About Journey From Midnight
The True Story
What Needs To Change
The True Story
Selira V. Samanne grew up homeless—one of thousands of teens on a road to nowhere, searching for a better place and a better version of herself. Her life has been marked by hardships that would have broken most people long ago.
But her spirit is indomitable.
She survived to share her story with the world. Through her exceptional and devastating experiences, she speaks openly to reach those who need to hear her message—and possibly save lives.
Her Mission
By sharing this riveting and heartbreaking journey, Selira aims to:
- Raise awareness of homeless youth in America and worldwide
- Inspire readers to view homelessness through a different lens
- Offer hope to those still on the streets or feeling lost
A Message to Those Still Searching
Believe in the good within yourself. Your inner moral compass will never steer you wrong if you remain true to yourself.
To Thine Own Self Be True
Don't be afraid to reach out for help. If you can't find it, be willing to do whatever it takes. Seek knowledge. Be willing to learn. When obstacles appear, find a way over, under, or around them.
This is survival of the fittest: mentally, physically, and spiritually.
If you try and fail, believe in yourself enough to keep trying. Keep seeking. You will find answers and solutions.
Trust Your Instincts. If something feels wrong-
It probably is...
What Needs To Change
The True Story
What Needs To Change
What Needs To Change
What Needs To Change
- HIERARCHY OF NEEDS
- Everything we do is motivated by certain physiological and psychological needs. Before moving towards other complex needs, our basic survival needs must be fulfilled.
- SAFETY Money, Resources, Shelter
- SOCIAL Family, Friends, Community
- ESTEEM Self-confidence, Respect
- SELF-ACTUALIZATION The realization of one's talents and potentialities, especially considered a drive or need in everyone.
- FULFILLMENT Living to one's full potential.
- Humans naturally desire more and more with each passing day and every success.
"A person who is lacking food, safety, love and esteem would most probably hunger for food more strongly than for anything else."
Abraham Maslo
JOURNEY FROM MIDNIGHT
A TRUE STORY OF TRAGEDY AND TRAUMA, OVERCOME BY RESILIENCE AND DETERMINATION
Book Club Discussion Guide
Journey From Midnight: Volume One
A True Story of Tragedy and Trauma, Overcome by Resilience and Determination After Falling Through the Cracks of the System
By Selira V. Samanne
Welcome to Your Book Club Discussion
Thank you for choosing "Journey From Midnight" for your book club. This discussion guide is designed to facilitate meaningful conversations about resilience, systemic failures, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.
Content Warning: This book contains discussions of trauma, homelessness, and systemic abuse. Please ensure all participants are prepared for potentially triggering content and establish ground rules for respectful, supportive discussion.
Discussion Guidelines
Creating a Safe Space
Respect confidentiality - what's shared in book club stays in book club
Practice active listening without judgment
Allow space for emotional reactions
It's okay to pass on questions that feel too personal
Focus on the book's themes rather than personal trauma details
Have resources available for those who might need support
Suggested Group Size: 6-12 people
Recommended Duration: 90-120 minutes
Opening Discussion (15 minutes)
Icebreaker Questions:
What drew you to choose this book for our discussion?
Share one word that describes your overall reaction to Selira's story.
Had you previously considered the experiences of homeless youth before reading this book?
Chapter-by-Chapter Discussion Themes
Note: Adapt these based on your book's actual chapter structure
Section 1: Falling Through the Cracks
Focus: Systemic Failures and Vulnerability
Discussion Questions:
What emotions did you experience reading about Selira's early experiences with the system?
The subtitle mentions "falling through the cracks of the system." What specific "cracks" does Selira identify?
How do the failures Selira experienced reflect larger societal issues?
What assumptions about homeless youth did this section challenge for you?
Section 2: Survival Mode
Focus: Resilience and Adaptation
Discussion Questions:
How does Selira define resilience through her actions rather than her words?
What survival strategies does she develop, and how do they evolve throughout her journey?
Discuss the role of other people in Selira's survival. Who helped, and who hindered?
How does trauma shape but not define Selira's choices?
Section 3: Finding Light
Focus: Transformation and Hope
Discussion Questions:
What turning points can you identify in Selira's journey from survival to thriving?
How does Selira's relationship with herself change throughout the story?
What role does self-advocacy play in her transformation?
How does sharing her story become part of her healing process?
Deep Dive Discussion Questions
On Resilience:
How does Selira's definition of resilience differ from common misconceptions about "being strong"?
