Add Prime to get Fast, Free delivery
Amazon prime logo
Buy new:
-44% $14.99
FREE delivery Friday, January 10 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$14.99 with 44 percent savings
List Price: $27.00
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Friday, January 10 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Tuesday, January 7. Order within 18 hrs 31 mins.
In Stock
$$14.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$14.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$11.91
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
Pages are clean with no markings. Ships direct from Amazon! Pages are clean with no markings. Ships direct from Amazon! See less
FREE delivery January 23 - February 7 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery January 22 - February 4
$$14.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$14.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

More Than I Imagined: What a Black Man Discovered About the White Mother He Never Knew Hardcover – May 2, 2023

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 354 ratings

Great on Kindle
Great Experience. Great Value.
iphone with kindle app
Putting our best book forward
Each Great on Kindle book offers a great reading experience, at a better value than print to keep your wallet happy.

Explore your book, then jump right back to where you left off with Page Flip.

View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look.

Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more.

Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration.

Get the free Kindle app: Link to the kindle app page Link to the kindle app page
Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$14.99","priceAmount":14.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"14","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"kwAXFsNlXTVeSSOvFLWRgUqNXPmvxSjG8n2SKLbiYlGn8Xu0oec22nXYd%2BYbv9QYbCg2UupBNqLEZ6eYNY1tfdGsoR63FTSHj4F2ChdCrLrPkJTAhG7yKgf9YbPQZulIRLlDe1s7VOP7uBLReeSa1Q%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$11.91","priceAmount":11.91,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"11","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"91","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"kwAXFsNlXTVeSSOvFLWRgUqNXPmvxSjGPiOGOymVfnTxgWA5lBvzCGjpmlKNybbQzTjzEsZouzbOVVF8B7TKcU3apiHg25IGWcWsqbj%2FhyuAD%2BXdvh%2F2qKUdpIfrXtEykZNaBGQTcDkcq%2FkPIib8hRDytMz6W1sTj1PIHhiFErnJpotjFixibfrCyJSLGh9l","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

An award-winning journalist tells the “riveting” (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) story of his quest to reconcile with his white mother and the family he’d never met—and how faith brought them all together.

“A compelling and courageous journey that bears witness to the realities of systemic racism, the complexity of identity within that system, and the possibilities of reconciliation.”—Robin DiAngelo, New York Times bestselling author of White Fragility

WINNER: The Christopher Award; The Illumination Award; The Nonfiction Book Award; Georgia Center’s “A Book All Georgians Should Read”; The Nautilus Award; Georgia Author of the Year Award

John Blake grew up in a notorious Black neighborhood in inner-city Baltimore that became the setting for the HBO series
The Wire. There he became a self-described “closeted biracial person,” hostile toward white people while hiding the truth of his mother’s race. The son of a Black man and a white woman who met when interracial marriage was still illegal, Blake knew this much about his mother: She vanished from his life not long after his birth, and her family rejected him because of his race.

But at the age of seventeen, Blake had a surprise encounter that uncovered a disturbing family secret. This launched him on a quest to reconcile with his white family. His search centered on two questions: “Where is my mother?” and “Where do I belong?”
More Than I Imagined is Blake’s propulsive true story about how he answered those questions with the help of an interracial church, a loving caregiver’s sacrifice, and an inexplicable childhood encounter that taught him the importance of forgiveness.

Blake covered some of the biggest stories about race in America for twenty-five years before realizing that “facts don’t change people, relationships do.” He owes this discovery to “radical integration,” which was the only way forward for him and his family—and is the only way forward for America as a multiracial democracy.
More Than I Imagined is a hopeful story for our difficult times.

Praise for More Than I Imagined

“An incredibly moving memoir that both examines and complicates our understanding of race in America today,
More Than I Imagined is overflowing with empathy and full of humanity.”—Clint Smith, New York Times bestselling author of How the Word Is Passed

“This is a book of gutsy hope and not of despair, of reconciliation and not of hatred. Both sides of the racial divide need the voice that Blake is uniquely qualified to offer.”
—Philip Yancey, author of What’s So Amazing About Grace?
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Frequently bought together

This item: More Than I Imagined: What a Black Man Discovered About the White Mother He Never Knew
$14.99
Get it as soon as Friday, Jan 10
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$17.82
Get it as soon as Friday, Jan 10
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$15.64
Get it as soon as Friday, Jan 10
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by Murfbooks and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Treatment
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Choose items to buy together.

