Whether it is bullying, the loss of a parent to divorce or death, an alcoholic or mentally ill family member, domestic violence, neglect, or emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, early adversities are experienced by nearly 75% of us. But these experiences are often kept secret, as are our courageous battles to overcome them.

In her latest book, Supernormal: The Untold Story of Adversity and Resilience, clinical psychologist Meg Jay, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Education at the University of Virginia, interweaves cutting-edge research with her work with clients and students over nearly two decades. The book tells the tale of ordinary people made extraordinary by these all-too-common experiences, everyday superheroes who have made a life out of dodging bullets and leaping over obstacles in their way, even as they hide in plain sight as doctors, artists, entrepreneurs, lawyers, activists, parents, teachers, students, and readers.