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Human
Be inspired. Be empowered. Be you. Be human.
"Being human is about uncovering and expressing the truth underneath our darkness. It’s about breaking down the stories and frameworks thrust upon us by society, and in so doing unearthing new possibilities of what it means to feel, and connect, as humans." - Vanessa Ferlaino
This book will inspire you to explore your own darkness, so you can be your truest self.
Meet Vanessa Ferlaino, an author, artist, and activist who not only creates impact, but also challenges what it means to be human. At the age of 27, Vanessa has many accolades under her belt; she's an award-winning corporate innovator, angel investor, tech-mogul-turned-philanthropist. She was the April 2022 Google x Women Techmakers headline speaker and featured in Authority Magazine as a "Social Impact Author" for her book, "Human".
Behind all of this, there was always the darkness that haunted her - from abusive relationships, to death, to loss, to healing from family relationships. In her signature rhythmic prose, she takes us through her intimate journey from darkness to light, as she finds her truth and sense of Self.
"Human" isn't just some harrowing story about overcoming resilience; Vanessa has the remarkable capacity to reflect on her own life through deeply personal observations of herself and those around her. You’re so deeply ensconced in her internal processing that, as she gently exposes the human condition, her revelations become your own. By the end of it, you'll find yourself reflecting on your own life, your daily actions, the darkness you've been trying to outrun, and how it has blinded you from being you.
"Being human is about uncovering and expressing the truth underneath our darkness. It’s about breaking down the stories and frameworks thrust upon us by society, and in so doing unearthing new possibilities of what it means to feel, and connect, as humans." - Vanessa Ferlaino
This book will inspire you to explore your own darkness, so you can be your truest self.
Meet Vanessa Ferlaino, an author, artist, and activist who not only creates impact, but also challenges what it means to be human. At the age of 27, Vanessa has many accolades under her belt; she's an award-winning corporate innovator, angel investor, tech-mogul-turned-philanthropist. She was the April 2022 Google x Women Techmakers headline speaker and featured in Authority Magazine as a "Social Impact Author" for her book, "Human".
Behind all of this, there was always the darkness that haunted her - from abusive relationships, to death, to loss, to healing from family relationships. In her signature rhythmic prose, she takes us through her intimate journey from darkness to light, as she finds her truth and sense of Self.
"Human" isn't just some harrowing story about overcoming resilience; Vanessa has the remarkable capacity to reflect on her own life through deeply personal observations of herself and those around her. You’re so deeply ensconced in her internal processing that, as she gently exposes the human condition, her revelations become your own. By the end of it, you'll find yourself reflecting on your own life, your daily actions, the darkness you've been trying to outrun, and how it has blinded you from being you.
96 pages, Hardcover
Published June 9, 2021
About the author
Vanessa Ferlaino
2 books5 followersVanessa Ferlaino is an author, artist, and activist changing the world one day at a time. She believes that only when we hear ourselves can we make a difference in our lives and the world around us. The headlining speaker at Google x Women Techmakers in April 2022 and Authority Magazine's "Social Impact Author" creates impact by challenging what it means to be human.
"Being human is about uncovering and expressing our truth behind our darkness," Vanessa says. "It's about breaking down the stories and frameworks thrust upon us by society, and in so doing unearthing new possibilities of what it means to feel, and connect, as humans."
"Being human is about uncovering and expressing our truth behind our darkness," Vanessa says. "It's about breaking down the stories and frameworks thrust upon us by society, and in so doing unearthing new possibilities of what it means to feel, and connect, as humans."
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 25, 2021
“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.
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.
July 23, 2021
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.
July 27, 2021
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 with our moral compass. Human, covers exactly that and the importance of people that play a huge role in our development as a societal being. The 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. Highly recommended.
July 28, 2021
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.
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.
July 31, 2021
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.
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.
July 23, 2021
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.
I truly appreciate and commend the author for taking us through such an authentic and vulnerable journey.
July 23, 2021
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.
July 25, 2021
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.
July 22, 2021
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.
August 1, 2021
Honest and insightful reflection on the nature of what it means to be a human. Vanessa takes you on a journey that is at once her own but also one that applies to each and every one of us.
June 8, 2022
Review to come.
Thank you Vanessa Ferlaino for the complimentary copy to read and review.
Thank you Vanessa Ferlaino for the complimentary copy to read and review.
