About Me

Jessica Genova

Principal and Founder

Many people ask why I started my personal history business, Persy Books. It’s simple: when my favorite uncle passed away several years ago, it quickly dawned on me that I had not only lost a beloved family member but also all of his stories, memories, and anecdotes–vital pieces that make up the puzzle of how my immigrant family came to be. I could try and gather some of this information from the remaining family members, but my uncle proudly served as the repository of family history and lore. Besides, I’d still be missing his impressions, his perspective, and his unique take on the world. Persy Books was born out of a desire to preserve these singular stories, histories, lessons, and memories before they are lost. 

In many ways, I’ve been preparing for this role my entire life. I have been writing in-depth profiles, feature articles, and stories about people for more than 25 years. My work has regularly appeared in premier print and digital publications including Marie Claire, Time Inc., and Metropolitan Home. My parents tell me that my inquisitive nature and genuine interest in people were apparent from an early age. As a young girl, I’d interview friends and family and then write profiles about my subjects in a special notebook that I still have to this day. Many years later, while earning a master’s degree in journalism, I took graduate-level courses in history and developed a passion for historical research. As a personal historian and ghostwriter, I wholeheartedly believe that everyone has an important story to tell—and that each one holds immense value for current and future generations.