Bolingbrook Resident Featured In Virtual Author's Showcase

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Bolingbrook resident Samyuktha Neeraja recently presented her book on dwarfism at a virtual author's showcase. Neeraja is one of several authors who shared their experiences in, "A Little Perspective: REAL Stories of Little Ladies."

In her chapter, "Where is the Groom," Neeraja told Patch she talks about the trials and tribulations of dating as a little person.

"I wrote about this because I feel that a lot of other Little Women can benefit from it because it is hard to date because society has misconceptions and expectations for people like us," Neeraja said. "I wanted to show other women that you are not alone, and you are perfect the way you are. Our lives are not defined by the men in them, and that as long as we are loving ourselves, that's the only thing that matters. I also talk about navigating different cultural expectations being Indian American."

Neeraja, who said this is her first official publication, described the writing process as a "little stressful at first."

"When I decided to talk about my dating experience, I voice recorded my story as if I was telling it to someone. That helped me get everything all down. And then I took time to piece it all together and make it a story," she said.

The ALP Author’s Showcase was held in October during Dwarfism Awareness Month. Other authors who contributed to the book include: Angela Singletary, Lauren Bryant, Bobbie Singletary, Kate Moe, Kristina Hiller, Samantha Hansen, Meg Grenlee and Chantell Butler, according to the book's Amazon page.

Neeraja said Angela Singletary is the visionary author of the book, and she put the virtual showcase together. All the co-authors participated in the showcase, and talked about their chapters in the book.

There will also be a showcase with the authors of a "sister" book about the parents of children with dwarfism and their journey from pregnancy to toddlerhood, Neeraja said.

If you would like to purchase a signed copy of the book, you can reach out to Neeraja at sknbook97@gmail.com.

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