Ghost Boy: The Miraculous Escape of a Misdiagnosed Boy Trapped Inside His Own Body (2011)

In Chapter 43, “Strangers,” Martin highlights the importance of strangers in his life. He recalls that he was often on the edge of despair, without hope or desire to live another day. But strangers, more specifically kind caregivers who passed in and out of his life, had a profound effect on him. Most notably, Martin brings up Virna, who showed him kindness when she was only a stranger to him. Martin writes, “I realized that families might be the ones who pick us up time and again but strangers can also rescue us—even if they don’t know they’re doing so” (188).

In Chapters 44-47 (“Everything Changes,” “Meeting Mickey?”, “The Real Me,” and “A Lion’s Heart”), Martin chronicles the start of his love story with the woman who would eventually become his wife: Joanna. Martin first meets Joanna through a webcam conversation with his sister Kim, as Kim introduces some of her friends to him. Martin immediately falls for Joanna’s beauty, and soon they start talking online, developing first a friendship then a romance. Joanna invites Martin to come to Disney World with her, letting him know that she is truly interested in him; their love is reciprocal, which is a new feeling for Martin.