Human (hardcover SIGNED)

In Human, the author shares wisdom and revelations of the human condition, given voice by her poignant descriptions of the things that blind us. By seeing these constructs laid bare, and to see them for what they really are, we can break free from their hold on our lives and embrace a purposeful, authentic reality… Human is a captivating story of hope and resilience, punctuated by universal truths… I highly recommend Human, and look forward to reading more works by this gifted writer! 

- Lisa Pinnock, Bestselling Author of Women Let's Rise

In Human, the author shares wisdom and revelations of the human condition, given voice by her poignant descriptions of the things that blind us. By seeing these constructs laid bare, and to see them for what they really are, we can break free from their hold on our lives and embrace a purposeful, authentic reality.

Ms. Ferlaino doesn't shy away from heavy and relevant subject matter. Instead, she deftly explores the existence of light and shadow within us all. The reader is taken on a journey of contrasting themes and their reliance on each other - light and darkness, powerful and powerless. As the author so aptly describes, ""... one can't exist without the other."" 

Human is a captivating story of hope and resilience, punctuated by universal truths. One that comes to mind is ""... we only love what we feel we are worth."" So true. And the vivid portrayal of The Woman in Black is permanently fixed in my memory. As she graciously offers her hand to help, we too can learn to follow her lead and open up pathways of love in our own hearts.

I highly recommend Human, and look forward to reading more works by this gifted writer! 

- Lisa Pinnock, Bestselling Author of Women Let's Rise"

The book itself is a beautifully poetic telling of the journey of what it means to be human; how we can feel so alienated from those around us, yet have so much more in common with them - if only we’d stop to realize. Human is a creative display of how, at the end of the day, every person we cross paths with can ultimately shape who we are and who we become, and why it’s important to become our true self. The writing itself was incredibly detailed and sophisticated, and the flow was beautiful and easy to follow.If you’re looking for a relatable and raw exploration of humans in our society, then Human needs to be on your #TBR list.

- thefitatlanticbibliophile

The raw emotion and vivid imagery in Vanessa’s literary debut had me hooked right from the beginning. This transformative piece takes the reader on an introspective journey into self-awareness—something I believe to be relevant now more than ever.

Thank you, Vanessa, for sharing your truths and reminding us of what it means to be human.

-S.C.

Human is a poignant look at the construct of society and how individuals move within it. It is a true reflection of the human condition in an individualist society; the constant struggle between self-preservation and the longing for real connection and the fear and emotion that shrouds the interplay between the two. This dichotomy is reflected in the story whether it is the struggle between action and apathy, strength and powerlessness, sympathy and empathy, reality and relativity, darkness and light. On a technical level, Vanessa’s prose reads like poetry. The descriptive imagery enables the reader to relate to the experiences of the narrator, as the narrator relates to the people and experiences around them. You find yourself taken into the mind of the character and at the same time, the innermost depths of your own soul, a dichotomy that pushes the story forward and leaves you with a reconstructed lens from which to view the world with a greater sense of hope and possibility.

-Jessica

I must admit that Human is a very different book than I am typically drawn to.  Truth be told, I rarely read non-fiction novels (and since working for a startup company rarely find time to read for personal enjoyment at all).  That said, I think that Human quite succinctly captures several aspects of the human condition that myself (and likely most others) are all too familiar with as we walk (sometimes in darkness) through the days of our lives.  An unfortunate reality is that these feelings of pain, suffering, loss and loneliness are interwoven into the very fibres of our existence as humans. Through experiencing these “negative” emotions, however, we are able to reflect and grow; to make “progress” if you will. 

While the author walks us through what might be described as a typically mundane series of events, the emotions behind these events clearly run much deeper.  I get the sense that these emotions are intrinsically tied to her personal experience, but also posit that most (or at least many) of us have had very similar experiences (ie: witnessing someone struggling and feeling the need to help only to not do so).  In this, she is not alone.  Where she differs from most of us, however, is that she took the time to try and wrangle these thoughts and feelings and put them down on paper.  I expect that this was immensely rewarding and valuable in terms of her ability to understand and grow from these experiences.  I further suspect that in addition to assisting in her growth and progress as a human, that it will give others the opportunity to learn from and relate to her experiences and feelings so that they can reflect and grow as well.  I was surprised by how much of myself I discovered in and amongst these pages and am not at all disappointed that I made time to read this, despite not being something I would likely reach for off of the shelf.  Reading Human has also led me to reflect on why I typically turn to fiction for my entertainment.  Perhaps I too am looking for “darkness”, seeking an “escape” from the pain and loneliness that we humans experience in the facets of every day life. 

