In the 1980s, teenagers John and Monique fell into a consuming high school love. Decades later, that bond ends on the streets of Southern California, where John’s life is cut short by homelessness and a brutal battle with addiction.
When his handwritten journal is lost to the pavement, it leaves his son and grandchildren with an empty space where his story should be. Driven by grief, Monique realizes she holds a vital piece of the man John was before the pain destroyed him, and steps forward to share that history with his son.
To resurrect the boy before the streets took him, Monique must make a devastating trade: relinquishing the safe, numb distance of time to stand face-to-face with a lifelong grief.
A deeply moving account of first loves, unconditional friendship, and the bonds that transcend blood. When Then Became Now is an authentic, heart-wrenching read for anyone who has ever battled addiction or loved someone who has.
"When Then Became Now is such a good memoir that I hope more people pick it up. Gorgeously written, deeply moving and just completely heart-breaking in many ways, it just begs to be read by as many memoir lovers (and more) as possible."
—Reedsy
WHEN THEN BECAME NOW
"Some relationships transcend the boundaries of traditional romance, deepening in meaning and affection through life's challenges. These connections stand as testaments to the enduring nature of love and the unbreakable bonds built by shared experiences. Such is the relationship of John and Monique in this tender memoir, "When Then Became Now," by Monique Rardin Richardson."
—Reader Views