The Book:
This book is surprising, Dramatic, unbelievable heartbreaking expressions said and done. One young man going through trials and tribulations, feeling unloved, unwanted, never needed, and unexpected, from a lady that he had finally understood was his true mother. The one he was told loved him the most in the world no matter what she does and says to him. Growing up and feeling like there was and cannot be any future and purpose for him because he felt and was being told that he could die any day to come. For reasons of that he couldn't control his feelings and seizures that were occurring because of the hatred he felt towards him from the one that loved him the most in this world.

My Review:
The author helps to show us that sometimes we don't have it as bad as we think. Jonathan's life was very upsetting. It made me feel bad that he never really knew what it's like to have a mother's love. A mother's love is something you can't get from anywhere else. But Jonathan shows us that you do not need a mother's love to grow. Whether that physical, spiritually, or mentally. Jonathan's life may have been different from many people's but he still succeeded in the end. He knows God and that's all he really needs.
The author's life reminded me of the life of a friend of mine. My friend, Jessica has a mom is a lot like Jonathan's. Jessica doesn't understand why her mom is always so hateful and unloving towards her. Jessica has a younger brother but he is not treated as badly as she is. I've been praying for Jessica a lot lately and I hope that she will soon be able to forgive her mother and move on. I can't wait to give this book to Jessica and I hope she will feel comforted that she's not the only one that feels alone.
This book will let everyone know that God will be with them through it all and that God loves them more then any mother could.
About The Author:
Jonathan Anthony Burkett was born February 1, 1987. He is a bright outstanding writer inspired by many, as he continues to struggle in life. Devoted for achievement in his lifetime, he is willing to take any test. He told himself, that he would never give up no matter the trials and tribulations. He decided to write to help him move towards a bright future for himself; and because he knows that's what his Grandparents want for him.

Disclosure: This book was given to me for free by the Author for my honest review. ...more

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May 24, 2013 Melissa B rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Received through a Goodreads giveaway.

This is a heartbreaking but very uplifting memoir. As a mother, I could never imagine looking at my son and hating him, much less harming him. The fact that Jonathan was able to eventually rise above his mother's abuse and work on making himself better makes this one of the most uplifting memoirs I've read.

The beginning seemed choppy to me and at first I didn't think I cared for the author's writing style, but as he continued to tell his story, the writing ...more

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Jul 05, 2013 Jesemy Eisele rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: won

I received this book as a goodreads giveaway.

I was moved by Jonathan's story. I commend him for being so brutally honest but sometimes the details of the abuse he endured at the hands of his mother were a bit much for me to read. It was so frequent and horrific and I am shocked that nobody intervened sooner to help him when he was a boy.My daughter has epilepsy so hearing about Jonathan's seizures really struck a chord with me as I was reading those parts of the book. Although I mostly enjoyed ...more

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Mar 29, 2013 Denisa Howe rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The story starts out as a young boy’s life, his childhood and yet it is the story of finding his father and their relationship. Passed around to different caretakers the writer brings about emotions that reach out and grab your heart, soul and mind. It was shocking, intense, implausible and yet amazing. A boy going through emotions of not being loved and not understanding why. Dealing with seizures and heartache without understanding and inability to change anything. The book is wrote very well ...more

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Mar 15, 2013 Cerenity rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: firstreaders

I won this book for free through a First Readers giveaway. This was a great but heartbreaking story. I still can not believe everything that he went through he still could have the strength to change his life. A very motivating story to think you could survive through anything if you can put your past behind you and strive to be a better person. It is a very difficult book to get through. He went through so much abuse. His poetry was beautiful and sad. I would definitely recommend this story to ...more

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Feb 24, 2013 Betsy Hover rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I receive this book as Goodreads giveaway! The author, Jonathan Anthony Burkett, takes the reader thru a autobiography of his horrific childhood. As a mother myself of three children, I want to reach thru the pages and love this child, who need to be mothered and nurtured properly. The author is an overcomer of the most horrific childhood circumstances and comes out on TOP of life due to the work he has done on his personal life.

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Mar 08, 2013 Teri rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Many of us have asked why do they act like that Working with children
my entire life , bringing children into our home for many years this is my answer. You must read this book. It's a heart breaker but if you read , you will understand that we are all wanting the same thing LOVE, we are All children of God. A special. Thank you for this insight of neglect I will keep you and many others in my prayers. God bless

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Feb 07, 2013 Krissie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads

Such an amazing inspirational story. Mr. Burkett shares his childhood story bravely. From his loving grandparents, his abusive mother, and his will to become a successful man; this story tells how he overcame a situation no child should have to endure.

This story will inspire readers to become a better person and make the most of life.

I recieved this book through goodreads first reads.

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Jul 12, 2013 Melissa ownsbey rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

the cover mad me sad the 3 little boys looked sad unhapy and unloved
the book was great loved
it made me mad it made sad and it made me cry
itwas a tear jerker for my heart
broken ibto reading all he went though
im glad he made it though it all
it was a very touching book
im just glad i got the chance to read it
thank u for a great book

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Feb 25, 2013 Melissa B rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What a heartbreaking story, and a hopeful story also. I certainly makes one grateful for a loving family, a loving mother.
I know so many who complain about their life, but if truth, couldn't face the struggles the author faced - and overcame.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads

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Apr 20, 2013 Steven rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: abandoned , giveaway

Sad and horrible life story, with perhaps occasional, unreliable memories of past - 5 year old boy having vaginal sex with his teacher? - but enough trauma to make one feel gut-wrenching sorrow for the author.

