Books matching: personal experiences
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Thick: And Other Essays' by Tressie McMillan Cottom is a collection of essays that delve into various topics such as race, beauty, money, whiteness, and feminism. The author combines humor, personal experiences, and sharp critiques to challenge societal norms and shed light on the struggles faced by black women in America. Through a mix of wit and deep analysis, McMillan Cottom navigates complex issues with clarity and thought-provoking insights. Her writing style effortlessly weaves together personal anecdotes with well-researched content, making the essays accessible yet impactful.
The essays in this collection offer a unique perspective on black feminist theory and experiences, tackling issues of racism, misogyny, misogynoir, and more. McMillan Cottom's writing is described as brilliant, insightful, and clear, providing a level of depth that is often lacking in intellectual publications. Through her essays, she challenges societal norms and encourages readers to rethink their preconceived notions about race, beauty, and success, making a powerful statement on the intersectionality of identity and social structures.
I was pregnant at thirty. Divorced at thirty-one. Lost at thirty-two. How else would I have ended up in a place called Rudean’s? Rudean’s was an institution. It sat in a strip mall on a street, Beatti... - #2
Save:'So Lucky' by Nicola Griffith follows the protagonist, Mara, as she navigates a series of life-altering events - from her wife leaving her for another woman to being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and subsequently losing her job. The narrative delves deep into Mara's internal struggles and external challenges, portraying her journey from a confident martial artist to a fearful individual grappling with disability. Through a first-person perspective, the book explores themes of ableism, homophobia, and the complexities of living with a chronic illness, offering a compelling and insightful portrayal of Mara's experiences.
Griffith's writing style in 'So Lucky' is described as incandescent, vivid, and personal. The author's prose is praised for its raw honesty, intelligence, and emotional depth, drawing readers in and keeping them engaged throughout the narrative. is lauded for its ability to shed light on the nuances of privilege, disability, and identity, making it a thought-provoking read that resonates with those seeking to understand the challenges faced by individuals living with MS and other disabilities.
It came for me in November, that loveliest of months in Atlanta: blue sky stinging with lemon sun, and squirrels screaming at each other over the pecans because they weren’t fooled; they knew winter w... - #3
Save:Hey, Hun by Emily Lynn Paulson explores the world of multilevel marketing (MLM) and its cult-like tactics, drawing parallels to the behavior of religious cults. The book combines the author’s personal experience in an MLM with in-depth research, revealing how these companies manipulate individuals, particularly women, into exhausting themselves for minimal reward. Paulson's writing is engaging, making it feel more like a captivating podcast than a traditional book.
While the book provides vivid insights into the traps and mechanisms of MLMs, it also inserts personal views on privilege and politics that some readers found distracting. The narrative can feel repetitive at times but effectively uncovers the harsh realities of MLM culture, alongside critiques of social dynamics like mompreneur hustle and toxic positivity. Overall, it serves as an important resource for anyone considering or attempting to escape from the MLM landscape.
Michael Eric Dyson's 'Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America' is a powerful and emotional book that addresses the issues of white privilege and white racism in America. Written in the form of a sermon, Dyson speaks directly to his white readers, offering insights on how they can make personal reparations to African Americans. The book combines Dyson's experience as both a pastor and a professor, providing a moving and deeply meaningful exploration of race relations in America.
“Here,” she said, “in this here place, we flesh; flesh that weeps, laughs; flesh that dances on bare feet in grass. Love it. Love it hard. Yonder they do not love your flesh. They despise it. They don...- #5Cashby:
Save:'Cash' by Johnny Cash is a deep dive into the life of the legendary musician, providing a moving and insightful look into his tormented journey. It delves into Cash's soul, making readers smile and cry as they learn about his fascinating and complex life. The autobiography is described as a personal account written fairly late into Cash's life, giving readers a glimpse into the mind of a wise man who used his musical talent to make a living.
