John Legend's Publishing Company Releases Memoir by Wildlife Ecologist Rae Wynn-Grant
John Legend, known for his Grammy-winning music career and social activism, is taking steps to highlight diverse voices through his publishing company, Get Lifted Books. Its latest release is "Wild Life: Finding My Purpose in an Untamed World," a memoir by wildlife ecologist Rae Wynn-Grant.
The book covers her remarkable 20-year career, her experiences in the field, and the obstacles she's overcome in a profession where she often felt like an outsider.
From a young age, Wynn-Grant was captivated by wildlife and dreamed of hosting her own nature show, a vision that seemed unattainable due to the lack of representation in the field.
"You know, older White men walk through the jungles and the savannas and point out wildlife and talk about their protection, and I was captivated by that and I wanted to do it, too. But it looked like no woman, let alone a person of color, seemed allowed in that space," said Wynn-Grant.
Legend said the goal of Get Lifted Books was to bring unique stories like Wynn-Grant's to new audiences, whose book opens with her coming face-to-face with a wild black bear.
Once upon a time, a legend decided to establish Get Lifted Books with the intention of uplifting great authors, individuals with unique voices and captivating stories.
Upon hearing about Rae and her upcoming memoir, a fierce bidding war ensued with numerous parties vying to collaborate with her. However, it was the unwavering passion and dedication of Get Lifted Books that ultimately won Rae over, as they were determined to help her share her story with the world.
Delving beyond mere professional accomplishments, Rae's memoir provides readers with a poignant glimpse into her personal life, delving into her perspectives on relationships, motherhood, and the challenging decisions between a secure existence and one filled with excitement and uncertainty.
"I believed that my wildest adventures were a thing of the past," Rae reflected. "When the idea of a memoir was presented to me, I thought, 'This is perfect timing.' As a mother now, I assumed my days of embarking on thrilling wilderness escapades were numbered. However, I was mistaken, as I find myself still immersed in such pursuits."