Thank you to the author, Vanessa Ferlaino, for sharing these feelings and for making herself vulnerable so that we can all take progressive steps in better understanding ourselves as humans.

-Matthew Michaelis, COO of Dispension

The mark of a well-crafted story is one that leaves you wanting more, and that is something that Human, by budding author Vanessa Ferlaino, has left me with.

Now, perhaps this can be attributed to the fact that the novella is particularly on the light side of the page count, but even then, if the story wasn’t good, if the protagonist wasn’t intriguing or relatable, it wouldn’t have mattered. Here though, all of the pieces fit, and one cannot help but keenly anticipate the future volumes of what promises to be a multi-volume work. In a very tight-knit span, Ferlaino is able to push the protagonist through a growth arc with remarkable adeptness, while never sacrificing the organic feel of the maturation process. It’s an impressive feat, and one that was most certainly enjoyable to read through.

The time investment is short, but the reward is palpable. Human is indeed a wonderful story.

-Wally

Vanessa's book "Human"" really reaches out and grasps the reader, pulling them into a world many are all too familiar with. It gives them a space to feel through the experiences the narrator has, and offers a chance for them to empathize with her and those throughout the story. It allows the reader to perhaps reflect on their own lives and experiences and broaden the compassion they have for their fellow human beings. This book is something the world certainly needs right now. I highly recommend it. Everyone, from those who are searching and those who are stabilized can benefit from it.

- Nikkie Culbreth, Actor/Singer/Dancer/Model

Human is a reflection of what it is to be.  It immerses you into the narrator’s world but draws parallels to experiences that everyone can attest to.  With today’s society getting faster and faster, this piece reminds you of the importance of truly living; through the good and the bad, as they always go hand in hand.  I truly appreciate and commend the author for taking us through such an authentic and vulnerable journey.

-Will Tang, VP of FrontFundr

Ferlaino touches on the nuances of human nature that exist but are often left silent. When we slow down and contemplate our day-to-day, we become more observant to the world around us. Why are we fearful? Why are we courageous? What is it that holds us back on one hand, but tells us to jump in with both feet on another? These elements are explored in human and brought to light. Masterful and eloquent work that will resonate with our own experiences and remind us of who we want to be.

-Melissa Hazen, Clinical & Research Audiologist

An endearingly visual and descriptively captivating saga of life’s many challenges and that of internal struggle. It’s true that no matter what life throws at you, one should move past them but as fragile as life really is, we are all succumbed to its darkness and act in accordance to our moral compass. Human, covers exactly that and the importance of people that play a huge role in our development as a societal being. Biggest takeaway is the reflection on gratitude as a key element that serves a great purpose despite the strange world we live in. Human, is a reflection and a story that depicts the tribulations of life and how we can be above all that to see a better and hopeful tomorrow”. SR

"It’s always nice when a book allows you to escape this world, and enter the world of the author’s, even if that world is painful. The powerful imagery used throughout the book will paint a very real landscape of the author’s pain, and the overcoming of it. The story will captivate all of your emotions, and the vulnerability demonstrated by the author will cause you to not just reflect on the story in front of you, but also on the pain and suffering in your own life, and of those around you. This is an important book, because it serves as a reminder that peace in life can be found when we open our hearts to ourselves, and to others, and the author does a fantastic job of portraying this through her story.

This is a book that I will be rereading at different stages of growth in my life, because it offers valuable insights for everyone, at all stages of life.

- Ahmed, Full Stack developer

The mental journey of an ordinary human turned out to be an unordinary book. The struggles were so real they almost became tangible. It keeps me thinking: Is this true that the darkness that blinds us only exists in our mind, or is it a sum of disappointments that we receive from the world? Like the author, I would like to believe in the former. But I could never be sure. Dark and authentic, this book takes us through a quiet battle of a human’s mind with its own disappointments and cynicism. The light came at the end, but we all know this fight will never end.

-Ha Nguyen, Vice-President at McRock Capital

In Human, Ferlaino perfectly captures the daily silent battles and mental conversations we all have from within. Readers follow the author through a series of deep self-reflections on how universal experiences of loneliness, fear, and loss have unconsciously manifested into our mindset. This novel provides a gentle nudge its readers to introspect and question how their own personal experiences have shaped their worldview. Beautifully written, a must read for anyone who is on their journey of discovering their sense of self. - Z.L.

