Antonio Ricardo Cannady | The Black Pages The Memoir Setting Me Free

Antonio Ricardo Cannady, the author of 'The Black Pages: The Memoir Setting Me Free' and the organizer behind The Antonio Ricardo Cannady Act (ARCA), a state and federal emotional intelligence initiative.

To learn more about the ARCA initiative, click HERE

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The Black Pages: The Memoir Setting Me Free: Book Blurb

Independent writer and filmmaker Antonio Ricardo Cannady wrote screenplays that got him invited through the exclusive doors of CBS Television, appearances on TMZ, and mentoring by an Emmy award-winning TV producer, which led him to a six-figure writing offer from Whitfield Entertainment Group (WEG), an entertainment company affiliated with Grammy-winning recording artist Pharrell Williams and Grammy-nominated artist Pusha-T.

What isn’t known is that Antonio is the byproduct of an emotionally and physically violent childhood home that endured years of domestic trauma, only to escape and emotionally bleed onto the streets of Orlando, Florida, and, unfortunately, onto others as well. For years, he battled a powder cocaine addiction, undiagnosed mental disorders, relationship issues, and the arduous struggle to keep the broken boy within himself the darkest of secrets.

While maneuvering from Orlando to the streets of Los Angeles in search of something outside of himself, Antonio was armed with every damaging tool imaginable that could ignite his pending self-destruction. Fortunately, a truth was revealed along his journey, resulting in a rerouting of his path. So, how did he sidestep and overcome such a clear, definite, and unfortunate fate?

Within the pages of this book, Antonio discloses and reveals his objectional journey, truth, complete transparency, and vulnerability, along with the lessons and insights he learned through some of his darkest days that ultimately led to the light along his path leading him into his calling of helping others.

Reviews:

"Heart wrenching, raw and emotional. He gives you an intimate look into who he was and has become through circumstance and personal growth. On several occasions I had to put this book down because of the emotions it stirred. I wanted him to win. The section where he was discussing the takeaway lessons was a good ending to this memoir. I just wish there was more.

Thank you NetGalley for the Arc read."

-- Jean S.

"I give the book 4.5 stars. I received a free ebook from Netgalley for a review of their book. I never heard of Antonio Cannady before reading his book. I really like biographies. I was intrigued about his story. His book is a raw and emotional book. He allows you to see his pain, trauma, and dreams. I really felt like I knew Antonio by reading this book. He shares the good and ugly of his life. Even when he shares the ugly, you feel his pain. I was rooting for him to change. Yes, he is able to change.

The book is part biography and part self help book. He shares his pain. Hey also, shares how he gets healthy. He is an advocate for therapy and medication!!! Parts feel a little like AA, with emphasis on G-d. It's an easy book to read. The chapters are short. His book is easy to read. I really wanted to read more, so I could find out more about his story. I am thankful for Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book. I hope to read ( and see more) from this wonderful author ( and so much more)."

-- Jamie C.

" Cannady recounts his incredibly challenging upbringing and how he brought him to where he is today. As is common with many memoirs, there is stream of consciousness at times, but I don't find that super out of place if you read many memoirs. Cannady breaks his life story into 10 sections and for the most part stays within the title and topic of each section. Perhaps what I enjoyed the most is that he used his memoir as another form of a self-help. So instead of just talking about himself in each chapter, he adds a "Take away" section at the end where he talks to the reader about what they can take away, whether they have experienced the same things or not.

I hope Cannady continues on his journey of doing things to help others in a meaningful way."

-- Kierstyn Z.

THE BLACK PAGES: THE MEMOIR SETTING ME FREE

Reviews:

" The guy definitely had some major issues growing up and during his adult life but it’s nice to see that he finally owns his sh**. Some of the things he talks about, if were me, I would take to my grave but I guess that’s where his growth and vulnerability comes in and shows. A very solid read."

-- CruzBlvd

" What I appreciated about The Black Pages is how relatable it is. Many of us probably haven’t lived the kind of tough life the author has, yet he tells his story in a way that implores us to hear him out. From the first chapter, Cannady draws us in and ultimately gets us to empathize. Maybe it's the “takeaway” sections after each chapter that lead us to consider applying his lessons to our own journeys. Or maybe it’s the unfiltered, compelling way he describes his struggle with domestic violence — as a victim and emotional abuser — that captivates us. But my biggest takeaway from the book is that he allows himself to open up and become transparent. We get the sense it’s not easy for Cannady to become this vulnerable. But he tells his gripping story in a way that seems like a cathartic release. The book is not all dark though — the author shares more than a few funny moments that made this reader laugh out loud. Without hesitation, I’d say The Black Pages is a no-holds-barred must-read for everyone, from teens to mature adults!"

-- Corey in LA

" There is never a dull moment throughout this book. It’s an emotional ride that may bring you to tears, laughter, curiosity, empathy and insight. This is just not any book but an autobiography that has opened eyes to the trails and tribulations that often lead young men astray but also highlights hope, strength, resilience and chance to overcome those things. Thank you to the author for sharing your story so transparently to the world. The ARCA initiative mentioned and presently in the works will be a great contributor to heal the hearts and minds of young children today to give them a greater hope for their future in emotional intelligence during their matriculation in school while they are young to give them a great foundation as they move forward into adulthood. God has his hand on this author and is turning pain into Purpose for many. Thank you for sharing with us all."

-- Tam24