Every author dreams of hearing their voice far and wide, transcending borders and resonating with readers from diverse backgrounds. I was fortunate enough to experience such a moment with the recent release of my book in Brazil, as highlighted by the article on Brasil Agora Online.
Yet, the joy of this global recognition is tinged with the perplexing reality of my local community’s hesitance to embrace my message.
A Global Embrace in Brazil
The Brazilian release of “Nunca Foi Amor” (It Was Never Love) has been a testament to the universality of mental health narratives. The reception and enthusiasm in Brazil underscore that mental health challenges, recovery, and advocacy know no geographical boundaries. The issues faced, the battles won, and the resilience journey are universally relatable.
Contrasts at Home
However, back home, this global acclaim stands in stark contrast to the experiences I’ve had. Approaching my local library and even the local NAMI chapter resulted in unexpected rejections. It’s an irony not lost on me: while a nation thousands of miles away embraced my narrative, my community seemed to retreat into the shadows.
Recently, however, I faced an unexpected hurdle in my journey to use literature as a tool for advocacy. I approached my local library with a proposal to discuss my books and engage in a ‘book talk.’ To my surprise, my offer was declined with a simple explanation: they were “changing their format.” This ambiguous response left me with more questions than answers.
Changing Formats in the Age of Awareness
In a world where there’s a collective push for more open discussions about mental health, the decision by my local library felt not only unexpected but a step backward. The importance of conversations surrounding mental health cannot be understated. Such discussions break the shackles of stigma, open the doors to understanding, and pave the way for support and recovery.
By changing their format and bypassing the chance to amplify the voice of a mental health advocate, one wonders if the library is inadvertently silencing an essential conversation.
The Role of Libraries in Community Conversations
Libraries have historically been community centers. They’ve always been more than places to borrow books. They are hubs of information discussions and often act as local sanctuaries for those seeking knowledge and connection.
Therefore, when a library declines the opportunity to host a discussion about mental health, it is not just an individual author who misses out. The community loses a platform to learn, engage, and grow.
Seeking Answers
Several questions arise from this juxtaposition:
- Is it familiarity? Do local entities feel they already know my message and undervalue it?
- Is it the nature of the topic? Perhaps my take on mental health, while resonating globally, challenges local norms or perspectives too directly?
- Or is it simply bureaucratic inertia? Maybe local institutions, set in their ways and processes, are slower to recognize and adapt to emerging voices.
The Road Ahead
These rejections, while disheartening, have not deterred me. If anything, they’ve solidified my belief in the importance of my work. The positive reception in Brazil serves as a beacon of hope, reminding me that every story, including mine, has its audience.
For fellow authors and advocates, remember not every door will open immediately. Some might require a gentle push, while others might remain firmly shut. Yet, the message gets through as long as there’s a window, a crack, or a faraway land that welcomes your voice.
The “Nunca Foi Amor” release in Brazil is more than just a book launch. It symbolizes the power of perseverance, the global unity in facing mental health challenges, and the undeniable fact that every voice matters, regardless of where it echoes the loudest.
Author Info:
Max E. Guttman
Max E. Guttman is the owner of Mindful Living LCSW, PLLC, a private mental health practice in Yonkers, New York.
