Oakland, CA – April 12, 2019 – The new book, “If Only You Knew”, will chronicle the author’s inspiring journey from a child enduring verbal and mental abuse to a confident, empowered adult.

“If Only You Knew” is told from the perspective of Xaviar, a Black male struggling with his own sexuality. The book, a “roman à clef,”  allows the author, who goes only by the name Apollo, to open a window of understanding into Xaviar’s life and the complicated relationships he had with his father and brothers and the impact these relationships had on his life.

The title refers to the invisible scars Appollo/Xaviar still carries and the internal courage that led to writing the book. Readers will gain insight into Xaviar’s childhood and his inability to express his true self for fear of enduring even greater abuse. Readers will see the importance of Xaviar’s mother, and the decisions and sacrifices she made to protect her son.

A mother’s love, and the support of many along the way, gave Xaviar a chance to one day have the courage to live a life true to his inner light and honest about his sexual orientation. The book chronicles that journey with an authenticity that is borne by a writer who has seen the events shared with the reader.

The author has chosen to remain anonymous and changed the names of many of the individuals depicted in the book. This was done, he said, to ensure no one who has been a part of his life has to endure the kind of abuse and backlash he did. Of particular concern to the author are “publicly prominent” gay males active in Black churches who helped him along his journey.

In the book’s acknowledgements, Appollo writes, “Thank you, my mother, for the bravery that you showed in the face of violence and abuse. You were my rock and you rock. Thank you, everyone, who I have come into contact with. It is from our experiences with one another that define who we are and shape our lives. Those experiences bring us to this moment.”

Appollo also acknowledges that “God’s promises would not fail… I trusted God’s process. Along the way God placed individuals in my life who were key role players in the path that He chose for me.”

Appollo is being assisted in getting the word out about his book by Harold Leffall of the “You Are Enough Now” movement. Leffall – an empowerment strategist, author, speaker, and entrepreneur – shares his message of perseverance and success in workshops and seminars.

“Appollo’s story of triumph is one that has the potential to inspire many others who face the same difficulties he did,” Leffall said. “Getting the word out about his story and his inspirational victory over a childhood that could have left him devastated, shows others that even in the darkest valleys, there is a path to the light.

“I am proud to help Appollo show others the way to the light.”

The book will be released May 15, 2019.

For more information, visit: https://www.youareenoughnow.com/

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Company Name: You Are Enough Now
Contact Person: Harold Leffall
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Website: https://www.youareenoughnow.com/