Work in Progress
A Memoir
$52.78
- Hardcover
256 pages
- Release Date
20 October 2026
Summary
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
This inspiring, raw memoir traces the path Devon Rodriguez took from an abusive childhood to becoming the most followed artist on social media worldwide, as he discovered the transformative power of seeing and being seen—featuring new graphite illustrations of the people and places that shaped him.
“In his captivating memoir, Devon turns a childhood marked by poverty, abuse, and survival into something raw, beautiful, and deeply human.” - Mel Robbins,…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780593734483 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 0593734483 |
| Author: | Devon Rodriguez |
| Publisher: | Random House USA Inc |
| Imprint: | Random House Inc |
| Format: | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages: | 256 |
| Release Date: | 20 October 2026 |
| Weight: | 538g |
| Dimensions: | 33mm x 150mm x 217mm |
Critics Review
“Devon Rodriguez doesn’t just draw people—he teaches you how to really see them. In his captivating memoir, Rodriguez turns a childhood marked by poverty, abuse, and survival into something raw, beautiful, and deeply human. This book is proof that your pain is not the end of your story. It may be the place where your purpose begins.”—Mel Robbins, New York Times bestselling author of The Let Them Theory
“As a kid from the Bronx who didn’t have a traditional path to success, Rodriguez’s story resonates OD. He also serves as a reminder that the Bronx breeds some of the most resilient people on Earth! (I am completely unbiased in this statement.)”—The Kid Mero, co-author of God-Level Knowledge Darts
“This is an insightful, must-read glimpse into the life of a young man whose story is filled with resilience and all the colors that life has to offer. Devon Rodriguez’s path has not been easy but he continued moving forward to achieve his goals and pursue his dreams. And guess what? He’s still young, still growing. Buckle up, pick up a paintbrush, and imagine his life.”—Luis Guzmán, acclaimed actor
“In this solid debut, portraitist Rodriguez recalls his harrowing upbringing and details his path to becoming the visual artist with the most followers on TikTok… . His assured, unfussy narrative unfolds chronologically, allowing readers to ride sidecar as Rodriguez goes viral after years of quietly honing his craft, and heightening the emotional impact when the author’s reunion with his father reaches a tragic end. This comprehensive self-portrait inspires.”—Publishers Weekly
Devon Rodriguez
Devon Rodriguez is a Bronx-born portrait artist of Puerto Rican and Honduran descent. He rose to notoriety for drawing realistic portraits of commuters on the New York City subway system. He has also portrayed such luminaries as former President Biden, Oprah, and more.
The most-followed visual artist on TikTok, he was a finalist in the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition. His work has been featured in The New Yorker and The New York Times. He was named a 2025 Time100 Creator and a Forbes Top Creator the same year.
He lives in New York City.
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