inside the book
Orphans at Risk Means a World at Risk. There is nothing less at stake than our morality.
A testament to the power and ability of faith to heal the wounded heart.
The miracle and uniqueness of this book is that it is written from a young girl’s point of view. We follow this tiny half-Korean, half-American, nameless, homeless, rootless child, and experience what she endures in a way that is deeply moving. Ultimately, this book is a testament to the human spirit and to the good that exists alongside the evil.
In popular culture, Little Orphan Annie lights up Broadway, singing about how wonderful it will all be “Tomorrow.”
In literature, Oliver Twist smartly asks for “more porridge please.” These orphans are truly cute and their less than ideal situations are at least tolerable. Now, in a remarkable new memoir, She is Mine: A War Orphan’s Incredible Journey Of Survival (D &S Publishing, September 1, 2014, 224 pages), Stephanie Fast holds up a global mirror of truth–terrible and searing as it is–about the millions of young orphans who have no bright tomorrows to look forward to, and who are suffering horrifically right now due to the ravages of war, disease, famine, and other global catastrophes.
Unwanted by her mother’s people because of her bi-racial identity, Stephanie (the American name she would be given) was–unbelievable as it seems–completely abandoned at the tender age of four at a train station and left to wander the war-torn Korean countryside. Cruelly persecuted and tortured, she eventually wound up on a garbage dump, covered with boils and dirt, lice-infested, worm-ridden, and cross-eyed from malnutrition. Miraculously rescued, Stephanie still faced many other horrendous experiences before she caught the attention of a childless American couple at nine years old. Even then, her emotionally dead effect took years to overcome.
Spirit of Mine
In her first book Stephanie announced the title of her second book as “Spirit of Mine.” That title could change. She has written several manuscripts. A third manuscript is nearing completion and should be ready later in 2026. We are working towards spring. Please check back to see details.
Those impacted by Stephanie’s story
Anonymous“Imagine being five years old and your mother puts you on a train to the big city, and tells you your uncle will meet you there. Only when you arrive, there is no uncle, and you have no idea where home is. Imagine being barely six years old and having to survive the harsh Korean winter all on your own. Could you?”
Anonymous“This incredible true story will not only yank your heartstrings, it will also inspire you with the amazing spirit and perseverance of the human spirit, embodied in this one little girl.”
Anonymous“I couldn’t put it down! The personal experiences of the author are difficult to imagine, and at such a young age. Her survival could only have been possible because God was protecting her. While I sometimes forget a book after a few years, this is a book I will never, ever forget! Highly recommend this book.”
- Anonymous
“It brought tears to my eyes at the end both for her happy outcome and also for the millions of young children orphaned for whatever reason, abused and neglected, having to fight for every day survival. Well written and well worth reading.”
- Anonymous
“A Poignant survival story, full of hope and despair, twists and turns, and, most of all, the work of God’s hand in this young lady’s life.”
- Anonymous
“I personally knew Stephanie’s adoptive parents…Her description of their physical attributes and facial features when she first met them were perfect, bring back memories of a number of conversations I have had with her father. I just regret not having taken the time to learn more about her past and her survival story back then. What an interesting and personal book.”
- Anonymous
“I would recommend this book to anyone who is going through struggles in their life that they don’t think they can overcome, anyone who wants to read a true testimony of how real and tangibly God can work in our lives, or just anyone who wants to read an inspirational story of how an abandoned war orphan grew up to become a public speaker and advocate that impacts the lives of millions.”
- Anonymous
“There must have been messengers sent from our heavenly Father to make sure that the author would live because of her work on advocating for orphans. God sees the heart. Stephanie Fast is a miracle that we would wish for every orphan in the whole world. Please, Stephanie, finish your second book, “Spirit of Mine.” It is so needed. Now, the question is, what am I going to do for the orphans since I have been presented with this soul searching story?”