The Mask Behind the Mask

By Shana W Gourdine

This book motivates you to look inside your mask and know that it is okay to cry, be sad, be mad, and love who you are thorough it all. We wear many masks to cover the flaws or imperfections we have, but there is always a mask that we still hide behind. There is always another face that we hide behind so others don’t see it. Just know that it is okay to love all of you—including the imperfections we try to hide from. This is to inspire you to embrace the real you and to be strong through all things with poetry.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796017687

Shana W Gourdine

After encountering the ugly face of domestic violence and developing four different health conditions, Shana Gourdine's life took a new turn. But, she couldn't give this a room to ruin her life, so she embarked on a journey to elevate her self-esteem and uplift people who were going through such issues. Consequently, Shana writes relatable books from her experiences to help individuals learn to love themselves again after going through disappointments, trauma and disability. Moreover, Shana fits in several other shoes as a poet, motivational speaker, podcast host, spoken word artist, self-love life coach, advocate for domestic violence awareness and chronic illnesses.Shana has published several titles and co-authored several others in a writing journey that spans three years. Her debut title, The Mask Behind the Mask, is a poetry book that inspires people to appreciate and love their imperfections despite their daily experiences. Unveiled Pieces of a Broken Mask is a spin of her debut title, and the book helps people break the mask of baggage that people carry from their past. Further, Shana is a co-author in a poetry anthology Words Speak Hurt No More, Women Who Pray, a spoken word album I was a Rose in Darkness of Love and Winning Way.In her writing and motivation journey engagements, Shana has won the Purple Ribbon Award of Courage, Viewer's Choice Award, and Global Africa Fashion for Peace World 2021. She has been featured as the Best Seller on Amazon and nominated for both Women on the Rise and Women Influencers awards. She has also featured on Spotlight Magazine Cover, Hopez Magazine, Dream Spire Book Magazine, Channel 13, Channel 10, Troy Record Paper and Spectrum News.Although Shana Gourdine is originally from Cross SC, she currently lives in Troy, New York. When she's free, she loves hanging out with her two beautiful daughters, taking walks, traveling, and cooking.

Book preview

Introduction

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Shana

Born to show the power of compassion and sympathy toward others, a person with a heart of gold and a lending hand.

Even when she has nothing left for herself, she will put the needs of others before hers. She cares for all, disregarding their statuses or backgrounds. Her generosity and kindness know no bounds.

This book is to motivate you to look behind the mask and know that it is okay to cry, to be sad, to be mad, and to love who you are through it all.

We all wear masks, but there is always a mask that we still hide behind, always another face that we hide behind so that others don’t see us. Just know that it is okay to love all of yourself, including the faces you try to hide