A Heartfelt Journey of Identity, Belonging, and the Resilience of a Caribbean Island
In his evocative memoir Summer Baby, Wendell White invites readers on a deeply personal journey from the bustling streets of the Bronx to the serene hills of Montserrat, West Indies. A poignant tribute to family, culture, and identity, this memoir weaves together the universal themes of migration, belonging, and the enduring love of those who shape us.
At its heart, Summer Baby is a love story set on the rugged Caribbean Island that Wendell White’s family has called home for over two centuries. Through vivid storytelling, White reflects on his early years raised by his grandparents in the tight-knit community of Gages Village. With deep affection, he recalls their sacrifices, faith, and wisdom, which became the foundation of his identity.
The journey of Summer Baby began with a single essay, Dreaming, shared on Facebook, where White recounted his childhood in Montserrat. The post struck a chord with readers, sparking an outpouring of encouragement and planting the seed for this memoir. Now, White invites readers to explore his story of a second beginning.
“I was just a baby in December 1970, carried by my mother to Montserrat, her island home. There, I was wrapped in the love of my grandparents, who shaped my childhood with their strength, humor, and faith. Summer Baby is my tribute to them and the island that will always feel like home.”
Summer Baby traces Wendell White’s journey from the Bronx to Montserrat as an infant, his reunion with his mother in New York City, and his lifelong quest to embrace and preserve his dual identity. Montserrat itself emerges as a central character, its landscapes, culture, and people lovingly described through the eyes of a child embraced by its beauty and traditions.
Through the care of his grandparents, Mama and Dada, White discovered the strength, humor, and resilience that would shape his future. With deeply personal stories, Summer Baby explores universal experiences: the quiet sacrifices of grandparents, the power of community, and the shared challenge of navigating identity across cultures.
“Writing Summer Baby allowed me to honor the people and places that shaped me while capturing the enduring beauty of Montserrat. It’s a love letter to my roots and to those who understand the journey of belonging.”
Get Summer Baby on Amazon.
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