The World Outside My World

Source: unicef.ie

By: Vivian Salamanca  

I Believe in Zero

Caryl. M. Stern

254 pages

McMillan Publishers

“If she could give birth with so little and fight so hard to ensure that her child is free from AIDS, then there had to be more I could do to help. I wanted to travel to other new places that would challenge me and shift my perspective.” 

    With a fresh outlook, Caryl M. Stern described her determination after encountering Rosa, a new mother who was infected with the AIDS virus, but was forced to go through lengths to prevent her newborn to be cursed with the same fate. This excerpt from the novel appropriately provides light into the process of coming to terms with the reality of the cruel world we live in and the hope one finds when joining the good fight.

Source: unicefusa.org

Stern was raised, as some would describe, as privileged growing up in Westchester, NY. Not knowing true hardships, her world came to a screeching halt after she quickly took over a position she had little background in within UNICEF. This position quickly opened her eyes to the brutal realities of the world outside, but also the possibilities where one can relate. Throughout her novel, she carefully uses a healthy balance of empathy and inspiration to describe real stories she embarked on, helping the reader relate to this injustice within real families. This particular injustice is just that—an injustice due to a lack of attention. The issue of disease and poverty in these malnourished countries can be prevented with proper attention, if attention is brought to it, and Stern does just that. 

Source: unicef.ie

These powerful messages convicted with a fight for justice and freedom are laced within stories of hope and passion. Stern beautifully provides the light in this deep, troubled tunnel. Among the convicting stories, Stern also challenges the public to step out of the comfort zone, much like she did many years ago, and react to this global tragedy. This public challenge can be countered with a simple donation or intentional action. Take your pick and respond to the world challenges we live in.