Some books entertain us. Some books educate us.
And then there are books that invite us to sit down, settle in, and stay awhile.
Recently, I had the privilege of reading, “Distorted is the View” by Khaya Ronkainen, and I found myself lingering long after I had closed the pages.
As a therapist, my mind is often moving—holding stories, solving problems, making connections, and creating space for others. It is rare that a book quietens my brain. Yet, that is exactly what happened while reading this story.
I was drawn into the lives of the characters in a way that felt both gentle and profound. I found myself invested not only in the main characters, but in the entire ecosystem of their lives—the family unit, their friendships, their adversaries, and the protectors who emerged along the way. Each relationship seemed to matter. Each person carried weight.
Perhaps what captivated me most was the story’s generational reach.
The choices made by one generation echoed into the next. The wounds, the resilience, the love, the misunderstandings, and the hope all seemed to ripple outward, reminding me that our lives rarely belong only to us. We inherit stories. We shape stories. And whether intentionally or unintentionally, we leave stories behind.
There were moments while reading when I found myself pausing—not because the story was difficult, but because it felt familiar in the way all deeply human stories do. The questions of belonging, connection, identity, and legacy are ones many of us carry. Khaya’s writing invites readers to sit with those questions rather than rush past them.
As I reflected on the book, I found myself thinking about the television series, “This Is Us.” Not because the stories are the same, but because both invite us to consider the complexities of family, identity, memory, and belonging. Reading. “Distorted is the View” felt like stepping into Khaya’s imagination and witnessing how deeply she understands the impact of human connection across generations.
For those who appreciate stories that are character-driven, emotionally layered, and reflective of the complexities of family life, this book offers something special. It is the kind of story that encourages readers to slow down and pay attention.
And perhaps that is one of the greatest gifts a book can offer in a world that moves so quickly. I was honored when Khaya shared that she would like to include an excerpt from my review among the early praise for the book. To know that my words resonated with her is a gift I do not take lightly.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful summer read that explores relationships, legacy, and the enduring impact of our shared humanity, I encourage you to learn more about “Distorted is the View” and Khaya’s work here:
https://www.khayaronkainen.fi/distorted-is-the-view/
Books have a way of finding us when we need them. This one found me at just the right time.
Intimately Worded, Michelle🌿
Michelle Tillman, LCMHC| Therapist, Writer & Host of Let’s Circle Back Podcast 💛
Intimately Worded with Michelle 
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