Hungry for success: WMU alumna captures mother’s inspirational journey in young adult book series

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Dr. Viloshinee Murugan, a two-time alumna in Western Michigan University’s College of Education and Human Development, is turning her mother’s experiences into a fictional young adult book series, “Quiet Defiance,” that traces the early years of a girl shaped by hardship, responsibility and resilience through poverty.

“The whole reason for this book, and the three others to follow, is that it’s the life that I would have liked for her to live,” explains Murugan. “When my mother was 15, she was pulled out of school and married my dad—who was much older than she was—because her family was incredibly poor. Her mom was an alcoholic and her dad lived out of town for weeks at a time working.”

In the series, Murugan’s mom is portrayed by a young girl named Licilla who is trying to hold the life around her together. With multiple forces holding her down, she remains resilient as she discovers her love for math and science in school. Through this, Licilla begins a journey to escape current realities and fulfill her dreams of becoming a medical doctor.

“She worked hard her whole life: While she had four kids and while she was a wife, she finished high school, college and then got a Ph.D.,” says Murugan. “I hope readers learn from my mom’s life to live every day to its fullness, not be afraid to reach for any goal, and to be fearless.”

The first book in the series, “Hunger for More,” is now available on Amazon in digital and paperback. Three additional books are planned for release. 

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