Here for It

Or, How to Save Your Soul in America: Essays

By: R. Eric Thomas

Narrated by: R. Eric Thomas

National Best Seller

Read with Jenna Book Club Pick as Featured on Today

From the creator of Elle’s “Eric Reads the News", a heartfelt and hilarious memoir-in-essays about growing up seeing the world differently, finding unexpected hope, and experiencing every awkward, extraordinary stumble along the way.

“Pop culture-obsessed, Sedaris-level laugh-out-loud funny...[R. Eric Thomas] is one of my favorite writers.” (Lin-Manuel Miranda, Entertainment Weekly)

Named One of the 10 Best Books of the Year by Teen Vogue and One of the Best Books of the Year by O: The Oprah Magazine • NPR • Marie Claire • Men’s Health

R. Eric Thomas didn’t know he was different until the world told him so. Everywhere he went - whether it was his rich, mostly white, suburban high school, his conservative Black church, or his Ivy League college in a big city - he found himself on the outside looking in.

In essays by turns hysterical and heartfelt, Thomas reexamines what it means to be an “other” through the lens of his own life experience. He explores the two worlds of his childhood: the barren urban landscape where his parents’ house was an anomalous bright spot, and the Eden-like school they sent him to in white suburbia. He writes about struggling to reconcile his Christian identity with his sexuality, the exhaustion of code-switching in college, accidentally getting famous on the internet (for the wrong reason), and the surreal experience of covering the 2016 election for Elle online, and the seismic changes that came thereafter. Ultimately, Thomas seeks the answer to these ever more relevant questions: Is the future worth it? Why do we bother when everything seems to be getting worse? As the world continues to shift in unpredictable ways, Thomas finds the answers to these questions by reenvisioning what “normal” means and in the powerful alchemy that occurs when you at last place yourself at the center of your own story.

Here for It will resonate deeply and joyfully with everyone who has ever felt pushed to the margins, struggled with self-acceptance, or wished to shine more brightly in a dark world. Stay here for it - the future may surprise you.

©2020 R. Eric Thomas (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"This book was a lovely gift of hope and hysterical wit that kept me warm during the apocalypse. I laughed. I cried. I wish I would have written it myself." (Jenny Lawson, New York Times best-selling author of You Are Here and Furiously Happy)

"Here for It is Thomas at his finest: funny, clever, thoughtful, and compelling. I’m glad the world will not only get to experience more of Thomas’s talent, but another much-needed story from another gay Black man in America." (Michael Arceneaux, New York Times best-selling author of I Can’t Date Jesus: Love, Sex, Family, Race, and Other Reasons I’ve Put My Faith in Beyoncé)

"A laugh-out-loud memoir that is strongly recommended for everyone." (Library Journal starred review)

Brings Out Every Emotion

I couldn’t put this book down! Actually, I got the audible version read by Eric himself! Funny, introspective, charming, witty - but mostly funny. I laughed out loud so many times. His use of vocabulary brought such a clarity to the story; it totally draws you in. I would highly recommend!

A wonderful, multi faceted look into life.

Don't have a moment that stands out, to many great lines. Read to open your mind, heart and get the bonus of good laughs.

I adored this book & look forward to more.

Most memorable, loved the epolog when the future self's visit on the cruise. Thank you

Loved it!

Who is this person that’s going to take over for Ask Amy? IMWTK! I’m so glad to find this funny, insightful, vulnerable, life-affirming answer. And now I get to read the daily column hearing Eric’s voice in my head! I’m here for it!

I am HERE FOR IT!!

What a wonderful journey through your life. So many similarities and differences. I can’t wait to read your next book. Of course, you will keep writing. Continue to be yourself. The internet is that much more fun with your contributions to it.

Wonderful!

This was fabulous! I loved R. Eric's storytelling and humor mixed in with words of wisdom. By far, my favorite audible book of the year.

A perspective needed to be read/heard

This was an amazing, well-written and deep account containing references (mentioned and unmentioned) hidden with double meanings, parallels and contemporary references.

This book is not merely about mental health and well-being or a normal auto biography but is instead an honest and entertaining perspective that is only gained through an extensive account.

Usually I don’t love this kind of voice (more young-audience driven) but this was so relevant to many of generations and referenced and related to many years of life.

Overall, I’m surprised I loved it so much.

Hilarious!

This is required listening because it makes it so much funnier! Loved the pop culture/church reference throughout. Again! A must listen!

Witty and Fun

So funny! Such a great performance. Witty and thoughtful writing. Pleasure to listen to. Serious topics, but still funny.

r. eric thomas is a national treasure

genuine and hilarious satire at its finest
sent me down a mr. rogers rabbit hole
soaked with glorious pop culture references and wrapped in great story telling
r. eric thomas - i will read all you write