Book excerpt: Being born into a world, where fitting in was not an option, triumphs and defeats are not uncommon in Monica Taddeo’s life. Born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, this New York Author chronicles her life from her youngest years to the present with the life-changing lessons she has learned along the way. As young as three, Monica underwent her first major surgery followed up by in her tween years undergoing extended limb-lengthening surgeries as well as other corrective surgeries into her later life. Over twenty surgeries and many lessons later, Monica continues the journey to find her true self through her determination, strength and courage.