What practical resilience strategies from the book could apply to everyday challenges?
Discuss the difference between surviving and thriving as demonstrated in Selira's journey.
On Systemic Issues:
What systems failed Selira, and how might they be improved?
How does this book change your understanding of homelessness in America?
What role do individual actions play in supporting vulnerable youth?
Discuss the phrase "falling through the cracks." Is this an adequate metaphor?
On Personal Growth:
How does Selira maintain hope throughout her darkest moments?
What does healing look like in this story? Is it linear?
How does writing and sharing her story contribute to Selira's journey?
What does "overcoming" mean in the context of this book?
On Community and Connection:
Who are the people who make a positive difference in Selira's life? What do they have in common?
How does isolation impact Selira's journey, and how does connection help?
What role does self-advocacy play in building supportive relationships?
How can communities better support vulnerable youth?
Character and Motivation Analysis
Selira as Protagonist:
How does Selira evolve from the beginning to the end of Volume One?
What internal qualities help her survive and eventually thrive?
How does she balance vulnerability with strength?
What motivates her to share her story publicly?
Supporting Figures:
Which adults in Selira's life fulfill their responsibilities, and which fail her?
How do peer relationships impact her journey differently than adult relationships?
What can we learn from both the positive and negative influences in her story?
Contemporary Relevance
Discussion Points:
How do the issues Selira faced connect to current news and social challenges?
What has changed and what remains the same for vulnerable youth today?
How might reading this book change your daily interactions or voting decisions?
What organizations or initiatives does this book inspire you to learn about or support?
Creative Discussion Activities
Option 1: Letter Writing
Have members write a letter to:
Teenage Selira offering encouragement
Current policymakers about needed changes
The author expressing what the book meant to them
Option 2: Solution Brainstorming
Identify three specific problems highlighted in the book
Brainstorm practical solutions your community could implement
Discuss which actions you might take individually or as a group
Option 3: Resilience Mapping
Each member shares a time they demonstrated resilience (comfort level dependent)
Identify common themes between personal experiences and Selira's journey
Create a group "resilience toolkit" based on collective wisdom
Reflection Questions for Individual Consideration
These can be answered privately or shared based on comfort level
What aspects of Selira's story resonated most strongly with your own experiences?
How has reading this book changed your perspective on trauma and resilience?
What questions would you ask Selira if you could meet her?
How might you apply lessons from this book to support others in your life?
What assumptions about homelessness, foster care, or youth services has this book challenged?
Taking Action: Beyond Discussion
Individual Actions:
Research local organizations supporting homeless youth
Volunteer with mentorship programs
Advocate for policy changes in your community
Share the book with others who might benefit from Selira's story
Group Actions:
Host a fundraiser for local youth services
Invite a speaker from youth advocacy organizations
Create care packages for local homeless shelters
Write letters to local representatives about youth services funding
Resources for Further Learning
Organizations to Research:
National Safe Place Network
Covenant House
StandUp for Kids
Local youth homeless shelters and advocacy groups
Discussion Topics for Future Meetings:
Books by other trauma survivors
Policy books about youth homelessness
Resilience research and psychology
Social justice and systemic change
Closing Discussion (15 minutes)
Final Reflection Questions:
What is one thing you'll remember most about Selira's story?
How has this discussion enriched your understanding of the book?
What's one action you feel inspired to take after reading this book?
Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
What does "journey from midnight" mean to you after this discussion?
Thank You Note
Thank you for taking the time to deeply engage with "Journey From Midnight." By discussing Selira's story thoughtfully and respectfully, you're contributing to greater understanding and awareness of the challenges facing vulnerable youth. Your conversations matter and can spark real change.
For more resources and to connect with the author, visit [your website].
Book Club Leader Notes
Preparation Tips:
Read the book completely before facilitating
Have tissues available
Know local crisis resources in case participants need support
Consider having a mental health professional available if discussing with trauma survivors
Prepare to guide conversation away from graphic details toward themes and healing
Time Management:
Start with lighter questions and build to deeper discussions
Allow flexibility for emotional processing
Save action-oriented questions for the end when people are ready to channel emotions constructively
Sensitive Facilitation:
Watch for participants who may be triggered
Redirect oversharing to protect the group dynamic
Focus on hope and resilience rather than dwelling on trauma details
End on an uplifting, forward-looking note
This guide can be adapted for virtual book clubs, classroom discussions, or community reading groups. Please feel free to modify questions and activities to suit your group's specific needs and comfort levels.
