Local Author Shelby Benson becomes an inspiration to hundreds with Debut Book Echoes of Reflection

When I sat down to write Echoes of Reflection, I didn’t set out to tell just any story—I set out to tell my story.High school wasn’t an easy time for me. On the surface, I appeared to have it all together, just like Sydney, the main character in my book. But beneath that exterior, I was dealing with a series of challenges that no teenager should have to face.

In the novella, Sydney is the queen bee of her high school, ruling the social scene with her popularity and charm. She’s got the perfect life—or so it seems. But when a series of severe health issues strike, her life is turned upside down. She suffers a stroke, loses her hair and sight, and has to undergo brain surgery. The girl who once had it all suddenly finds herself vulnerable and scared, grappling with a reality she never imagined. It’s a painful journey, but one that ultimately leads her to discover the true meaning of strength, friendship, and family.

Sydney’s story isn’t just fiction. It’s deeply inspired by my own experiences. I remember the moment when my world changed. One day, I was like any other high schooler, focused on friends, homework, and trying to fit in. The next, I was facing a medical crisis that completely upended my life. I went through some of the darkest times imaginable, unsure of what the future held for me or if I’d ever get back to the life I once knew.

Writing Echoes of Reflection was a way for me to process those emotions. It wasn’t just about telling a story—it was about making sense of my own. I wanted to take those struggles and turn them into something that could resonate with others, especially young people who might be going through their own battles. I know firsthand how isolating it can feel to face a life-changing illness when you’re still trying to figure out who you are and what you want from life.

But more than that, I wanted to highlight the power of love and support. During my toughest moments, it wasn’t just my own resilience that got me through—it was the people around me. My family and friends became my lifeline, reminding me that I wasn’t alone. Sydney’s journey in the book reflects that truth. As she navigates her new reality, she learns that the people who truly care about her are the ones who stand by her when things get tough. And that’s something I experienced in my own life.

I’ve poured my heart into this book, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how readers have connected with Sydney’s story. Many have reached out to tell me how the novella reminded them of their own challenges, or how it helped them feel less alone. That’s exactly what I hoped to achieve. High school can be a tough time, and life can throw unexpected challenges our way. But I believe we all have the strength to overcome even the hardest trials, especially when we have the right people by our side.

I wrote Echoes of Reflection as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a story of transformation, not just for Sydney, but for anyone who’s faced adversity and come out the other side stronger. If there’s one thing I want readers to take away from this novella, it’s the knowledge that no matter how dark things may seem, there is always hope.

This has been a deeply personal project for me, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share it with the world. Thank you for reading, and for allowing Sydney’s story—and my story—to touch your heart.

Echoes of reflection is now available on Amazon and at local bookstore Brighouse Books.