Estrell Young, III is our October author of the month

Estrell Young III, a published and award-winning poet, author, and Baltimore native, is just a God-fearing young man riding a ridiculously mean unicorn. After graduating from the University of West Georgia in 2009 and found himself virtually unemployable due to a lengthy criminal history and a DUI arrest he got shortly before graduation. In the months that followed, he battled with depression and self-pity while devouring bottle after bottle of alcohol until his father had had enough. Estrell had struck rock bottom.

One morning Estrell Sr. decided to slide a business card under his son's door and instructed him to call the man listed on the front. This one act of love set in motion a comeback of biblical proportions- Estrell interned for free at a local Public Defender's Office for 9 months, Monday through Friday from open to close he proved to people who he was and that he wasn't afraid hard work. He found his passion in public service and he was rewarded with a job. His writing is merely an extension of that love.

Does trouble seem to follow you? Are you still beating yourself up for things you've done in the past? Are you constantly battling perception and labels? Are self-defeating thoughts blocking you from re-defining yourself?

This book is built upon the three tenants the author lives by:

* Perfection is unobtainable so just pro-gress.

* You're always one decision from a totally different life.

* Don't buy into labels- You're NOT the worst thing you've ever done/You're not the worst thing that has happened to you.  

If you're looking for a little inspiration, a bit of motivation, or just an encouraging word to be better than you used to be, this book is for you!

 A collection of poems. Beginning with a blank canvas, this author attempts to create a Van Gogh-like painting that depicts his transition from the deadly streets of Atlanta to the classroom of a local university.  Mr. Young's slogan of choice these days is to "Be better than you used to Be" and by going totally legit he is setting a great example for young black youths. There is more to life than just the streets. It's raw, brutally honest, and thought-provoking!

Check him out at www.estrellyoungiii.com