In her book "Hunger," Roxane Gay reflects on her past ignorance regarding suffering and how it impacted her life. She expresses regret over not understanding the complexities of suffering or realizing that it could be vocalized. This lack of awareness left her feeling isolated and unable to seek help during difficult times.

Gay acknowledges that she was sheltered from the realities of life, which hindered her ability to cope effectively with her struggles. She emphasizes the importance of communication, particularly with her parents, and wishes she had recognized that there were healthier avenues available to address her pain instead of resorting to food for comfort.