Roxane Gay, in her collection of essays "Bad Feminist," expresses the profound impact stories have had on her life. They offer her a refuge, a means to escape reality and immerse herself in different experiences. Through storytelling, she finds the ability to reflect on her own life, revisiting memories that shape her identity. At the same time, they provide a release, allowing her to let go of certain past burdens.

Furthermore, Gay highlights the imaginative power of narratives, as they enable her to envision alternate endings and create more hopeful possibilities for her future. This ability to dream and reimagine her circumstances underscores the importance of literature and storytelling as tools for personal growth and empowerment, illustrating how they can transform one's perspective on the world.