Eight Days

I texted Nilofer and promised to stay
in touch every step of the way.
She texted back eight lines of hearts.
Eight was our secret lucky number.
Eight was unbreakable, two circles intertwined.
Unbreakable, unbreakable, I am unbreakable.

Sami Stanic isn’t a crier. She’s found it’s better to be useful, so people keep you around. It’s worked for the past ten years that she has lived with her grandfather.

But when unexpected news shakes her world, Sami comes face to face with her deepest fears. Is there anywhere she really belongs? If people knew where she came from, could they still love her?

From the towers of Toronto’s Thorncliffe Park to Chicago’s south side, and back again, Sami and an unusual entourage set off on an eight-day journey that will change her life forever. Along the sometimes heart-wrenching, often hilarious way, Sami uncovers painful secrets – but also the truths that shine a warm light on what home and family really mean.