Let me tell you how this all started.
I was born and raised in Riverside, California, where I went through the Riverside Unified School District. Elementary and middle school were rough periods for me. I struggled with several undiagnosed issues that made focusing extremely difficult. My parents, trying to help, made me read regularly—which is ironic when I think about it now, since I can’t stop reading these days. Back then, I was highly addicted to video games, but thankfully when I was 10, I discovered tennis and physical activities, which gave me a healthier outlet for my energy.
School was always a struggle until high school, which marked a turning point in my life. That’s when I became a Christian and found my existential purpose through my faith. This spiritual awakening really got me to start taking things seriously and provided a framework that helped me engage with learning in a meaningful way. What began as a deep interest in theology and philosophy naturally evolved into a passion for reading across all genres.
When I enrolled at California Baptist University (CBU), I wasn’t entirely sure about my direction, so I pursued business. For the past six years, I’ve worked in sales—paying the bills, building skills, learning the market. But throughout that time, there was always this pull toward books and writing that I couldn’t ignore.
Throughout my journey, I’ve found myself continually returning to the works of certain authors who have profoundly shaped my thinking and imagination. Sylvia Plath, with her raw emotional depth; Oscar Wilde, whose wit and social commentary remain unmatched; G.K. Chesterton, with his paradoxical wisdom; C.S. Lewis, whose ability to communicate profound truths through simple narratives inspires me; and of course, Tolkien, whose world-building and mythological depth changed literature forever.
My wife has been my greatest inspiration in finally taking the leap to create this literary platform. She’s watched me talk about books, recommend titles, and analyze stories for years, always encouraging me to share that passion more broadly.
Currently, I’m pursuing two master’s degrees simultaneously—one in Library Sciences from the University of North Texas and another in Theology from Cranmer Theological House. These academic pursuits are helping me develop a unique perspective that bridges the practical world of literature organization with deeper philosophical and theological insights.
The Literary Compass isn’t just another book review site. It’s the culmination of a lifelong journey with literature—from a high school kid fascinated by big ideas to a professional building something meaningful in the literary space.
This is just the beginning. I’m bringing my experience, education, and passion together to create something truly valuable for fellow readers. Whether you’re looking for your next great read or wanting to dive deeper into the books that have shaped our world, I’m here to be your guide.
