Sometimes, when you least expect it, you become the girl in the woods. You lose your name because another one is forced on you. You think you are alone until you find books about girls like you. Salvation is certainly among the reasons I read. Reading and writing have always pulled me out of the darkest experiences in my life. Stories have given me 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.
In her work "Bad Feminist," Roxane Gay reflects on the transformative power of literature. She illustrates the experience of feeling lost and disempowered, akin to being the girl lost in the woods, stripped of her identity and given a new one. However, through finding stories that resonate with her, she discovers that she is not alone. These narratives provide her with a sense of belonging and understanding, helping her navigate her own life's challenges.
Reading and writing serve as her refuge during dark times, offering solace and a means to escape reality. Through stories, Gay is able to reconnect with herself, while also exploring alternate realities and outcomes. Literature becomes a tool for healing, imagination, and the exploration of better futures, illustrating its profound impact on personal identity and resilience.
