After finishing this book and looking back over these posts, I realized that while reading this book a fundamental shift has occurred in my brain. I have gained a little more confidence and self-assurance, more respect for my own experience.
In the very introduction, Sofija Stefanovic writes:
I hope this book thrills and inspires you, no matter where you are from. And I hope it offers community. I imagine people like us–those who have felt alien–reading it and seeing themselves in some of the stories.
— Sofija Stefanovic
I want to thank Sofija Stefanovic for these words and this compilation. So here goes:
Sofija, this collection has accomplished its purpose for at least one person. Sometimes it was eerie how much I could relate. I feel more a part of a community. I feel less alone. I’m still scared, but now I’m also brave. In the end, I think I discovered and found myself a little bit more.
Thank you. ❤
In conclusion, these testimonies deeply affected me. They not only brought me comfort, perspective, and peace, but in some intrinsic, subtle way, I see myself differently than I did before. I went from feeling isolated and alone and different, to feeling that there are others out there who understand the alienation that I have felt for so long.
If you feel different, if you feel out of place, I recommend this book. The stories are short but the effects are far-reaching.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post.
— Shalanosa
Shalanosa's Sanctuary 