Drawing on lessons from his remarkable life, former child soldier turned activist, author, entrepreneur, and international recording artist Emmanuel Jal provides his eleven pillars for overcoming adversity and living a life of purpose

“Who owns your mind?” Beginning with this provocative question, Emmanuel Jal invites readers to claim ownership over the narratives that define their lives in order to become a force for good in the world.

As a child growing up in South Sudan, Jal witnessed atrocities perpetrated against his family and community. These actions drove him to become a child soldier in a vicious civil war. Hunger, isolation, and the ever-present specter of death in battle attended his every moment. Yet his greatest challenge did not come from outside; it arose from within, from the corrosive nature of hopelessness, trauma, and narratives of victimization.

Rather than succumb to these forces of negativity, Jal turned his life’s challenges into opportunities by utilizing a comprehensive framework he developed around eleven pillars of support. These pillars can be utilized individually or as a unit to help build a durable internal structure that allows anyone to overcome adversity, regain joy and gratitude, and live a life of purpose that enriches the greater community.

Emmanuel Jal's profile page

EMMANUEL JAL started his life as a child soldier in the war-torn region of South Sudan. He is an activist, author, entrepreneur, and recording artist. He is the subject of the full-length award-winning documentary War Child and the author of the book by the same title. He now lives in Toronto, Canada.

Zibby Mag, A Most Anticipated Book of the Fall

"[An] astute combination of memoir and self-help guide . . . Jal’s journey away from the darkness makes for inspirational reading. Even self-help skeptics are likely to be stirred." —Publishers Weekly

"Courageous, vulnerable, compassionate, and insightful . . . Jal’s energy and vitality renders the book a satisfying read." —Kirkus Reviews

"Emmanuel is a truly remarkable man with a story that is equal parts heartbreaking, powerful, and inspiring. The lessons Emmanuel has gained in the most devastating of circumstances can teach us all something about the limitless possibility that lies within, as well as the power of positivity and hope." —Richard Branson

"Emmanuel's unique history ignites an authenticity earthed in compassion and curiosity. He goes where many fear to tread from acknowledging his violence to corporate boardrooms, the UN, and prisons. He has a gift for seeing the person, not their label, and meets any situation which he approaches with humility and openness. He goes on journeys like no other and this book will enrich all those who read it." —Jane Tewson CBE, Founder of Igniting Change & Co founder of Comic Relief

"I am so lucky to call Emmanuel a friend—I have learned so much from him. He is a generous teacher and has so much unique knowledge to share with the world and approaches life with so much fun, enthusiasm, and joy." —Nelly Furtado

"I’ve known Emmanuel both on and off the stage, but this book has taken me to a new depth in understanding his remarkable life and the steps he has taken to become who he is today. His teachings have helped inspire and influence people all over the world, and I know this book will continue to add to his extraordinary impact in the world." —Nile Rodgers