Dreaming in a Nightmare: Finding a Way Forwards in a World That’s Holding You Back

by Jeremiah Emmanuel

A moving and powerful account of the problems faced by a new generation, from crime to poverty to an increasingly divided society, from an extraordinarily accomplished young activist and entrepreneur.

My name is Jeremiah Emmanuel. I’m twenty years old. I’m an activist, an entrepreneur, a former deputy young mayor of Lambeth and member of the UK Youth Parliament. I wanted to change the world, but the world I was born into changed me first.

Raised in south London, I lived in an area where crime and poverty were everywhere and opportunities to escape were rare. Violence was accepted, prison was expected. Your best friend might vanish overnight, never to be seen again. That was the world I knew; the only one I thought was possible for people like me.

But somehow, as I got older, I found my way to a different world: a place where people listened to you, where opinions were heard, where doors were opened, where there were opportunities around every corner. Everything had stayed the same and everything had changed.

This is the story of how I did it, the people who helped me get there, and the huge hurdles I – and my entire generation – have to learn to face and overcome. It’s the story of how to move forward in a world that’s holding you back.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2020

Reviews

[Gloria Makinwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeremiah is only 20 years old and has been through so much in such a short period of time. I’m really in awe of his strength and ability to keep pushing forward. I feel motivated to push myself out of comfort zone having read this. This book is more than just a personal story, it has real facts about the current state of Britain's institutions and the people affected by them. I learned a lot about homelessness, business, identity and grabbing every opportunity that comes my way because why not? I have a renewed sense of faith and confidence from reading Jeremiah and his friends stories. Never stop dreaming, never tell yourself you can’t achieve the things that you want. You can and you will.

[Kez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Eye opening, inspiring, timely, relevant.

This is the book everyone - especially those with imposter syndrome - should read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one and have encouraged my 16 y/o cousin to buy it!

[Shalisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeremiah Emmanuel has given a refreshing, well rounded perspective of life from my side of the tracks in South London.

So often when talking about our youth we never really get to hear from the youngers in the community who make a choice to strive to achieve their dreams without going down the dark route whilst still navigating the nightmare that is their environment. 

I love the fact Emmanuel not only spoke on the problems we face but also offered realistic solutions and new ways to look at our situation.

A light was shone on so many successful youth that are often not focused on.The Anecdotes written by different people throughout, both known and unknown, gave the account of life in the inner city depth and relateability. 

Knowing they grew up on and walked the same streets I walked or entered the same buildings I've entered; made it all the more inspiring. 

The chapter I thought I would enjoy the least , I enjoyed the most and that was the chapter on politics! It opened my eyes and simplified a lot of things, that at my big age you would think I should know.

[Tshepo Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explores Jeremiah and a number of different individuals and their experiences navigating a world that is full of injustices and trying to reconcile this with the opportunities that can present themselves if we allow ourselves to see them. Written in a conversational manner, the book exudes so much wisdom, it's almost as if you're receiving some brotherly advice from an older brother. Jeremiah Emmanuel doesn't scare away from recounting some terrible experiences that he and others he knows have had to endure. These accounts in this book go a long way to empowering those who experienced them and at no point does Jeremiah paint himself or others as victims. This book is truly amazing in every sense of the word and has definitely left an impact on myself.

[Senni Whitaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book the more I read it. The style is often quite colloquial, it may be better suited as an audio book or podcast, but the teachings are profound. For such a young author Jeremiah has a lot of wisdom many people can benefit from. This book has made me reflect on how I can give back to my community more and the struggles experiences by my neighbours. As a fellow Londoner, it’s eye opening to learn the lives of other Londoners living parallel lives. Thank you Jeremiah for being so patient, sharing so much and holding onto hope for our city. You have inspired me.

[Richard D'Crus, · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great reality to the struggles of how teengagers in London are facing. Truth and reality, it was great to see how he uses politics to change his nightmare. I like the fact that the education system needs to change as it is outdated.

[Darell Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational! Could not put it down! A must read!

[Ruth Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Difficulties in the UK for black people, immigrants, etc.
Very informative but did not finish reading it.

[Charlotte De Klerck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this down.

[sarah ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Iris Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book! Motivates me in so so many ways. As a young person in the UK, this book enlightens you about the reality of the system around you in a way that doesn't discourage you but emphasises what you can do to change this. Emmanuel writes very well and I am excited to read more of his work in the future.