Human life has always been a package of emotions, struggles, cherishing the little moments, and clinging on to hope, which is most important for the sustenance of life altogether. At the same time, the thrill that unpredictability brings makes life more exciting and makes it all the more beautiful. In light of this, “I Am Invincible: Thirteen True Tales of Courage, Grit, and Survival” by Neelam Kumar is a collection of stories based on people from real life who had to face tough times and victoriously made it to the peak of success because of their resilience, determination, and willpower.
The title and the book cover speak volumes about the content that is to follow, yet; there is an aura that surrounds the book when the readers see birds flying on the cover. These birds appear as symbols of freedom, liberation, breaking free of chains, and following their will and desires. The effect on the readers’ minds is potent and strong. As they begin with the initial sections of the dedication, acknowledgments, and preface, they have a clear view and agreement over the fact that no one else could have written the book any better than Kumar. After reading through her story, they have their faith in her and the content she is all set to present. Following this, the author presents the stories of different people from not just different walks of life but also different corners of the country who the author calls “Warriors of life.” Circumstances may have forced them to face the situations they faced, but that only brought out the Bravehearts in them, and they embraced life the way it was for them. At once, the readers may feel jitters seeing their situations, but when they read through and get to know the courage and valor the people display, they strike as no less than real-life heroes, surpassing any of the reel-life ones. This reality touch strikes a chord with the hearts of the readers and connects with them strongly. While the modern world looks for real-life examples, Kumar presents them like the stories of real unsung heroes of life.
“I Am Invincible” is one of the few books that takes a negative and depressing subject and gives it not just a positive frame but also fills the readers’ lives with optimism and hope. The author Neelam Kumar clearly states this objective in the preface and successfully accomplishes this feat through the stories she shares. The fact that the framework of the book is born from real-life stories told by the ones who have lived through them makes the book an ocular document of living proof grit, never give up spirit, and the power of will. The thirteen stories make the readers visit thirteen different universes, which feature people having one thing in common, courage. Many people would find Kumar’s work meant to inspire and motivate them and fill them up with determination. But that only defines the book partially. People who would be going through the same circumstances as those who are featured in the book would find themselves pumped up with hope, optimism, and the desire to sail through the tide they are fighting. In these tough times, when people struggle to communicate and share how they feel owing to the busy life of others, “I Am Invincible” comes as a lifesaver and also as a friend in need being with them indeed. At the same time, other readers may find the book to be a perfect one to be kept at their bedside, and they could read any of the thirteen stories when they feel the need to boost themselves up. At the same time, at the end of every story, the readers get information shared by experts, which is vital from a knowledge point of view.
“I Am Invincible” as a title is something every person would be able to relate to directly. It instills faith of the readers in themselves and also restores the confidence which may be missing for them. Each of the stories presents circumstances unlike the former or the latter, which ensures that the readers would be able to relate with either of them. At the same time, the social relevance of the stories cannot be ignored. In a society where the slightest difference separates one from the rest, the psychological effects are adverse. This book helps overcome that and also makes the readers feel they are no different. This expands the reader-base to a universal level and also gives the book to stand the test of time to be read by generations that would come later. Hence, all readers, whether they read fiction or non-fiction, can try reading the book by Neelam Kumar and suggest it to all those who look for a ray of hope.
