Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (Or Just Me)?

"An imaginary companion is a friend whom a child has created, talks about, or interacts with on a regular basis." ~ pg. 11

Jay Ellis, born Wendell Ramone Ellis Jr., tells the adventurous story of growing up with an imaginary friend. As a military brat, Jay was the perpetual new kid shuffling from school to school. He was an only child used to making shit up—hence, imaginary friend Mikey, who was part Dwayne Wayne, part Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Mikey was there through birthday disappointments, pop culture, hoop dreams, gang jump-ins, road trips, young love and so much more.

Jay Ellis had me at the title: Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (Or Just Me)? I absolutely did have an imaginary friend that everyone had to acknowledge. Set a place at the table, buckle the seatbelt, pull a chair out and include in conversations. My imaginary friend kept me company, gave me courage and evolved into adult consciousness. So it was not just you, Jay Ellis. Thanks for validating imaginary friends!

"Even though he didn't have a physical manifestation or a voice in my head, I was making decisions that were influenced by my days with him." ~ pg. 94

Judge this book by the cover! It is colorful, fun and totally for 80s babies who came of age in the 90s. Whether you recognize him as Lawrence from Insecure, Bryce on The Game or as the talented Black actor (now author) he is, add this nonfiction book to your reading list this summer. You will deep dive into the content, laugh in agreement and get lost in the childhood memories. Told through the voice of your homeboy, this memoir was unputdownable and oh so enjoyable! 

Happy Early Pub Day, Jay Ellis! Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (Or Just Me)?: Adventures in Boyhood will be available on July 30.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (Or Just Me)?
Author: Jay Ellis
Published: July 2024
Pages: 192
Edition: Galley
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