My novel, Pono and Aloha vs the Zero-Sum Game, will launch next month. It’s an exciting time, filled with many creative choices. One of the most difficult was whether to include a content warning.

I understand sensitivities and triggers from trauma. I have been a victim of sexual assault and domestic violence, and have struggled with my mental health. While I can be easily triggered, I have no need for content warnings. Triggering content can help me see my demons in a new light, enabling me to face and fight them. This can be healing. Demons do not go away when we hide from them.

Also the power of storytelling, which can teach us about ourselves, life, and what it means to be human, can be ruined by anticipation of an event that’s foretold in a content warning—it’s a spoiler. Illuminating subtleties can be missed. Part of the fun of stories is to be surprised. The very anticipation of a trigger can, itself, be triggering.

All this being said, I have no desire to surprise those with strong sensitivities to an unwelcome triggering event. If you need to be warned, I understand your pain, and want to give you that warning. Below is a detail list of triggers, hidden so that no one will stumble upon an undesired spoiler. Those who wish for a content warning can click below:

Please enjoy Pono and Aloha vs the Zero-Sum Game.