Title: From Broken to Butterfly
Author: Nina Pajonas
Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishers
ISBN: 979-8893333923
Pages: 156
Genre: Christian
Reviewer: Lisa Brown-Gilbert
Pacific Book Review
Burgeoning Christian author Nina Pajonas shares an intimate, unadulterated journey of spiritual transformation through her memorable memoir, From Broken to Butterfly.
From the start this is a work which engages the mind, and the spirit, with the detailing of a journey to healing which moves from the heart- wrenching to the divine. Within this memorialization of personal metamorphosis author Pajonas’ presents a lucid, literate and heartfelt look into her growth, she offers a raw look at her struggles in an existence of battling her personal demons of addiction, fueled by a multitude of negative experiences which deeply affecting her self-perspective. Consequently, her life was enmeshed in a world fueled by self-loathing, fears, broken heartedness, and disconnection, with help from the divine she was able to change her life drastically, becoming restored, faithful and loving herself.
Moreover, what is truly unique about this look at self-realization and spiritual expansion, is the unique way in which author Nina Pajonas presents her journey in comparison to the stages of a caterpillar’s transition into a beautiful butterfly – perfect in God’s eyes. As a result, not only does this idea present a distinct perspective, but it also serves to pique curiosity. Following the stages of a butterfly’s transformation, author Pajonas juxtaposes her life’s experiences in stages as well. Creatively devised, the book is divided into the following four sections, each a literate embracing of past experiences and life lessons.
To start, Part 1/Section1, The Expendable Egg, presents the background of author Pajonas, including her family dynamics and childhood experiences which served to negatively influence her life well into adulthood. Overall, leading to feelings of being a dispensable person, someone of no real value, starting at a young age. Next, Part 2/ Section 2, The Lonely Larva (Caterpillar), brings to the forefront, the experiences and ways in which her emotions and addictions affected her relationships as well as her overall life. Followed by, Part3/Section 3, The Painful Pupa (Chrysalis), the most traumatizing of stages within which the Nina Pajonas, shares her experiences and lessons learned, at the very rock bottom of her life. And in conclusion, Part 4/Section 4,(A Beautiful Butterfly), which explores her healing and coming back to herself, leading to re-establishing her self-love, and reconnections with faith and family.
I found from Broken to Butterfly, by author Nina Pajonas, made for a captivating and moving exploration of personal transformation through the multifaceted elements of healing necessary for re-claiming self-love, as well as the faith that is required when facing down one’s personal demons. I wholly recommend this book; it will definitely inspire and enlighten the reader. Broken to Butterfly is is not only a testament to Pajonas’ strength but also a beacon of hope for anyone seeking to find beauty in their brokenness and emerge stronger from life’s challenges.
