Reading and writing have always pulled me out of the darkest experiences in my life. Stories have given me a place in which to lose myself. They have allowed me to remember. They have allowed me to forget. They have allowed me to imagine different endings and better possible worlds.
Roxane Gay reflects on the profound impact of reading and writing during her toughest moments. She emphasizes how stories provide an escape, offering a refuge where she can immerse herself and navigate her feelings. Through literature, she finds both remembrance and solace, enabling her to process her experiences.
Moreover, Gay highlights the power of storytelling to spark imagination and envision alternate realities. This ability to dream of different outcomes and improved worlds underscores the transformative role that literature plays in her life, helping her to cope and heal through creative exploration.