It seems intentional that the narrator of Human remains unnamed. Her struggles are universal. Her shame, anger, self-pity, bravery -- every reader will recognize themselves in the narrator’s journey from darkness to light, her struggle to reclaim her lost self.

Ferlaino’s prose shines in vivid and unusual imagery.  

I look forward to reading her next work, and watching this emerging talent blossom. 

- Ruth K.

“Impressive. A very refreshing read. I love the raw honesty. It takes a lot of courage to delve deep like Vanessa has.”

- Cara Wolf, CEO Ammolite Analytx

“Beautifully written - Human is a powerful, vivid, and gripping narrative on human ignorance as a tool of our own self-preservation. Vanessa Ferlaino poetically captures the many facets of our own ignorance - in darkness, our ignorance can be a weapon, and in light a gift - and acknowledges that our history contributes to our own perception and experience with it. A short read that will stick with you long after.”

- Claire S

I loved this read. It was a relatable glimpse into someone else's reality. The raw imagery was wonderful and took me into another world, but I found myself reading it as if the experiences were my own. The message is so important: reaching out a hand to those in need, and accepting someone else's when we need it. I really enjoyed how relatable the story was. I didn't want it to end. I can't wait to read more from Vanessa! 

- Rachel, Creator & Director of Northern Trailblazers Basketball

“As a writer, Vanessa is a beautiful soul. Her writing is meticulous and refreshing. She captures each moment so delicately and with dignity. The imagery in the book is captivating -- I felt like I was with her on this journey, that takes you full circle. Her inner dialogue captures the internal struggle that many share -- but only few can so courageously put into words. The “poetic-ness” and the rhythm of her words is both comforting and challenging—the blindness we either choose to see or not, and to act upon or not.

Thank you, Vanessa, for sharing your story, your innermost thoughts, and your point of view! I see you; I hear you and I support you! So much love to you.”

- DK

“I loved this book. Written in a unique style much like poetry, the message is subtle and powerful all at once. I particularly enjoy a book that addresses human values and the author does just that through a few short events. It certainly had me thinking! An easy, and yet not so easy, read.”

- Dr. Joan T., Podiatrist

“Great read! This novel fell under one of my favourite category of book genres. The author provides the main character with an elegiac tone, while also providing a confessionalist writing style— both of which provide a lovely illustration of the character’s thoughts and emotions. Highly recommend.”

- Dani

“It was a quick read that kept my attention at all times and I was looking forward to each time I picked it up. After the first couple of chapters I was delighted to discover that it was a timeline that hinted and reminded me of what had already occurred. I loved the deep connections to the characters, including the narrator, who I really wanted to know was okay and moving forward without further damage or upset, and especially the woman in black. I especially loved the description of the bus trip; we all watch things like this all day but don’t always take away something with us, until someone like Vanessa writes about it and it makes me more aware of my surroundings. Thought-provoking, but was not overly rosy or unrealistic, just like day to day life. And a stunning cover!”

- Viv

"It is in the darkness that I only saw the hope of light.
It is in the hopes of the light that I find the truth.”

In human, Vanessa takes us on a transformative journey towards awareness and truth, away from existential darkness and into light. We are present as she discovers shared themes among her experiences and those of strangers, close friends, and family. Vanessa writes with a clarity that will inspire any reader to reflect on their lives and reframe their way of thinking too.

“Happiness - it is truth.”

Thank you, Vanessa, for sharing your truths.

- N.R.

The way the author writes is incredibly present - it’s easy to step into her story and really imagine yourself in her world. There is sometimes almost a bluntness to her writing but instead of feeling unfinished, it just feels like that is truly how she talks, how her inner monologue works. 

For me, the story brought up questions of whether or not our past teaches us how to deal with things better in the future or if it just paralyzes us. Are we too busy being grateful for the light to revisit darkness. Although the author was trying to end on a hopeful note, it left me wondering if as humans we are actually capable of helping each other.

This whole story begs the question of what are we missing as we stroll through our morning routines, picking out pasta sauce, chatting with our mothers, while others around us are suffering. There is a pervasive thought that someone else will help them — while we all secretly are hoping someone will come out of their morning routine, notice we aren’t okay and be the one to offer help. 

We’re all just looking for hope, that life gets better, whatever that means. But if we wait for other people to specifically provide that hope, we’ll probably be disappointed. Maybe we need to be the ones to search it out in the offhanded comments of others while we sit and wait to board our flight.

Ultimately the book felt like it was just scraping the surface of what this human has experienced and how its informing her view of the world - I’d love to have more of a deep dive.

- Audra, Co-Founder & Principle, Fresh Angles Inc.