War, Momma, and Me - Akinsanya Jaycee Kesh

Kesh takes readers on a compelling journey back to 1989 Liberia where he lived with his family when the Liberian Civil War began. He recounts the actions and attitude of his mother, Gloria, and how she tactically prepared for the war, endured hard days, and through it all, maintained a steady demeanor of laughter and wit as a way of guiding and guarding her family. As Kesh comes of age, he tries to make sense of the causes of war, and takes to reading many books to help him find answers.

When an opportune moment arises, Kesh moves to America to live with his dad with the hope of finding the stability to finish his education. Due to long-term disconnection from his family living in America, who have no idea how the war has impacted him, Kesh find himself amid some tense moments with his dad and sister, before moving to Minneapolis to live with his brother. In Minneapolis, Kesh gets a breath of fresh air and blossoms into himself, exploring his sexuality and seeking for deeper truths. Hungry for adventure, and equipped with the wisdom of his mother, his search for more leads him and his friend Brendan on a one day notice truth-or-dare journey to Seattle.

Seattle opens more doors for Kesh as he taps into Eastern spirituality, living in a Vedic Monastery and studying some of the world’s oldest philosophical writings. After leaving the monastery, Kesh lives as a model in Seattle. Feeling alone, and without his mother’s physical guidance, as well as feeling a need for more self-discovery, he then travels to India. He lives as an assistant to a senior monk, from whom he learns, and is encouraged to travel and teach. Uncertain of which avenue to use for teaching, he finds himself at a standstill and a kind of quarter-life crisis. In Goa, he realizes that he must go back to his core—back to Liberia—to find truths that can help him thrive in America.

Kesh then goes back home to Liberia to visit Gloria, his mother, who reconnects him to her wisdom and care. Through conversations and recollection, she empowers him to boldly open a spiritual gathering house in Tucson, Arizona, where he meets his partner Nikko, a young student searching for solace and balance in his own life. The two dedicate some time to traveling and interning on organic farms and building a resume which lands them a dream project in Missouri. Gloria, an expert gardener and horticulturist visits Missouri and plans to spend the next Summer on the farm with Kesh and Nikko to help in their sustainable agriculture development, but suddenly falls ill and dies, leaving a lifetime of laughter evoking and witty lessons.