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Jul 26, 2013 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My heart goes out to Johnathon for all of his struggles. I am amazed at his strength. Although he wanted to give up many times...he didn't. I absolutely loved his poems at the end of the book!

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Feb 06, 2013 Yalonda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book took my heart away, very emotional but the out come is very joyful in spite of it all. Great autobiography.

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Mar 25, 2013 Tywo Exquisites rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Reading from the synopses, it's quite sad and touching but impressing therefore, it's a most read for me.

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Apr 17, 2013 J rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.

A truly gripping story that kept me reading on and on.

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Mar 04, 2013 Robyn rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Starts out great but writing and overall story decline as you progress.

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Apr 17, 2013 Joseph Marwa marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Very creative and good book, would recommend to my friends

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Mar 09, 2013 Sherri rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Such an emotional and moving story!

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Sep 17, 2013 Joanna rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads

Honestly, I was excited to get this as a First Reads. When I tackled it, however, I was greeted with a difficult to read book. Not because of the atrocities bestowed upon the author, but because he seems to view himself as the ultimate bada**. He seemingly brags throughout the book of sexual encounters he had, instead of the sad truth that he was being molested. Add this to the very hard to read narrative of an author without a firm grasp of the English language, and I was left with an unsatisfy ...more

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May 26, 2013 Sophie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads , 2013 , abuse

Jonathan's story is an nothing less than an emotional roller coaster. It is also a tale of a young mans many battles full of defeat and triumph. It seem that once things began to work themselves out in Jonathan's life something would happen and he would hit rock bottom all over again. Constantly beaten and neglected by his mother Jonathan faced many trials in life that normal people never experienced. Stressed beyond his years he developed seizures, in multiple cases waking up in the hospital al ...more

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Feb 01, 2014 Sabrina Morgan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads

I won this from a Goodreads giveaway. Born in Florida, Burkett lived with his grandparents in Jamaica, where he had a happy childhood until he moved back to the states at six to live with his mother and "father". That's when his mother savagely and routinely beat him because she hated his real father, who had raped her. Burkett's litany of his mother's severe and constant beatings, her attacks on him with a knife, and verbal abuse are harrowing, and at times, relentless. I wanted to shake him fo ...more

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Aug 06, 2013 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I can tell you straight up that I cried more than once while reading this. I'm a huge advocate for standing to domestic abuse in the first place, so I had to put the book down a couple times because I just couldn't handle what was going on. This is raw. This is real. And this made me so appreciative what I have and how lucky I got. That's all I really have to say about it; it hurt, but in a good way, I guess. **Received through First Reads

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Mar 27, 2013 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-first-reads

What a heartbreaking story. This book totally absorbed me and I could not help but feel such a strong emotional bond with the author. It is hard to believe how terribly human beings can treat each other. It is out there and happens more than anyone should even have to know. What a triumph when one can rise above it and turn true evil into good. A true inspiration.
I won this book through Goodreads.

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About Jonathan Anthony Burkett

Jonathan Anthony Burkett was born in 1987. He is a bright writer inspired by many, as he continues to struggle in life. Devoted for achievement in his lifetime, he is willing to take any test. He told himself, that he would never give up no matter the trials and tribulations. He decided to write to help him move towards a bright future for himself; and because he knows that s what his Grandparents Jonathan Anthony Burkett was born in 1987. He is a bright writer inspired by many, as he continues to struggle in life. Devoted for achievement in his lifetime, he is willing to take any test. He told himself, that he would never give up no matter the trials and tribulations. He decided to write to help him move towards a bright future for himself; and because he knows that s what his Grandparents want for him.

Learning now that life is a challenge for many, with trials, tribulations, brutality, hatred, along with grief and manipulation. Jonathan is writing now to release his thoughts about life, after being motivated, inspired to prosper, encouraged to tolerate, uplifted, and empowered from his past.

“Father God strengthen my willpower, for I have made it through battles, but I know that the war is nowhere close to being over, for me. However, I plan on standing strong throughout it all, never giving up, and believing that I will live to see brighter nights and days” Jonathan pray’s.

His latest novel is “Friends 2 Lovers” a beautiful portrayal of how the strong bond of friendship and truly knowing someone can blossom into a lifetime of love……..

Can a close friendship grow into something deeper – a loving relationship perhaps? In this compelling and emotive story that evokes a gamut of emotions and thoughts, author Jonathan Anthony Burkett portrays how it is possible for best friends to be more than “just friends”. Find out how Claude and Kelly end up from being Friends 2 Lovers as you follow them through their disappointing, confusing, loving, shocking, encouraging, and romantic moments. But can their bond last and withstand all the challenges that cross their way? Experience an overwhelming ebb and flow of emotions when you join them in their journey. ...more

More about Jonathan Anthony Burkett...

Books by Jonathan Anthony Burkett

Friends 2 Lovers: The Unthinkable (Volume 1)

Friends 2 Lovers: Unexpected Consequences (Volume 3)

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