I wanted to like this book more than I did. I mean, it was okay... but I wanted to be blown away.

Brene Brown is a household name. Like millions of others, I adored her TED talk and her Netflix talk - and every other talk I've ever seen her give. RISING STRONG is the first book I picked up by her, and I settled in expecting to walk away with some incredible nuggets of wisdom, information, and insight. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.

While Brown writes with honesty and vulnerability, she comes across as surprisingly unlikeable in this book: self-centred, self-indulgent and haughty, with a chip on her shoulder. She attempts to explain this behaviour through numerous stories, but I still came away thinking this wasn't a person I'd want to sit down and have coffee with. And that, more than anything else, really surprised me. I'll try another of Brown's books at some point, but I'm in no hurry to dive into her backlist. ( )

Brené writes for me. I am sure. I wondered if there could be more to say about vulnerability, shame, connection, and worthiness after reading [b:The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are|7015403|The Gifts of Imperfection|Brené Brown|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1369092544l/7015403._SX50_.jpg|7261277] and [b:Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead|13588356|Daring Greatly How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead|Brené Brown|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1337110319l/13588356._SY75_.jpg|19175758]. There is so much more.

As I study loss in relation to life transitions for my own book, I encounter many writers who share insight and wisdom. While much of what Brené says is not completely new, her approach is singularly refreshing. This is especially so for Rising Strong as she unfolds personal experiences to illustrate her research.

She is relatable and occasionally raw in the way that makes me know she is real. Yes, I laughed out loud as she shouted, "Holy shit!" Context is crucial.

Here's another library book that I must now replace with a personal copy. Happy dilemma.

January 2021: Grounding and affirming and as wise and timely as the first read. ( )

Transformative. This book is a way with handling emotions that come up in life.

4.5! Love Brene Brown! ( )

I wanted to give it more than 3 stars because it's message and readability are good, but I didn't end with the bang I thought was coming so it didn't feel like a 4. How's about 3.5? ( )