About Me!!

If you have made it this far into the website, I truly appreciate you taking the time to get to know me. This site has been a labor of love, an idea that first took shape in 2023. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to set the project aside entirely. Yet, as with all great stories, there is always a turning point, and it is with immense joy and privilege that I now present to you the new and revitalized Literary Compass.

It’s almost humorous to think about how my life once revolved around anything but books. I was, without exaggeration, a full-fledged video game junkie. Reading was more of a chore than a delight—especially when my dad assigned book reports, which meant I had to actually read the book and churn out a one-page synopsis. I despised it. But everything changed in 2014 when I entered high school and, unexpectedly, found a passion for reading through an entirely different avenue—my faith.

That year, I became a Christian, and my journey into theology sparked a deep appreciation for books. What started as an effort to understand theology soon blossomed into a broader love of literature. Learning to engage deeply with texts and apply them to my life opened up a world of storytelling, philosophy, and wisdom that I had never explored before.

I pursued theology at California Baptist University (CBU), but like many who wrestle with uncertainty about the future, I ultimately chose the pragmatic path of a business degree. As it turns out, that decision was a hidden blessing. Business led me into sales—an industry that many dread but one that taught me invaluable skills in communication, negotiation, and perseverance. After graduating in 2019, I started a Master’s program in Theology at Westminster, but the unforeseen challenges of COVID and financial strain forced me to take a leave.

Life, however, has a way of writing its own unexpected chapters. In 2020, I met my wife, and we wasted no time in embarking on a grand adventure together—getting married and navigating a world that, in those pandemic years, felt eerily post-apocalyptic. Our journey took us to Catalina Island, where we lived for three years. During that time, my wife transitioned from teaching to an entirely new world—becoming a librarian. We had never even considered this as a profession before, but it became an eye-opening experience for both of us.

Inspired by our immersion in the world of books, I decided to fully embrace my passion. Today, I am enrolled in two Master’s programs while simultaneously building The Literary Compass—a space dedicated to book lovers, emerging authors, and the celebration of literature in all its forms. My goal is to write about books, promote authors both new and established, and cultivate a community that values the written word as much as I do.

So whether you’re here for book reviews, reading tips, literary discussions, or simply to find your next great read, welcome. This journey is just beginning, and I’m honored to share it with you.