07/04/2025
Today we’re proud to share a powerful story from one of our authors, whose journey has come full circle in the most meaningful way.
Author Roberto Alfaro recently returned to his childhood neighborhood in the South Bronx—not just as a visitor, but as a published author. He donated a copy of his memoir, "Fighting Through the Hurdles of My Life," to the Mott Haven Library, just five blocks from where he grew up.
But this wasn’t just a book drop. It was a return to the place that gave him hope when life was at its hardest.
“This wasn’t just a library to me; it was a sanctuary during some of the darkest times in my childhood.”
Growing up surrounded by hardship—domestic violence, bullying, and uncertainty—he found refuge in stories. The library was a lifeline, a quiet space that offered worlds beyond his own.
“Those pages helped me escape my troubles, dream big, and imagine a world far beyond the circumstances that surrounded me at the time.”
Now, as an author, he walks through those same doors with a different purpose: to inspire the next generation. Through his memoir, he shares a message of perseverance, resilience, and the power of self-belief.
“My hope is that the young teen readers and adults who pick up my book will see themselves in my story and realize that their challenges don’t have to define them.”
We’re deeply moved by this moment—and honored to be part of his publishing journey. Thank you to Library Manager Josephine Freeman for welcoming his book and inviting him to speak later this year.
"Fighting Through the Hurdles of My Life" is now part of the Mott Haven Library collection—right where it belongs.
Get your very own copy here: https://halopublishing.com/authors/roberto-alfaro/
