Autobiography of a Nobody "You are no longer an American citizen. You are now Nova Martinez, from Mexico, and you are now at the disposal of the Foreign Legion." With these words, Nicholas Montoya officially becomes a new person - on the outside. On the inside, though, there isn't much escape to be had. He still faces the same dysfunction and despair that have been a part of his life since childhood. From living with a depressed mother and abusive stepfather ... to prison ... to the mountains of Afghanistan ... to the French Foreign Legion ... he always seems to be on the run from the pain of living. In this beautifully written, introspective memoir, Nicholas confronts his complicated past to bring to light the events that shaped him - and find a way forward - in spite of past suffering, bad decisions, and an overwhelming desire to end the pain. Brutally honest and deeply personal, Autobiography of a Nobody is a revelatory, poetic examination of the effects of trauma - and the transformative power of examining one's thoughts and life through writing.