Our emotions can be the dictators of our lives: fear, doubt, anger, and sadness can at times consume us, leading us to believe we may be a monster, that something deep-rooted may be wrong with us. In Barry’s Wake Through the Forest, young author Kameron Shepherd brings that internal monster to life in the form of a lost and voiceless creature, Barry, who lives in a swamp. The book begins with Barry staring at his reflection in a pond. He sees a moss-green monster. The monster has no mouth. What follows is a haunting and ultimately inspiring story of Barry’s journey to find his voice, as he discovers the power of healthy emotions — like love — through artifacts and adventures he encounters in the woods. Barry’s journey is a deeply personal one for his creator. At a young age, Kameron was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Now 20 years old, he knows what it’s like to feel different. For any kid or adult who feels “far from normal,” Kameron wrote this book so you’ll know you’re not alone.
About the Author
Hello! My name is Kameron Shepherd, I was born in the small town of Portsmouth, Ohio. At the age of two I was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Throughout my trials they believed that I would never make it to where I am today. I grew up being the “different” kid due to my illness, it set back a lot of what I was able to do, though I pushed on. I strived to always look towards a better outlook, a better idea about tomorrow and what happened in the past. I hope that I can aspire however kids or even adults in situations like mine that nothing can limit you and with any situation you can find hope in it. I’m happy to say that I’ve made it to 22 and I was moved out of hospice care! life has changed more than I thought it ever would. I hope you enjoy “Barry’s Wake through the Forest” it’s my first book and I hope that his story can be a good gateway for telling a story of hope and finding ones ownself in the mess they feel that they’re in. If it were not for the support and overall love from the Dream Foundation, Barry would have never have come into full fruition. They’re one of a kind and have not only helped me fulfill my dream, but thousands of others too and possibly even yours. I also want to thank Ruth from Bar Nothing Books, everyone who has helped me with this journey of writing, and publishing had nothing but a heart of gold so I urge you to please check them out.