Book excerpt: To read these 19 stories is to become the confidant of 19 very different, very real people. Whether tagging along with one of the nine children who open their lives and hearts to you or accompanying one of the 10 adults struggling to let go or hang on or strike out in a new direction, you will find yourself quickly caught up in these characters' lives. If you crave deep connection with quirky, disarmingly genuine people, then you'll enjoy an in-person look at "First Person Imperfect."