WORKS
Makena Brandon’s writings spring from a life shaped by resilience, faith, and vision. His first book, The Resilient Scholar, mirrors his own journey of overcoming setbacks and finding strength in persistence. He later authored The Future: Towards Understanding and Transforming Autism, a groundbreaking work that blends compassion with advocacy, shedding light on autism awareness and inclusion.
Beyond prose, Makena is a poet whose verses capture the mysteries of love, faith, silence, and longing. His poems—such as My Letter to the Unknown, The Enigma of I Love Who Doesn’t, They Love Who Don’t, The Mystery of Secret Sins, The Feast That Empties, and The Market of Warm Nights—reflect his philosophical and spiritual depth.
Together, his works form more than just books and poems; they are reflections of a young visionary who dares to confront life’s challenges and transform them into words of hope, truth, and inspiration.
THE MYSTREY OF SECRET SINS
This poem dives into the hidden chambers of the soul, where burdens are carried in silence and struggles are locked away from the world’s eyes. It speaks of the guilt that clings in the dark, the weight of mistakes that are never spoken, and the yearning for release. With stark honesty, it confronts the truth that what is hidden is often heavier than what is confessed. The Mystery of Secret Sins is not only a lament—it is also an invitation to honesty, a call to bring hidden struggles into the light where healing can begin.
THE MARKETS OF WARM NIGHTS
Set in the imagery of a bustling marketplace, this poem explores the search for comfort in fleeting encounters and temporary escapes. The warmth of the night, the glow of desire, and the rush of moments that feel alive are vividly portrayed—but as dawn breaks, they vanish, leaving behind restlessness and longing. The Market of Warm Nights is both beautiful and sobering, painting the dual reality of indulgence: its intensity in the moment and its emptiness after. It asks the reader to consider whether such comforts are worth the cost, and whether there is a deeper joy waiting beyond the vanishing pleasures of the night.
THE BEAUTY FROM HELL
This poem explores the dangerous allure of deceptive love — beauty that dazzles the eyes but poisons the soul. It paints the portrait of a woman whose charm is both angelic and destructive, a figure clothed in sweetness yet concealing ruin beneath her smile. Through vivid images of roses with thorns, serpents in gardens, and heaven masking hell, the poem reveals the paradox of desire: that what glitters most brightly may also wound the deepest. The Beauty from Hell is both a lament and a warning, urging readers to look beyond appearances and recognize that true love cannot exist in disguise.
THE RESILIENT SCHOLAR
The Resilient Scholar: Moses' Journey from Adversity to Triumph is a compelling narrative that follows the life of Moses, a young man from a rural African village, as he strives to break free from the cycle of poverty through education. Set against the backdrop of a community where opportunity is scarce, the novel explores the transformative power of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of knowledge. Moses, a bright and determined student, faces numerous challenges-poverty, societal expectations, and limited access to resources-yet he harbors an unyielding ambition to attend university and change his family's circumstances. His journey is not just a personal one but a collective story, as his parents, his mentor Amina, and his friend Kojo all play pivotal roles in shaping his path. The weight of their expectations becomes both a source of motivation and a burden as Moses navigates the complexities of balancing personal dreams with familial obligations. The novel delves deep into the emotional and physical struggles that Moses endures, from the weight of poverty to the societal pressures that discourage intellectual ambition. Through vivid character portrayals and a richly depicted African landscape, the story highlights the broader themes of hope, perseverance, and the vital role of community in individual success. As Moses battles self-doubt and external obstacles, his story becomes a symbol of the potential within every young person who faces adversity but dares to dream. The novel paints a powerful portrait of resilience in the face of overwhelming odds, emphasizing that education is not only a tool for personal advancement but also a means to uplift entire communities. In this emotionally charged and inspirational work, The Resilient Scholar offers readers a poignant exploration of the human spirit's capacity to rise above adversity. Moses' journey from a rural village to the hallowed halls of academia serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating that with determination, support, and unwavering belief in one's potential, triumph over hardship is possible. This book will resonate deeply with young adults, educators, and readers who believe in the transformative power of education and perseverance
THE FUTURE TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING AND TRANSFORMING AUTISM
The Future: Towards Understanding and Transforming Autism is a heartfelt and practical guide that bridges knowledge, empathy, and action. Written by Makena Brandon, this book takes readers on a journey to understand autism not as a limitation, but as a unique way of experiencing the world.
Through a blend of research, real-life examples, and innovative ideas, the book explores the causes of autism, early recognition, and the diverse strengths of autistic children. It provides practical guidance for families, educators, and communities — covering home management, education, therapies, and holistic wellbeing.
Beyond understanding, this book emphasizes advocacy, awareness, and the transformative power of community programs. It introduces Heart for Children, an institution dedicated to empowering parents and youth, creating inclusive environments, and inspiring hope for every child on the spectrum.
Full of insight, compassion, and actionable strategies, The Future: Towards Understanding and Transforming Autism is more than a guide — it is a call to action. It challenges society to embrace empathy, nurture potential, and build a future where autistic children are celebrated, supported, and understood.
THE LAW OF HUMAN MEANING
This work grew out of direct observation, not from abstract theory. I, Makena Brandon, did not intend to write a philosophical treatise or pursue an academic idea. What moved me was something more personal: watching people—friends, families, and even entire societies—struggle under a quiet crisis of meaning. Everywhere I looked, I saw the same uncertainty. People no longer seemed to know who they were, what truth was, or why they existed.
As I paid closer attention, it became clear this struggle was not just individual. It was the very force that once built civilizations and later tore them apart. Empires did not collapse only because of war or famine—they collapsed when they could no longer provide their people with meaning. That realization became my foundation.
From there, I uncovered what I now call the Law of Human Meaning: identity, coherence, and purpose form the hidden groundwork of every life and every civilization. When these are strong, societies thrive. When they weaken, decline follows.
This book is my attempt to share that discovery—not as speculation, but as a framework for survival, renewal, and hope. It is the record of what I witnessed, the patterns I followed, and the vision I now believe can guide humanity toward a future where we do not stumble in darkness, but move forward with meaning.