“Who We Really Are” originated on facts, not stories; it is about the strangeness of life and all we encounter in our passage through it. Who we are; when looking deep, is a difficult question to answer! Do we actually know that person we see in the mirror? While observing ourselves closely, do we like what we see? Are we familiar with our reflection? Do we recognize our needs? Are they reasonable? What do we seek? Is it worthy? Alternatively, maybe it is just suitable! Would we recognize joy if lacking the feeling of sadness? Could we really cherish the warmth from a loved one if we never walked the path of loneliness? Is it possible to cherish relaxation when avoiding pressure? How can someone value free will while ungratefully wasting his gift of life? Some of these questions we try to ignore, because at any given time, we do not have the answers, and if we do, we do not like them, so we continue with our life, living it in denial. In actuality, instead of observing ourselves, we are concerned about our image, and most of the time we are comparing our self with others. We recognize true value only when we have lost it. While suffering from our losses, we neglect all that still surrounds us. That is when ignorance takes over, and unconsciously we lose our righteousness. At that point, we engage in a quest to escape from reality. When we are successful, we slow and painfully lose our faith. But then again, in all our deeds, it is our nature to search for the easiest way through life; struggle is not an option. Consequently, upon encountering difficulties, we experience disappointment and stress. We fail to recognize that difficulties are necessary to achieve comfort. Feelings, bad or good, are our best gifts ever, so treasure them, and smile more often, because regrettable mistakes we formulate with a serious look on our face.

“Who We Really Are” is about a naïve youngster who is forced to live in foreign country and his ordeals while living there as he becomes a man. Born in Russia and raised in Israel, Al is sent to New York at the insistence of his mother who disapproves his decision to join the Israeli army. In New York, he is forced to live with his biological father whom he never seen, Tom, and work at the gas station. There are times he misses his family in Israel, especially his half-brother, Jim, and finds himself yearning to return to the country. His sorrow is replaced with excitement when Jim also decides to stay with him in New York. Since then, Jim becomes his companion in all the things he does, including drinking alcohol and dealing with women. But Al’s happiness ends abruptly when Jim suddenly dies. The sorrow brought by Jim’s death, coupled with his problems at work and with women, leads Al to suffer depression. He turns to alcohol for comfort, which soon leads to addiction. But his alcoholism only matters worse, and when he decides to change for the better, it is then too late for he already lost the ones he loved, and the fight with addiction is too great. Al, however, is thankful to realize his mistakes in the end learns to appreciate the simple gifts and blessings in life. “Who We Really Are” might appeal to readers interested in stories that revolve around a man’s quest for companionship, peace, and contentment. This story reveals; when there is a will, hope will prevail.

“Who We Really Are” is about a naïve youngster who is forced to live in foreign country and his ordeals while living there as he becomes a man. Born in Russia and raised in Israel, Al is sent to New York at the insistence of his mother who disapproves his decision to join the Israeli army. In New York, he is forced to live with his biological father whom he never seen, Tom, and work at the gas station. There are times he misses his family in Israel, especially his half-brother, Jim, and finds himself yearning to return to the country. His sorrow is replaced with excitement when Jim also decides to stay with him in New York. Since then, Jim becomes his companion in all the things he does, including drinking alcohol and dealing with women. But Al’s happiness ends abruptly when Jim suddenly dies. The sorrow brought by Jim’s death, coupled with his problems at work and with women, leads Al to suffer depression. He turns to alcohol for comfort, which soon leads to addiction. But his alcoholism only matters worse, and when he decides to change for the better, it is then too late for he already lost the ones he loved, and the fight with addiction is too great. Al, however, is thankful to realize his mistakes in the end learns to appreciate the simple gifts and blessings in life. “Who We Really Are” might appeal to readers interested in stories that revolve around a man’s quest for companionship, peace, and contentment. This story reveals; when there is a will, hope will prevail.