August 7, 2021
Human is a beautiful, thought-provoking piece about our collective tendency to ignore what is clear for us to see and to shrink away from the emotions that connect us as human beings. This short read is dense with poignant imagery as Ferlaino invites us to inhabit her life, remarking on all that is around us, both present and absent. The book left me in a very reflective state of mind, inspired to carry her words with me through my everyday life. I highly recommend Human and am looking forward to future works from this author.
August 1, 2021
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. -D.K.
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. -D.K.
October 7, 2021
Human is an exceptional read, one that left me in a state of reflection on how I process daily occurrences in my own life. It reminds you to be more present day to day, to ensure that you are an active participant in all areas of life. It gives excellent insight into ‘being human,’ and experiencing emotion, certain aspects of which we all too often avoid. Vanessa writes with feeling and deep emotion, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
March 1, 2022
Vanessa’s first book is a vulnerable and honest reflection about the impact of human connection. With an empathic voice, “Human” inspires readers to consider our contributions to the collective web we weave.
May 26, 2022
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Human
Author: Vanessa Ferlaino
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 3/5
Of the 15 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
11 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘subject knowledge’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘putting across a message’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
12 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“The interesting story of a woman extracting herself from darkness and finding the light. Plenty to reflect on in this thoughtfully written memoir.” Male reader, aged 36
“I did enjoy this author´s story. She´s a smart woman who knows how to express her feelings in an accessible way. Although the book is way too short and, as a result, feels a little rushed, the author still offers the reader a profound and thought-provoking read. There´s darkness within everybody; a book of this nature might help them to identify it and, most importantly, understand it.” Female reader, aged 66
“I´m so impressed that this author could put herself out there in terms of the problems she´s faced. This is a very honest story, intimate almost; the sort of book that will make you think.” Female reader, aged 45
“A little too touchy feely for me. But I think readers wanting to understand who they are and why they feel the way they do, might get a lot from this book.” Female reader, aged 24
To Sum It Up:
‘A thought-provoking story offering readers plenty to reflect on. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Human
Author: Vanessa Ferlaino
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 3/5
Of the 15 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
11 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘subject knowledge’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘putting across a message’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
12 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“The interesting story of a woman extracting herself from darkness and finding the light. Plenty to reflect on in this thoughtfully written memoir.” Male reader, aged 36
“I did enjoy this author´s story. She´s a smart woman who knows how to express her feelings in an accessible way. Although the book is way too short and, as a result, feels a little rushed, the author still offers the reader a profound and thought-provoking read. There´s darkness within everybody; a book of this nature might help them to identify it and, most importantly, understand it.” Female reader, aged 66
“I´m so impressed that this author could put herself out there in terms of the problems she´s faced. This is a very honest story, intimate almost; the sort of book that will make you think.” Female reader, aged 45
“A little too touchy feely for me. But I think readers wanting to understand who they are and why they feel the way they do, might get a lot from this book.” Female reader, aged 24
To Sum It Up:
‘A thought-provoking story offering readers plenty to reflect on. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
January 26, 2023
Thank you for open my eyes! This book was a very interesting reading. It makes you think. From a point of darkness it raised you up to be able to see the light. Vanessa has a unique and beautiful style to instill poetry in her writing. What if ….While reading the book I find that some of the situation that she describes were at one point similarly with what I have to go through. I pause from reading and reflected. We have choices but there are situations that stop us to followed the right path that others think that we should do. That’s why many times we shouldn’t judge other decisions and instead just lend a hand to help if we can. Unfortunately the world has change. Vanessa book makes us think. Highly recommended.
November 12, 2021
This book grabbed my heart. As the author talks about the incident with the woman in the car and the rage from the man that was with her, I felt that. Much as she did as a bystander. How it put her back into a flashback and she had to remember that wasn’t her situation anymore. As she goes through her own journey, the constant reminder to hold herself in a protective cage or bubble was so relatable. The overall story was heartfelt and honest. She was on a path to find herself and in the process was able to look at what it meant to be human. She’s very right, sometimes we forget to be human. This is a beautifully moving memoir. I truly enjoyed it.
April 6, 2022
The power is within you to create change in yourself and in the world when you live authentically. This is the message Vanessa expressively shares in gorgeous prose. Human is a captivating read that touches your mind, heart, soul, and will leave you forever transformed.
I had the honor of chatting with Vanessa on my Soulful Series podcast. You can catch it here:
https://youtu.be/E0GqpCiiJ-Q
I had the honor of chatting with Vanessa on my Soulful Series podcast. You can catch it here:
https://youtu.be/E0GqpCiiJ-Q
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews