Randolph Marks proudly shows his books as he prepares to jot down his third one.
Picture by Tracey Khan
Randolph Marks has lived a life many immigrants can relate to—a journey marked by challenges, onerous work, and eventual success. Now, with two revealed books beneath his belt and a 3rd within the works, he’s sharing his story and shining a lightweight on vital societal points.
His books, “A Thin Line Between Dreams and Nightmare” and “From the Other Side,” provide private reflections and a name for change, significantly relating to how society handles younger folks in disaster.
Marks’ first guide, “A Skinny Line Between Goals and Nightmare,” is an autobiography that attracts inspiration from Trevor Noah’s “Born a Crime.” He recollects how studying Noah’s guide in faculty opened his eyes to the similarities of their experiences rising up in difficult environments, together with his youth in Guyana. “That was the primary guide I ever learn from begin to end…it impressed me to go on and write my guide,” he added.
In his autobiography, he chronicles his journey from a 15-year-old immigrant within the U.S. to turning into a house owner at 21 whereas reflecting on the struggles of rising up in a low-income family.
Nevertheless, his second guide, “From the Different Facet,” delves deeper into points affecting in the present day’s youth, significantly these within the juvenile justice system. Having labored at a juvenile detention middle earlier than turning into a regulation enforcement officer, Marks witnessed firsthand the struggles of juveniles with psychological well being points. “I’ve seen juveniles on the age of 10, 12, even a 9-year-old woman within the detention middle for a criminal offense, and it’s unlucky,” he mentioned.
These experiences left a long-lasting influence on him and impressed his fictional character within the guide, “Charlie,” who embodies the struggles of many younger folks he encountered presently.
In “From the Different Facet,” he advocates for extra psychological well being assets and rehabilitation services for juveniles as an alternative of merely locking them up in detention facilities. “Placing children in juvenile detention does extra harm…they don’t have to be in jail; they need assistance,” he mentioned.
He emphasizes the necessity for specialised services in each city or county the place psychological well being professionals can work with troubled youths and provides them the second possibilities they deserve. He argues that the present system, which regularly results in younger folks being transferred from juvenile detention to grownup prisons as soon as they flip 18, is failing these children.
As a father and a mentor to many younger folks, he’s obsessed with steering the following era in a greater course. “You bought to remain centered. You need to honor your mother and father. Whenever you do, doorways will open for you,” he mentioned, providing recommendation to youth. His message is evident: schooling and respect for household are important, however staying out of hassle is simply as essential. “There’s hassle in all places you look, however you will need to keep away from it and keep humble.”
As he balances work, his household, mentoring youths, and writing his third guide, Marks stays dedicated to spreading this message and galvanizing change. His private story is one in all resilience, however his mission is rather more important—altering how society treats its most susceptible youth.
Marks’ books are extra than simply tales; they name for reform and remind us that each little one deserves a second probability, no matter background or struggles.
individuals can buy his guide on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble.
