Dear Stranger, I Know How You Feel Paperback – November 20, 2019

I have been living a very hard life full of long hours and sadness.Just making it by, day by day.I looked in the mirror and try to smile.I look at the sea and I see me.I found this book and it changed this world.Thank you.

This book feels like our very own book. It feels as if it is written exclusively for you. The way this book is written is overwhelming. In the form of letters, it feels like the author is sitting right beside us and talking to us. You will not feel alone while reading this.Every word of this book touches the heart. I am pretty sure, that after reading this book, you will get healed in way you wanted to be, from a long time, but there was nobody to understand or console you.

Finally, I am done with "Dear Stranger, I Know How You Feel" by Ashish Bagrecha. I read one letter each day, so I got late, but trust me, it has its own charm. Writing a review for this book is like drawing a line in flowing water. The book is so deep that it's almost impossible to write in a few words, may be it will take another book for it's proper reviewing. Talking about the cover design, others may see just a bird tied up. But what I see is the bird which symbolically resembles us, tied up with the invisible thread of hatred, anguish, depression, confusion, pain and more. And in the back cover we see the same bird without any ties. According to my interpretation, We enter the book confused but when we are done, we come out clear headed and with a positive insight.About the letters, I am dumbstruck, how can anyone be able to read my mind so well? It's just insane, or may be we all are similar and similar demons haunt us! About Pain, this line "So I have thrown you the lifebuoy, dear stranger, and I am here, comforter in hand" soothed me to the core. And "Pain is often healed by things that soothe our souls. " We have been so hardened by the pain that "They tell you that you are emotionless, but the truth is you feel too intensely. " When I will face loss, this book will always remind me that, "You will come out of this a little scarred and a little bruised, but you will come through. Your failure doesn't mean the end, but rather the beginning of something beautiful " I am amazed, how such lucid words can impart such life philosophies which even philosophers can't. I was always told that anger is the enemy of human, but finally someone understood me and wrote," Allow yourself to feel your anger because it is a step in your recovery. " In life we should always seek positivity, second chances, love, self awareness, dreams, kindness because "You deserve empathy for yourself. Be compassionate and self aware, and forgive yourself for shutting others out" Your success is nothing but "The fact that you are alive, breathing, coping and happy today" This book makes us feel gratified for our existence because the universe has made us and "You are connected to the earth in ways you cannot comprehend" So we should "Embrace every opportunity to feel happy" because "You deserve to celebrate and be celebrated" Really, this book has changed me and my insight for good. Thank you for writing this dear stranger author. And it is the Author who makes us feel that he is also a part of us and "The universe connects us all. "- Padmaja Mishra.

Every book has a story to tell. So, does this book. When many get offended by mental health and its stigma? Ashish Bagrecha embraced it and presented a beautiful melody of poetry and letters in his impressive writing.Even the cover of the book shows the exact delineation of struggles, hurdles, and chains that hold us from reaching our goals in life. Every chapter starts with poetry weaved in ataraxia urging you to read and connect what the writer wants to say. Each word and line will weave you further into the book compelling you to connect with it. Every chapter is written in the most lucid language which will urge you to not just understand the writing but, pull your heartstrings. As a reader you will feel connected emotionally too, someway along the book will tear you up and maybe some of you feel –that's how I feel but, keep on moving with chapter by chapter. Maybe you will heal and move on from the darkened shadows you lurk with.This book maybe a year old but, the saying you might have heard – ‘wine improves with age’ I feel books too. You are never too late, to read a book which heals you, fill you up with hope, and show you that you are not alone in your journey; they are with you.30 letters and poetry will fill your day with hope, love, and magic.“you don’t want peaceyou want the chaos and the stormto bring you pain and destroy youyou don’t want to be found or lovedyou want to stay lost and be left alonebut I won’t let you.every time you walk into darknessI’ll stand right next to youand dare youto destroy both of us.”All I can say is that this book is worth the money and time and definitely, a worthy read and for those lost strangers who are finding the answers to their unheard and un-answered questions; you might be lucky and find in this book.Give this book a shot because it’s never too late to find yourself.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)"Some of the greatest works of art have been born out of an acute feeling of emptiness.""Dear Stranger, I Know How You Feel" by Ashish Bagrecha is a truly uplifting and motivating read, especially for those who are grappling with depression and anxiety. Ashish's ability to weave short, heartfelt stories that resonate with the inner struggles we often hide from the world is nothing short of remarkable.This book is a treasure trove of motivation and inspiration, beautifully crafted to offer solace and hope to anyone facing the shadows of mental health challenges. Ashish's words feel like a warm embrace, reassuring the reader that they are not alone in their journey.Each story in this collection is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is light waiting to be discovered. The book encourages self-reflection, self-acceptance, and above all, self-love.As someone who has personally experienced the weight of depression and anxiety, I can't thank Ashish enough for pouring his heart and soul into these stories. They serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us that there is beauty in our vulnerabilities and strength in our struggles."Dear Stranger, I Know How You Feel" is not just a book; it's a lifeline for those who need it most. It's a reminder that our shared human experiences, even the painful ones, can be a source of healing and growth. If you or someone you know is navigating the tumultuous waters of mental health, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It's a testament to the power of empathy, understanding, and the written word to heal and uplift the soul.

🌼🍀🌼•When we look around us, the youth is seen to flaunt their physical appearance, be it with makeup or activities that would make their biceps swell. But how many actually think about the makeup of mind and soul?🌼🌼•After hearing so much about India leading in hosting depressed individuals, now some of us have started and that takes us straight to the 'self-help' section of a bookstore. Most of the books throw light on how to suddenly stop being sad and beam with happiness. It's a very good advice but how can it happen in a whip? How can someone who has forgotten the very reason of his existence observe goodness? Indeed, happiness is a choice and a feeling but so is sadness and pain and sadly, very addictive too. Then how should a person take a leap and cover this bipolar distance?🌼🍀🌼•Therefore, it's a sheer need to have someone tell us what happens during this journey emotionally and how can we cope through it gracefully; How not to alienate any emotion and just let it flow and contemplate a better future ahead. And that someone who can tell this will only be able to do so, will be able to term every change as normal because he has been through it in ways that makes him understand every minute detail about it. Ever found someone like this? Well, it's the book,'Dear Stranger, I know how you feel'🌼🍀🌼•Written by Ashish Bagrecha, it is not about the dos and donts. It is also not an autobiography. It's his soul that iterates his journey from helplessness to hope and healing. It's his heart comforting his readers saying that it's okay not to be okay, to feel the way they do and that there is a lighthouse watching over them while they are swinging into the stormy sea. The book enlightens every emotion in such microscopic detail that one tends to question whether they really understand themselves and the way they feel or not. Every word is soaked into a potion of emotion. It is not just a book but a manual to live through this beautiful incident called Life, to embrace whatever it brings with open arms and trusting the universe's magical and mysterious ways of operating it. Through the book Ashish sir attempts to hold the hands of his readers and whisper to them, "you'll never walk alone"🌼🍀🌼Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5🌼🍀🌼