About "U R Not Alone"
Discover the heart behind "U R Not Alone" – an illustrated book born from personal experience to bring understanding and hope to those impacted by child abuse and mental illness. Learn about its journey, its purpose, and what makes it a unique voice in its field.
The journey to "U R Not Alone"
Growing up in an abusive and neglectful home left me feeling the things you read in Queenie’s story – worthless, unlovable, and wishing I was invisible. One of the worst feelings I had was that I was completely alone in the world.
A few years ago, a friend and I were talking about our rough childhoods and I said, “Wouldn’t it have been cool if we had known each other back then? It wouldn’t have changed things at home but at least we wouldn’t have been alone.” My friend agreed. After that, Queenie’s story was born.
Who is this book for?
"U R Not Alone" is created for a broad and vital audience. We hope it reaches teens and adult survivors who have experienced similar struggles, helping them to feel seen and understood. Additionally, we encourage parents, educators, and mental health professionals to read this book to gain deeper insight into the experiences of children who grow up with abuse and neglect. Its message aims to bridge understanding and foster empathy across different perspectives.
Our hope for every reader
After someone reads "U R Not Alone," we hope they feel inspired and, most importantly, not alone. We want readers to find a sense of hope, understanding that their experiences, while challenging, are shared and that healing is possible. For those who haven't experienced child abuse or neglect, we hope the book fosters a profound understanding of what children in these situations endure. It is our sincerest wish that every reader leaves with a renewed sense of connection and compassion.
What makes "U R Not Alone" unique?
"U R Not Alone" stands out because it is deeply personal and vulnerable, offering an authentic glimpse into the author's own journey. Beyond the words, the book features powerful images that truly speak a thousand words, enhancing the emotional resonance and providing a unique narrative experience. This combination of heartfelt storytelling and compelling visuals creates a distinctive and impactful reading experience that sets it apart from other books on similar sensitive topics.
About the Author
Author and artist Jojo 1Love started her healing journey in her early twenties after her mom was killed in a car accident (a cop ran a stop sign going seventy mph). She started seeing a therapist to help her process the grief of her mother's death and they ended up spending all of their time talking about her father's abuse and how it affected her life.
Jojo realized over years of therapy, psychedelic journeys, inner child work, artistic expression and twelve step work that as a result of her dysfunctional childhood she had become a people pleaser, a perfectionist, and was desperately seeking the love and protection that she never received as a child. She was completely detached from her inner child (or soul or true self) because it wasn't safe for her in childhood.
She first tried to get love from romantic relationships. When that didn't work (though she continued to try over and over again), she tried education, earning a master's degree and becoming a medical practitioner. That didn't bring her the love she sought so she then tried artistic pursuits. She became a singer/songwriter and made an album, unconsciously deciding that people would love her if she was a rockstar. When she lost her singing voice she turned to improv comedy, studying and performing in New York, Chicago and L.A. She then tried filmmaking and clowning (Andy Kaufman-like performance).
Then in 2016 she experienced a traumatic event that led to her becoming suicidal. This rock bottom was the beginning of her spiritual awakening. She spent the next ten years in a deep depression seeking healing in ways she had never tried before. It was in this dark period that Queenie's story came to life. She eventually found the love she had been seeking by finding a higher power and reconnecting with her true self.