From the Publisher

 Reads like a thriller says Ibram X. Kendi

I needed this book; our nation needs this book says Andy Stanley

…a balm for a divided country that leans on sensationalism writes Library Journal

WINNER: The Christopher Award; Nonfiction Book Award; Georgia Author of the Year Award; and more”

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This memoir surprised me over and over again. John Blake’s life reads like a thriller but, like his reporting at CNN, is packed with pockets of compassion and wisdom.”—Ibram X. Kendi, #1 New York Times bestselling author of How to Be an Antiracist

More Than I Imagined is a powerful chronicle of John Blake’s journey that lays out a clear path toward racial healing—not just for his own family but the entire United States.”The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“John Blake incisively covers news of today’s racial divide, but it’s his own story that truly deserves to be broadcast.”
—Heather McGhee, New York Times bestselling author of The Sum of Us

“I tell John Blake things I don’t tell any other journalist. Sensitive to the moment, amid the recent surge of attention given to faith and race, Blake provides the kind of steady and studied analysis that we need to understand these critical topics.”
—Jemar Tisby, New York Times bestselling author of The Color of Compromise

“John Blake takes us on a heartbreaking, powerful journey of personal, familial, and possibly national redemption. Truth-telling and working to confront those uncomfortable truths are at the core of this engaging and wrenching memoir.”
—Carol Anderson, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling author of White Rage

More Than I Imagined impacted me far more than I could have possibly imagined. John Blake is spot-on when he writes, ‘facts don’t change people; relationships do.’ I needed this book; our nation needs this book.”—Andy Stanley, pastor, founder of North Point Ministries and author of Not in It to Win It

More Than I Imagined testifies to the deepest truth that America cannot change unless Americans change. John Blake’s tender, powerful reckoning with his family’s history, secrets, myths, and divisions shows how we as a country can find a pathway to wholeness.”—Eric Liu, author of Become America

“I don’t recall a memoir so substantively shaped by the self-awareness of one’s relationships.”
—Scot McKnight, professor at Northern Seminary and bestselling author of Jesus Creed

“Blake’s message of empathetic compassion and coming together as a community is a balm for a divided country that leans on sensationalism, hate, and scare tactics.”
Library Journal, starred review

About the Author

John Blake is an award-winning CNN journalist. He has been honored by the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, the American Academy of Religion, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the Religion Communicators Council. A recipient of the GLAAD Media Award, he has spoken at high schools, colleges, and symposiums, and in documentaries on race, religion, and politics. Blake is a native of Baltimore, Maryland.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Convergent Books (May 2, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593443047
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593443040
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.81 x 0.88 x 8.54 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 354 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
John Blake
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
354 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find the memoir insightful and inspiring. They describe the story as affecting, uplifting, and incredible. The writing style is described as thoughtful and engaging. The memoir demonstrates resilience, restoration, and hope. Overall, customers find it a great and thought-provoking read.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

24 customers mention "Enlightenedness"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and informative. They say it helps chart a course of racial reconciliation. The book is personal, honest, and enriching. Readers mention that the book changes hearts and lives.

"...The author truly has the gift of storytelling. I was impressed by how candid and vulnerable he was while portraying painful childhood memories...." Read more

"...stole Christmas, your heart will have grown three sizes larger, changed hearts, changed lives, a changed America, greater empathy, compassion, and..." Read more

"...This book shows us the incredible power of love and faith and how they helped mold a young man facing many odds into a successful, happy, and mature..." Read more

"...Its informative, enlightening, and entertaining at times. Look forward to reading more from this well versed and interesting journalist/author." Read more

22 customers mention "Story quality"22 positive0 negative

Customers find the story moving and inspiring. They describe it as a personal account of the author's identity journey. The memoir is described as relatable and captivating.

"...The author truly has the gift of storytelling. I was impressed by how candid and vulnerable he was while portraying painful childhood memories...." Read more

"...Deep profound pathos. John has given me more than I imagined...." Read more

"...It's an uplifting read." Read more

"...I went a head and purchased it. I am not disappointed. The story is wonderful. The writer kept me engaged. I just want to hug the whole family...." Read more

11 customers mention "Readability"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it an interesting and thoughtful memoir about faith and family. The author is well-versed and the story keeps them engaged.

"...I went a head and purchased it. I am not disappointed. The story is wonderful. The writer kept me engaged. I just want to hug the whole family...." Read more

"...Its informative, enlightening, and entertaining at times. Look forward to reading more from this well versed and interesting journalist/author." Read more

"...was an occasional response as I worked my way through. Definitely worth the read." Read more

"...Thanks to this wonderful memoir, I feel like I understand my grandfather now." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing style"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find the story engaging and the author thoughtful in recounting events.

"...I am not disappointed. The story is wonderful. The writer kept me engaged. I just want to hug the whole family. Emotionally deep, sad, happy...." Read more

"John Blake has produced a thoughtful and inspiring account of his life...." Read more

"...John Blake does all that and more in this thoughtful, understated recounting of his quest to know his missing white mother and her family...." Read more

"...He is a very good writer." Read more

7 customers mention "Resilience"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the memoir's resilience and hope. They find it poignant, honest, and vulnerable. The author's struggle to survive is remarkable, and his ability to accept the circumstances shows bravery and inspiration.

