Can You Be
Naina’s life is as it has always been, until she receives a box.
She lives in a self-imposed sheltered manner in Charleston, South Carolina, yet wants nothing more than to have the support of friends and family. She is too afraid to put herself out there, having been hurt so much in the past. Her routines give her a sense of safety…until an early August morning, when Naina receives a box. It has no information about its sender and it is left on her doorstep. A mysterious man shows up at her work asking her about it.
Everything begins to change after the arrival of the box, and Naina is presented with a chance to change her life, and to explore compassion, forgiveness, and believing in herself. She struggles to understand the power of connections and the potential of expanding her horizons. Naina’s journey is mystical and, in portions, it takes her through Stockholm, Helsinki, and the Baltics. Will this quest lead her to discover who she can be?
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Reviews
Can You Be is a captivating story following one woman’s journey as she finds her place in the world. I love the spiritual through-line which is artfully woven into the author’s exploration of trust, knowingness and overcoming conditional patterns of behaviour.
Can You Be is beautifully written in the unique style of the author – I was hooked from the opening line. The book is an informative and interesting read, providing great historical and cultural detail of the protagonist’s trips through Northern Europe and the Baltic countries.
The part I loved most, was how this book has so many valuable life lessons and takeaways. I felt energised and motivated to make positive changes in my own life after devouring the final chapters. Can You Be is another wonderful novel from Sonee Singh. I look forward to reading more from this author.
- Lisa Benson
Multi-award-winning author of Where Have I Been All My Life?
“This is a delightful, intricately woven novel. Can You Be is a curious title and a simple enough question, yet the answer becomes deeper and more complex the more you ask it. Can You Be
I became a champion for protagonist, Naina, a quirky introvert who struggles to discover her happy, authentic self. She questions the life she has chosen to settle for, and her self-worth in how she allows people to treat her. Upon finding a sticky note, a box, and an Angelite crystal, things get quite interesting. Can You Be evokes thought provoking insight into what the universe may be trying to share with us, if only we are open to the signs and trust in our own knowing enough to listen.
Naina’s journey of self-discovery, friendships, and love is heart-warming and encouraging to anyone who thinks ‘settling’ is good enough. Through Naina’s love for the stunning area of Charleston, the readers get to explore the beauty and history of the city, and beyond to Sweden, the Baltic states, and Finland.
Can You Beis filled with tangible messages that we need to believe in ourselves and respect all we can be, if we just allow ourselves to be.”
-Mickey Martin
Award-Winning Author of The Given Series and The Victoria Collection/ Mental Health & Disability Support Worker
“Naina will soon turn thirty. She is a receptionist for a real estate company. It is a simple job that Naina doesn't really like, but it allows her to lead a more or less comfortable life in her beloved Charleston, South Carolina. Naina is a quiet person. She cherishes her everyday routine and tries to avoid stress and unpredictability. Naina's mother took her own life when Naina was only seven. Her father sent her to boarding school because Naina couldn't find common ground with her stepmother. Now, they speak only once a year, on Naina's birthday. Naina craves a loving family and supporting friends, but the fear of being abandoned again is strong. One day, she receives a mysterious box. Naina feels changes in the air and meets new people. A stranger urges Naina to explore her true potential. Will a trip to faraway countries help Naina find herself? Can You Be by Sonee Singh is a thought-provoking read for fans of fiction centered around women, drama, inspiration, and psychology.
Can You Be is a very special book. Sonee Singh allows us to look deeply into every corner of Naina's soul. Naina built thick walls around herself, but her world is very fragile. Sonee draws a convincing picture of solitude fed by fear of rejection and further isolation. Naina is an interesting character, and we see the unfolding events from her perspective. I like that Naina is almost brutally honest with herself. She doesn't seek excuses for herself; she seeks necessary solutions and dares to leave the comfort zone of Charleston, where she knows every hidden alley for unknown European countries. Sonee shares many fascinating facts about the history of Charleston and the Baltic states, including the Užupis Constitution that inspires Naina. Sonee tells us that every trip is a trip into ourselves and motivates us to be kinder to those who seem to be a bit odd or out of place. The author also touches on the themes of belonging, acceptance, and forgiveness. Sonee skillfully interweaves mundanity with mystical events and encourages us to continue our efforts to find our true place in this world.”⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze
Readers’ Favorite
Navigating the subtle threshold between solitude and self-imposed isolation, Can You Be by Sonee Singh explores the theme of self-reflection through the lens of a young woman’s life. The narrative delves into the starkness that can arise from an over-simplified existence, probing the depths of the void left by routine’s meager offerings. The protagonist, Naina, finds herself at a pivotal point when an enigmatic parcel triggers a cascade of incremental shifts, suggesting that embracing minor alterations can pave the way for monumental growth.
In this contemporary fiction piece, Singh crafts a tale that threads through the intricate tapestry of Naina’s reclusive existence, marred by childhood wounds, an emotionally distant caregiver, and the resulting social invisibility. Her retreat into the realms of fantasy is a poignant coping mechanism for her solitude. The arrival of a cryptic stone becomes the fulcrum upon which she begins to reassess her life. Naina’s physical and metaphorical odyssey unfolds at the intersection of the mystical and the tangible, leading her toward self-realization, healing, and a transformative personal evolution.
The prose is articulate and captivating, ideal for mature audiences who are drawn to narratives that unravel the complexities of a character’s history and aspirations. The novel touches on historical and socio-political topics as part of Naina’s exploration into who she is. These sections enhance her journey, tying it to the real world and giving readers an inclination for rich, contextual backdrops that touch upon broader societal themes; these forays add a layer of depth to the narrative.
Can You Be is crafted to inspire readers to venture beyond the confines of their comfort zones, reclaiming the reins of their destinies from the clutches of their past. This thought-provoking and accessible work poses a dual proposition: it is both a challenge and a solution, resonating with those who seek a narrative of authentic and relatable metamorphosis.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars Reviewed by Literary Titan