Jesse Gourdet

What began as a simple trip on an Amtrak train from Virginia to Florida turned into a major autobiography and cultural heritage. Jesse Gourdet spins stories of his past in Haiti and his tireless quest for the American dream.


Gourdet imparts the insights he gained during his early years in Haiti and his career in America. He describes his childhood spent with his family in Haiti and the serious illness that almost killed him as a young boy. Haiti of the 1950s and 1960s bursts into life as Gourdet explains his complicated family history and the local culture he grew up in. The love and respect Gourdet has for his family shines from every page

When he was twenty-four, Gourdet decided to move to America and pursue the often-elusive American dream. His memoir goes on to memorialize the people who helped him along the way and the lessons they taught him about life and love. As you will learn, Gourdet spent his life searching for ways to make it meaningful. And as A Reason or a Season proves, he succeeded. 

About the Author: Jesse Gourdet

Another book by Jesse Gourdet:

Let it be Easy