"...I was impressed by how candid and vulnerable he was while portraying painful childhood memories. I am sure that could not have been easy...." Read more

"John Blake’s book is wonderfully authentic, transparent, vulnerable...." Read more

"I learned so much from this deeply moving, vulnerable memoir. I am a white woman...." Read more

"...The struggle to survive was remarkable and his ability to accept the circumstances shows courage." Read more

An honest, vulnerable and exciting autobiography, that onr cannot put down!
5 out of 5 stars
An honest, vulnerable and exciting autobiography, that onr cannot put down!
One feels true honesty and amazing thought in this fantastic unveiling of a first person account of many trials and tribulations, of a most incredible life journey. A real page turner that not only makes you think but brings up all kinds of feelings and emotions.
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2024
    I was intrigued by the title of this book but I had no idea how much it would speak to me personally. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. The author truly has the gift of storytelling. I was impressed by how candid and vulnerable he was while portraying painful childhood memories. I am sure that could not have been easy. John's story is heartfelt and inspiring. It tackles difficult topics like racism, poverty, religion, and mental health. It also illustrates the impact of education and having someone in your life who believes in you, on your ability to achieve success and break generational curses. I am so glad that I found this book and look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2023
    John Blake’s book is wonderfully authentic, transparent, vulnerable. Readers ultimately benefit when an author puts themself all outbthere as he has. Growing up in West Baltimore, poverty and crime ridden, largely absent Black father, unknown white mother, largely raised by a combination of extended family members and quasi unregistered negligent oppressive foster home, despite being bright never believing himself good enough, hostile to whites. Then grace and goodness began to rain down progressively on him. Deep profound pathos. John has given me more than I imagined. As Nicodemus in The Chosen marvels to his wife as they prepare for Shabbat dinner, “what if life is more wonderful and more complex than we could possibly imagine.” John has gifted to us such a book.

    I found myself thrust into racial reconciliation with the George Floyd killing three years ago. I have found myself in the relentless pursuit of racial unity and healing: 25 books read, 100’s of encounters and interactions, dozens of conversations and meetings with individuals. All consuming. For anyone curious, intrigued, desirous on stepping into and proceeding down this path I would exhort you as an introduction to read three books: this book along with Miles McPherson’s The Third Option: Hope For A Racially Divided Nation and Sheila Wise Rowe’s Healing Racial Trauma:;The Road to Resilience. The trifecta. Like the Grinch who stole Christmas, your heart will have grown three sizes larger, changed hearts, changed lives, a changed America, greater empathy, compassion, and mercy.
    20 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2023
    John Blake’s memoir is a page-turner. Having worked as a reporter in Baltimore, I wanted to find out how he rose above the racial divisions and hardships that plague many children growing up in the city’s rougher neighborhoods. Despite spending much of his youth in a horrendously abusive foster home, Blake seems buoyed by love for his father, brother, and a godsent aunt. Yet he still struggles to understand why his white mother and her family have never been present in his life. Discovering the answer, coming to terms with it, and building relationships with the white side of his family is healing not only for Blake but for his readers. This book shows us the incredible power of love and faith and how they helped mold a young man facing many odds into a successful, happy, and mature adult. It's an uplifting read.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2024
    I am studying USHistory at my adult ed class. This book popped up advertised when I was doing some research on civil rights. I went a head and purchased it. I am not disappointed. The story is wonderful. The writer kept me engaged. I just want to hug the whole family. Emotionally deep, sad, happy. I felt like I was right there every step of the way.
    Thank you
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2024
    This is a remarkable story by a remarkable story teller. So many emotions experienced while reading this book. Its informative, enlightening, and entertaining at times. Look forward to reading more from this well versed and interesting journalist/author.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2023
    John Blake has been a professional colleague who can be as quiet and reserved as he is generous and relatable. In reading this book, I learned more than I ever knew about his life. It's as much searing, personal memoir as it is a set of captivating and spellbinding stories. It shows the reader that there are things far more powerful than the "isms" which haunt us. As a Black woman who believes that many White people lack the empathy required to heal themselves of their racist nature, I found this book goes a long way to show that when relationships are built, racial unity is possible. I highly recommend reading John's book and sharing it with your friends. If your experience is like mine, your copy won't find a home on your bookshelf because your friend will want to hang onto it for a while to process its impact.
    13 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2023
    I read the book on a trip from San Diego to Texas for my granddaughter’s high school graduation. I lived through the things he’s talking about. I’m white but grew up in a black neighborhood in Texas. The bus to the white school had to come pick us up in a black neighborhood (only did so after my Dad went to the school board). We operated a general store and lived in the back of it.

    I left the book with my granddaughter; I know she will read it as she is an avid reader and majoring in prelaw at Baylor in the fall. I’m almost 80, a retired teacher, and have lived in San Diego for over 50 years.

    The book is a personal story of how the author finds his identity and seems to have some solutions to many of our problems related to race.
    10 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2024
    John Blake has produced a thoughtful and inspiring account of his life. Several part cause me to pause and reflect on my thoughts of where the nation is headed and how to continue to instill hope for change in my child.