“The Set Up” by Carl Edward Jackson

Have you ever felt like life was stacking the odds against you—only to realize it might’ve been setting you up for something greater?

In “The Set Up,” Carl Edward Jackson tells his story in the rawest, most unfiltered way possible. No sugarcoating. No masks. Just the truth. From growing up in a home filled with pain and rejection, to finding his way through addiction, heartbreak, and spiritual searching—Carl shares the parts of his life most people would try to hide.

This memoir is more than a personal story—it’s a journey through the fire and out the other side. It’s about what happens when you stop running, face yourself in the mirror, and dare to be seen… fully.

Carl writes with honesty, grit, and vulnerability. He opens up about:

- Surviving childhood trauma and abuse - Struggling with identity, depression, and silence - Living as a Black gay man in America - Losing everything—and hearing a calling anyway - Faith, frustration, and a very real conversation with God

At one point, Carl writes:
“I didn’t want to be judged by people. But as you’ll see, I decided to let it all go. Judge me.”

This book doesn’t ask for your sympathy—it asks for your attention. Because someone out there has lived a version of this story and needs to know they’re not alone.

In recognition of its powerful message, “The Set Up” was awarded the 2025 International Impact Book Award (IIBA).

Ready to read a memoir that doesn’t hold back?

“The Set Up” is available now from The Ewings Publishing.

Get your copy today at The Ewings Publishing Bookstore (https://www.theewingspublishing.com/)

Also, read more about Carl’s journey and coverage in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
The Long Way Home: Bedlam and Back (https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2008/mar/23/long-way-home-bedlam-and-back/)

Because sometimes, what feels like the end of everything…
is actually just “The Set Up.”

Contact Information

April Andrews

FulFillment Officer

The Ewings Publishing

Contact via E-mail