Finding Fish by Antwone Fisher is a memoir that begins in Cleveland in 1959, recounting Fisher's life from his birth to problematic parents, through a troubled childhood with foster parents, to adulthood where he joins the navy and eventually becomes a successful Hollywood screenwriter and finds personal happiness. The book addresses abuse, neglect, and perseverance through adversity.

Antwone Quenton Fisher's memoir Finding Fish is generally praised for its emotional depth and raw honesty, offering a powerful personal narrative that captivates readers. Critics appreciate Fisher's resilience and storytelling. However, some feel the narrative pace can be uneven and occasionally overwhelming. Overall, it's an inspiring and thought-provoking read that sheds light on overcoming adversity.

Readers who enjoy Finding Fish by Antwone Quenton Fisher are likely drawn to poignant memoirs about overcoming adversity. Fans of works like The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls or A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer will appreciate Fisher’s powerful narrative of resilience and self-discovery.

Emotional / Inspirational / Challenging / Melancholic / Hopeful

- Finding Fish's author, Antwone Quenton Fisher, was also the inspiration behind the 2002 film Antwone Fisher, which marked the directorial debut of actor Denzel Washington.
- Antwone Fisher is not only an author but also a screenwriter and film producer, with credits including the screenplay for Antwone Fisher and contributions to major studios like 20th Century Fox and Columbia Pictures.
- Before becoming an author and filmmaker, Antwone Fisher served as a Petty Officer in the United States Navy, where he spent 11 years and began to write poetry and screenplays.

**Antwone Fisher**  
An orphan who overcomes a difficult childhood to find his identity, primarily through writing and storytelling. As an adult, he gains control over his narrative and seeks familial connections.

**LaNette Canister/Fisher**  
Antwone's wife, described as funny, smart, and beautiful. She becomes a significant presence in his life, supporting him as he achieves his dreams.

**Indigo Fisher**  
Antwone's daughter, symbolizing the fulfillment of his dreams for a secure, loving family. She is noted for her intelligence and physical resemblance to her parents.

**Horace Elkins**  
Antwone's grandfather, a respected community member with Choctaw ancestry. He educates himself in literature and medicine, inspiring perseverance.

**Emma Elkins**  
Wife to Horace Elkins, known for her strong will and care for children. She deeply mourns the loss of her son Eddie.

**Horace Elkins Junior**  
The eldest son of Horace and Emma Elkins, known for his activism with the Black Panthers in Cleveland during the Vietnam era.

**Eddie Elkins**  
Antwone's father, a charismatic poet and singer whose mysterious and untimely death influences the family's destiny.

**Raymond Elkins**  
Antwone's uncle, known as "Parkwood Bruno," who helps Antwone reconnect with his family by sharing stories.

**Spinoza Elkins**  
One of the youngest sons of Horace and Emma, known for his ambition.

**Eda Elkins**  
The eldest Elkins daughter, a nurse in Chicago who helps Antwone learn about his father. She showcases intelligence and compassion.

**Ann Elkins**  
The second eldest Elkins sister, who shares Antwone's sense of humor inherited from his father.

**Jess Fisher**  
Antwone's uncle who serves in the Korean War, losing touch with his siblings but later reconnecting with family.

**Eva Fisher**  
Antwone's mother, who is unable to care for him due to her troubled past and time in foster care. She encounters hardships throughout her life.

**Reverend Ulysses Pickett**  
Antwone's foster father, who, while attempting to care for him, fails to provide genuine warmth and protection.

**Isabella Pickett**  
Antwone's abusive foster mother, who inflicts emotional and physical pain on him and his foster siblings.

**Mercy Pickett**  
The kind-hearted Pickett daughter, who provides Antwone with support and a place to stay during his hardships.

**Lizzie Pickett**  
The cruel Pickett sister who mistreats Antwone and shows little concern for his wellbeing.

**Brother**  
An inhabitant of the Picketts' home who is kind but fails to protect the foster children. His tragic fate resonates with the family's struggles.

**Dwight**  
Antwone's foster brother, whose intelligence is overshadowed by a lack of encouragement, leading to a difficult life path.

**Keith**  
The youngest foster child, who experiences similar struggles to Antwone but is favored by Mrs. Pickett due to his lighter skin.

**Flo**  
Antwone's foster sister, who supports him and lives independently with the kind Mercy Pickett.

**Willenda**  
A neighbor who babysits Antwone and brings additional trauma to his life.

**Brenda Profit**  
Antwone's elementary school teacher, who provides him with maternal care and encouragement, significantly impacting his self-esteem and development.

**Freda Smolley**  
Antwone's childhood crush from his neighborhood, who embodies his dreams of connection and romance.

**Jessie**  
A fearless and unpredictable friend, whose life is marked by reckless behavior but offers Antwone temporary refuge during his homelessness.

Antwone Quenton Fisher

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

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