1 My line comes down from Queen Ada, the sister of Malcolm IV, descended from King Duff, the first king of Scotland. Ada's holdings encompassed all the land east of the Miglo River in the Valley of th... Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction by Judith Grisel is a profound exploration of addiction through the lens of neuroscience and personal experience. Grisel delves into the root causes of addiction, dissecting various substances and behaviors that lead to addictive tendencies. Her writing style is both informative and engaging, blending scientific insights with personal anecdotes to provide a comprehensive understanding of addiction. Through 10 chapters focusing on specific questions and drugs, she navigates the complex terrain of addiction, emphasizing the importance of love, connection, and choice in overcoming addictive behaviors.
Grisel's book not only educates readers on the neuroscience behind addiction but also offers a reflective journey on the impact of addictive behaviors on individuals and society. By emphasizing the concept of "no free lunch," she highlights the inevitable consequences of seeking escape through substances or behaviors. The book serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of addiction, urging readers to approach the topic with empathy and understanding.
Why, if I wanted to cure addiction, did I set out to become a neuroscientist, rather than a medical doctor, psychotherapist, or even a self-help guru? Like many others at the time, I believed that the...- #7
Save:Vesper Flights by Helen Macdonald is a collection of essays that delve into various topics such as nature, birds, climate change, migration, grief, and self-realization. The author uses lyrical prose to take readers on thought-provoking journeys, encouraging them to observe and absorb the subtleties of nature and reflect on human frailties and beauty. Through expert bird observations, Macdonald helps readers understand and cope with the greater feelings in her life, touching on subjects like spiritualism, behavior, and the interconnectedness of life.
When I was small, I decided I wanted to be a naturalist. And so I slowly amassed a nature collection, and arranged it across my bedroom sills and shelves as a visible display of all the small expertis... - #8
Save:'High Tide in Tucson' by Barbara Kingsolver is a collection of essays that delve into various topics close to the author's heart, including personal experiences, nature, writing, and social commentary. Kingsolver's writing style is described as vivid, descriptive, and poignant, blending sincerity with humor. The essays cover a range of subjects such as motherhood, life, freedom, individuality, and navigating adulthood, all presented in a beautifully written manner that challenges readers' thinking.
A hermit crab lives in my house. Here in the desert he’s hiding out from local animal ordinances, at minimum, and maybe even the international laws of native-species transport. For sure, he’s an outla... - #9
Save:Dr. David Adam's book, 'The Man Who Couldn't Stop,' delves into the world of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) through a combination of memoir, commentary, case studies, and scientific information. The author weaves his personal struggles with OCD with historical aspects of the disorder, different treatment options, and theories on its causes. Through detailed descriptions and relatable narratives, the book offers insights into the debilitating nature of OCD, shedding light on the misconceptions and trivialization of the condition in popular culture.
An Ethiopian schoolgirl called Bira once ate a wall of her house. She didn’t want to, but she found that to eat the wall was the only way to stop her thinking about it. She didn’t want to think about ... Rupi Kaur's book 'Home Body' is a collection of poetry that delves into themes of self-love, survival, feminism, and mental health. Through her raw and honest writing style, Kaur explores her personal journey of healing and growth, from darkness to light, from pain to empowerment. The book is divided into sections like mind, heart, rest, and awake, reflecting different aspects of her emotional and spiritual evolution. Kaur's poems touch on topics such as self-acceptance, abuse, trauma, and the struggles faced by women in society, offering a deeply personal and introspective look at her own experiences and emotions.
Kaur's writing style in 'Home Body' is characterized by its simplicity and accessibility, yet it carries profound insights and emotions that resonate with readers on a deep level. The poems in the collection navigate the complexities of life, grief, growth, and acceptance, inviting readers to reflect on their own journey towards self-discovery and self-love. Through her poignant verses, Kaur shares her vulnerability, strength, and resilience, creating a powerful narrative that celebrates the beauty of individuality and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
