Jo's Story
"I have been reading your books since eragon was first released when I was in 4th grade. I still have my first copies of the books and read them every year. They are the only items I have from my childhood. I grew up in an incredibly stressful environment and included in the trauma was an instance where an abuser tossed all of my books into the dumpster, but I was able to save my Eragon & Eldest (all that was published at the time). I struggled secretly with self harm for years as a teen, and bearing the weight of that guilt and shame has taken years to work through. I am so grateful for the intensive therapy and healing work, however, most striking for me in this journey has been Nasuada & the trial of the long knives. I know that is based in historical example, however, reading it through her experience began to shift something in my aching brain.
You see, the narrative I was fed about my struggles was a story that told me I was selfish and ruining my abusers public image. I was dirty and deserved to be hidden away. But not Nasuada. She was fighting for her life. Because her heart beat for her cause. Because she had passion, and ferocity, and wasn’t going down without a fight to the literal death. Thats how I felt in my own struggle. Yes, I made a choice that I would certainly not recommend. But in the midst of my dark circumstances, I was flailing for something, anything that might get me out of my head. I was fighting for my life. I am a fighter, and I always have been. Especially remarkable to me, is that her scars are nothing to be ashamed of. Her scars were earned, her ragged & torn sleeves proved her to be a warrior. For those to be removed would be to strip her of that honor. I no long hide my scars. I do have tattoo artwork to express the victory held in them, but they are very much still a visible testament to my own battles. I am a warrior, I have conquered that which sought to destroy me and steal my power. I can hold my head high. Christopher, you never could have known what your words would do for so many of us, and I want to say thank you for writing them. Thank you for including small details in your storytelling that unlock jail cells of shame. My elementary self thanks you. My teen self thanks you. And now as a mother to two beautiful children who I have been reading your words to, thank you for helping me reframe a story for my children in a way therapy never could. I am proud of my character development and grateful to you for the piece you have played in it.
In giving us all a story, you have become part of countless others. May you be blessed." ~ Jo








