Paula K.
asked
Zoje Stage:
Having lived with IBD for well over a decade, & experiencing exactly what you wrote about- strictures, scar tissue, fistulas, biologics, etc- eventually winding up with a perm ileo- I found your description of ileostomies pretty offensive. Truthfully It's a lot nicer living with one than with a diseased colon. I'm not sure if your own personal fears colored your writing? Everything else re. IBD was spot on, but jeez..
Zoje Stage
Hi Paula,
Thank you for your question! Even though Baby Teeth was published two years ago, I've practically been waiting for this question and the chance to address it. Suzette has very deep fears of needing an ileostomy, and I knew that as I described them it could be very offensive to people already living with a perm ileo. But I considered her fears to be legitimate, and it's probably something that many IBD sufferers worry about - before they understand or experience the alternative. Please rest assured, I am not "Suzette" and she and I do not experience the world the same way - but I had to take the risk and let her fears go to that dark place. Thanks again - I hope you're doing well! - Z
Thank you for your question! Even though Baby Teeth was published two years ago, I've practically been waiting for this question and the chance to address it. Suzette has very deep fears of needing an ileostomy, and I knew that as I described them it could be very offensive to people already living with a perm ileo. But I considered her fears to be legitimate, and it's probably something that many IBD sufferers worry about - before they understand or experience the alternative. Please rest assured, I am not "Suzette" and she and I do not experience the world the same way - but I had to take the risk and let her fears go to that dark place. Thanks again - I hope you're doing well! - Z
More Answered Questions
Sabrina
asked
Zoje Stage:
This isn't really a question(?), but Baby Teeth was my favorite read of 2020- I finished it in one sitting, three hours after I bought it. It was the book that pulled me out of a rough time and immersed me back into devouring one book a day. I just wanted to say thank you for writing such an amazing book!!
Angela Marie
asked
Zoje Stage:
I'm a clinical psychologist myself and absolutely loved this book! I'm going to encourage my colleagues and friends to read this book. Thanks for portraying the importance of psychology and seeking mental health services! Could a sequel show the effects of mental health treatment?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more
Jun 19, 2020 08:13AM · flag