Your True Name: Poems, Songs, and Stories to Find Your Way to You

Moving, thought-provoking, warm-hearted, and deep, Bobby's first collection of poems, songs and stories provide an inspiring path to finding your own True Name, the part of you that exists beyond and beneath all the false identities given to you since birth.

Bobby Jo grew up in a strict Independent Baptist home in Northern California. He attended Baptist school K- 12 and Baptist college in Lancaster, California. After graduating, it was not long until he could no longer hide his sexual orientation and came out. Everything fell apart. He moved home where he met his first partner and his life changed completely for the better.

He began to pursue a dream of singing and songwriting full-time. Now, 14 years later, he continues fulfilling that dream. From his childhood, Bobby has loved words. The books he was allowed to read in his school were very limited, igniting an even greater desire to read and learn more. This gift was evident in his lyrics. All along the way, his fans asked for the lyrics to his songs. He began writing poetry in addition to lyrics and told his life stories in the hundreds of concerts he has given.

He has recorded 6 CD's, all of which are filled with deep, thoughtful lyrics and can be found on all streaming platforms. Along the way, his fans encouraged him to publish his lyrics in something other than a CD insert. That was the seed that led to the garden of this book.

Bobby's path to himself is the path we all travel to find ourselves through the sometimes-confusing maze of life. We find it most often through storytelling, through songs, and through poetry that resonates with something deep inside us, bringing out what's true to the surface. Your True Name is in this book, waiting for you. Explore and enjoy.

Quotes about book

"Hearing Bobby Jo Valentine's voice— his singer's voice and poet's voice both— is like finding a coat at the far edge of the closet and knowing immediately that this one was made for today's weather. He knows you, because he knows himself. Bobby has listened to life deeply, and out of that listening, a better humanity has revealed itself to him. And through his words, to us. Slip these poems on like that coat, and then go out into real life— where even if it's cold, or dark, or rainy, there's also warmth, and light, and shelter."
Kathi McShane, Co-founder of The Changemaker Initiative

"Some people leave their broken pieces scattered on the floor. Bobby Jo Valentine has picked his up, found new and creative ways to piece them together, and then held them up to the light. This poetic stained-glass window into his soul is a sacred piece of literary art for the rest of us. Don't just read it. Sit with it. Gaze at it. Enjoy the beauty."
Jim Dant, co-pastor of 19th Avenue Baptist Church, San Francisco, CA, and best-selling author of This I Know, Finding Your Voice, and What's A Nice God Like You Doing in a Place Like This?

"Bobby Jo Valentine is an artist in every sense of the word. This latest addition is a living testimony to his art, his passion, his commitment to live life within the call of God. Do yourself a favor, sit back, relax, and bathe in the words of grace and healing, light and love."
Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas, Senior Pastor of Cathedral of Hope, Dallas, TX

Bobby Jo Valentine's music and poetry exists outside the lines of any genre, but
the music's thoughtful, spirit focused lyrics and catchy melodies reach
listeners across all walks of life. The poetic nature and spiritual focus
of his stories and songs has resulted in notable awards and a growing,
loyal following around the country. He's found a voice with original,
hopeful songs about the gentle everyday spiritual awakenings of an
openhearted life.

Growing up and emerging out of a Baptist Church of strict lines and
sharp edges, Bobby Jo Valentine has emerged into a larger, kinder,
more welcoming faith...one that is excited to learn, open to growth,
and focused on love.

Along with theaters, house concerts, and many other kinds of stages,
Bobby is often invited to offer his stories and songs at faith communities
around the nation. Among others, he has been invited to perform for
The Wild Goose Festival, the international Emerge Conference, and
the 2017 General Synod of the United Church of Christ. His music has
won Song of the Year twice at West Coast Songwriters Association,
and his work has appeared on radio, TV, and feature films. He has
performed artist residencies, hosted songwriting workshops, and
been involved in helping communities of all types use their spaces
and voice in more creative and powerful ways.

Bobby currently hails from Portland, OR where he lives with his
husband, Tim, and their puppy, Tater Tot.