Author Ricky Weir on the Release of His Memoir 'Illegitimately Blessed'

A life well-lived certainly deserves to be documented. Author Ricky Weir's page-turning memoir, 'Illegitimately Blessed: My Journey to Being Black to White to Me,' is a testament to this.

- NOOR ANAND CHAWLA

As the title suggests, Weir's life has defied categorization. From being an unwanted and illegitimate child to carving a successful path for himself, he has had a most interesting journey. This memoir is an account of his life from being an adopted black child in working-class Scotland to working for billionaire Kevin Leech and founding the Jersey 2 Africa 4 Football Foundation.

Going by the description on the book's back cover, which refers to it as a "roadmap for anyone who has ever felt out of place in their own skin," the book has a wide appeal. On the occasion of the book's launch, Weir gives an exclusive interview to the Sunday Guardian. Excerpts from an edited interview:

Q. Tell us about your book. Why did you choose to write it?

A. Over a number of years, many people told me that I had an interesting story and that I should write a book. At first, I ignored them as I felt there were many people out there with interesting stories which were probably more compelling and exciting than my own. As an avid reader, I also seriously doubted my own ability to actually write a book. In 2022, however, I seriously began to consider the advice of people insisting that I write a book as 'I owed it to the world' to share my story. After a self-reflective solo travel journey by train across Europe that summer, the pieces formed in my head which led to the release of this book. My ultimate motivation to write the book was the sincere wish that at least one person would garner hope, inspiration, and courage in applying my learnings to their own life.

Q. What was your process of writing this book and how long did it take to write?