Did "They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself" have any substance beyond being a memoir?

[Melisa Jane]

This is a discussion topic for the February 2025 Book of the Month, "They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself" by Monica Omorodion Swaida.

Did "They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself" by Monica Omorodion Swaida have any substance beyond being a memoir?

[Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis]

For me, it did not. I guess for a younger generation who are just starting out after high school, they could see the benefits of going to college and putting their nose to the grindstone. It also taught you to never give up, and to pick yourself up and start over in the face of difficulties. At this stage in my life, it was just a memoir.

[Ajiferuke Ajibola]

It does. Many young adults are looking for someone to motivate them, and this book teaches them to be self-motivated. The key is to tell the story to someone younger. For me, it will remind me that I can achieve whatever I set my heart to.

[Judy Burr]

I enjoyed the book. Monica is a gem. I liked her spirit and independence. Her parents were the catalyst for her amazing life. This book should be required reading for middle and high school history classes. She is a great example of modern immigrants that come to our country.

[AjaydtTomar]

The book "Enlightenment of Mind" by Karna Sonam Tarjay and "South Of The Hill" by Grace Boykin are recommended for young adults seeking motivation and self-motivation. The book teaches the importance of telling stories to younger readers and reminds readers that they can achieve anything they set their hearts to. It is a great example of modern immigrants.

[Lorna Walters 1]

Yes, I think the book has substance beyond a memoir. There are several teaching moments in this book. Her mother, despite losing her shop many times, was determined to rebuild to support her family financially. This speaks to resilience and determination. Also, the confidence that Monica had to accomplish all she had, travel to many countries, and seek and take advantage of opportunities in the US, is worth emulating. Mentoring young people and using her platform to encourage them to change their mindset and to rise above their circumstances is commendable.

[Gabriela Contreras Gonzalez]

For me, it does not. I found the author to be annoying and self-absorbed. I believe that the author failed to recognise she, like everyone else, makes mistakes, but prefers to step on a high horse judging everybody else. I also failed to understand what the need for politics and covid was, when the book was supposed to be a memoir.

The author wasn't honest when writing this book, as she stated that she hated taking care of her mother's store and then claims the opposite, that she loved helping.

[Blue N Sky]

Besides being a memoir, I saw this book as an opinion piece. Nothing else. It did not serve as inspiration for me. The author seems uninformed about people in the world other than herself. She shows no understanding for people whose worldviews differ from hers.

[Rosa Paiva Milovanovic]

I believe They Love You Until... goes well beyond a simple memoir. Yes, it shares Monica’s personal journey, packed with a big appetite for adventure — exploring new places, taking on fresh job opportunities, or seeking the “good side” in people. However, there’s an undercurrent that feels “toxic positivity.” For instance, in Chapter 6-7, when she addresses racism by claiming she’s almost never experienced it in the U.S. and advises a trainee that if he just dressed more “appropriately” (i.e., in line with dominant white standards) and spoke “politely,” life would fall into place.
Unfortunately It´s for most of racialized people in america not that simple to scape.

But ok, that's about Monicas individual story and how she’s chosen to adapt and grow from her experiences. It’s not supposed to be a realityreport of the strugles of racialized people in America.

When as readers we keep it in mind, we will be able to acknowledge Monicas learning process - and maybe shape our own.
Hence, I value how Monica’s narrative provokes our reflection about the subtil game of adapting to cultural differences or being subjulgated by it.

[Uggie Bear]

I think the book has more substance to it. It contains more than just her journey as it highlights how she overcame adversities while challenging societal norms. It provides motivation for open-mindedness, personal development and how to be resilient.

[Maria Daniela Martinez]

Yes, absolutely! "They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself" definitely had substance beyond just being a memoir. It wasn't just a recounting of Monica's life events; it offered several layers of meaning and valuable takeaways they are used to illustrate how challenges can shape you, how resilience is built, and how to overcome obstacles. This makes it more than just a story; it's a lesson in personal development.

[George Bastem]

Yes, beyond being a memoir, They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself serves as a motivational guide, emphasizing resilience, entrepreneurship, and the importance of open-mindedness. Monica Omorodion Swaida shares her journey from an immigrant teenager to a successful business owner, highlighting how embracing diverse cultures and challenging societal norms can lead to personal growth and a more inclusive society.

[Shaniqua Yorke]

In a way, yes. The younger generation can draw motivation from it.

[Yasmine ZM]

Yes it has substance beyond being a memoir. I think Monica made the point to add many teaching moments in her book. This book will inspire the young generations.

[Mark Lazarus]

Monica Omorodion Swaida’s memoir, They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself, transcends the traditional boundaries of autobiography by offering readers a profound exploration of cultural identity, resilience, and personal empowerment. Through her candid narrative, Swaida not only shares her immigrant experience but also provides valuable insights into embracing open-mindedness and challenging societal norms. This multifaceted approach enriches the memoir, making it both a personal journey and a universal call to action for readers to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.