A Stone of Hope: A Memoir is a non-fiction book by Jim St. Germain, first published in 2017. The book recounts St. Germain's journey from a troubled youth growing up in Haiti and Brooklyn to becoming an advocate for juvenile justice reform.
St. Germain was born in Haiti and moved to Brooklyn with his family when he was young. He struggled with poverty, violence, and gang involvement throughout his teenage years, culminating in an arrest for armed robbery. While in juvenile detention, St. Germain found mentors who helped him turn his life around and realize his potential.
The memoir is a candid account of St. Germain's personal struggles and his work to improve the lives of young people caught in the criminal justice system. He advocates for more humane and effective approaches to youth justice and shares his own experiences as a mentor and advocate for at-risk youth.
A Stone of Hope is a powerful and inspiring memoir that offers hope and insight into the challenges faced by young people growing up in difficult circumstances. It has been praised for its honesty, empathy, and St. Germain's compelling storytelling. The book has been widely acclaimed and has helped to bring attention to the urgent need for juvenile justice reform in the United States.