Herman Morris Jr. also known by friends and family as “Jo”, was born on May 27th in Baltimore, Maryland. Second youngest brother of a family of eight, Jo was raised in a loving Christian home where he was close to his sisters and younger brother. Jo never lacked anything as his parents were able to provide for their family, yet he always longed for things that could help him fit in with his peers. At the age of eight, Jo’s parents discovered an unusual lump on the side of his face and decided to take him to the doctor. There they discovered a rare form of cancer that was potentially fatal. However, Jo recovered with the help of the doctors, hospital staff, and his supportive family; but he never viewed life the same. With puberty also came a downward spiral in Jo´s overall academic and social performance. He started committing robbery and petty crimes and was eventually caught. This close encounter with the law changed his perspective on what he wanted to do with his life. All was going well until cancer unfortunately caught up to him.

This emotionally-charged biography captures the life of Herman Morris Jr. and all the obstacles, choices, and success’s he had in life. I think readers will appreciate, and relate to, the evolution that Jo goes through, as it rings true and pulls at the heart, while delivering life lessons along the way and paying homage to a wonderful human being.

Not Your Average Jo is a very inspiring yet tragic story described by both “Jo” himself, and his wife who finished the story when he no longer could. Narrated in the first person, it guides readers through the ups and downs of Jo´s life, explaining in detail his feelings and reactions to certain situations. This is a book that will make you sad yet inspire you to view your own life from a more grateful perspective because we never know when life is going to take a turn for the worse. I recommend this impassioned biography to readers who are looking for an authentic and touching true story.

Pages: 218 | ISBN: 0578791242