Page 37 - Reader's House Magazine Issue 52

JR. Rice’s unparalleled ability to weave raw emotion and deep purpose into his stories makes him an extraordinary literary voice.
have writ. But I could not both live and utter it.”
What challenges did you face while writing Broken Pencils, and how did you overcome them?
Writing Broken Pencils was deeply personal and challenging. Like Jonah Tarver, I struggle
with bipolar disorder and have a history of mental health chal-
lenges, including depression, mania, panic attacks, and
suicidal ideation. Initially, I aimed to highlight mental
Broken Pencils by J.R Rice is a powerful coming- of-age novel following Jonah Tarver, a troubled teen dealing with bipolar disorder and grief. Set over twelve hours in San Francisco, the book offers strong characterization and tackles mature themes with honesty, making it a compelling read for young adults.
of not being understood. Through Jonah’s journey, I wanted to explore the challenges of living with bipolar disorder, inviting readers to experience the emotional highs and lows, and ultimately, the beauty of embracing life’s struggles.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers who want to make an impact with their work?
My advice is to stay authentic and true
to your voice. Write from your experiences and emotions to connect with others across cultures and boundaries. Give a voice to the voiceless—the people whose stories show resilience through struggle. It’s also vital to preserve the legacy of our ancestors by car- rying their stories into the present, so future generations can do the same. This honors their sacrifices and triumphs while continuing their legacy.
health from a young Black teenager’s perspective. But
as I worked on the book, I confronted my own
traumas and reflected on the causes and effects of
my struggles.
In recent years, I’ve prioritized self-care,
regularly engaging in activities that pro- mote mental health.
Broken Pencils has had a profound impact on my
life, helping me develop a deeper
understanding and love for my imperfect but beautiful self.
Can you describe the
significance of your characters’ personal struggles in your novels?
In Broken Pen- cils, the protagonist, Jonah Tarver, a trou-
bled Black teenager from Oakland, be-
lieves life is pointless, like a broken pencil. On
the night of his senior prom and the anniversary
of his best friend’s death, Jonah embarks on a journey
to find his purpose.
The story was inspired by my own struggles with
mental health. I’ve bat- tled depression and manic episodes since my teenage
years, carrying the shame
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