CROSSING
THE CHARI RIVER
A Memoir Of Perseverance & Joy
A river can soothe -- or sweep you away. Crossing the Chari River is a soul-stirring journey through a woman's search for love, identity, and harmony. In this poignant memoir, Joy Klaaren Forgwe Ortiz brings her private journal and poetry writings to light, revealing how she navigated the turbulent waters of a violent rape and an abusive relationship -- afflictions that were calmed, momentarily, by a relocation. The central African country of Cameroon showered her with the celebration of diversity, the simplicity of daily life, and the generosity and kindness of all who resided there. Through layers of silence, trauma, and unexpected beauty, Joy shows us how a woman can rediscover her voice and reclaim her worth one page at a time. The quiet courage to begin again included the prowess to raise four children alone -- to steer them through the trials of identity formation, societal biases, and cultural differences. Blending raw diary entries, poetry, and hard-won wisdom, this memoir is a testament to the resilience that carries us through life's wildest currents -- and the power of choosing joy. This memoir is a tribute to the fierce, quiet triumph of the human spirit.
About The Author
Joy Klaaren Forgwe Ortiz
Joy is a graduate of Hope College in Holland, Michigan. This is her first published book. She has worked as an office manager in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Michigan State University and as a department assistant in the Economics, Business Administration, and Accounting Department at Hope College. She was employed as a vocational counselor in the Ministry of Education in Cameroon. Joy has four children, all born in the 1970s. She is married to Frank Ortiz, Jr.
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About The Book
CROSSING THE
CHARI RIVER
Crossing the Chari River is a powerful memoir of perseverance, identity, and hope. Spanning continents and cultures, Joy Ortiz shares her deeply personal journey—from a quiet Iowa childhood to life in post-colonial Cameroon, through love, loss, motherhood, and ultimately, rediscovery. With poetic honesty and vivid storytelling, Ortiz invites readers to witness the beauty and heartbreak of a woman navigating trauma, resilience, and faith. This memoir is both a tribute to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that even the most turbulent waters can carry us home.
WHAT READER SAYS
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“A breathtaking journey of heartbreak and healing.”
"Joy Ortiz writes with raw grace. I found myself in tears, then in awe, then in deep reflection. This is more than a memoir — it's a soul map for anyone who's ever felt lost and fought to find themselves again."
— Danielle M
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“This book stayed with me long after the last page.”
"Crossing the Chari River is a powerful blend of cultural storytelling and personal reckoning. I felt like I was walking beside Joy through every triumph and every storm."
— Jonathan A
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“Honest, courageous, and deeply human.”
"Rarely does a memoir move between continents and inner landscapes so beautifully. Joy’s voice is poetic and piercing. Her story matters — and so does yours."
— Irene P
CONTACT US
We’d love to hear from you.
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re a reader moved by the journey, a journalist seeking a story worth telling, or simply someone reaching out — your voice matters here. Let’s connect.
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Joy Ortiz is a Hope College graduate, lifelong educator, and global storyteller. With roots in both the U.S. and Cameroon, she brings a rich perspective to her writing. Crossing the Chari River is her first published memoir.
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