2.5

This was a fascinating, yet sometimes hard to listen to, collection of stories about the lives of everyday people. These real life stories were so open, honest and, at times, relatable. This collection of stories helps you appreciate the diversity and complexity in all of us and that we all just want to be heard.

Might have loved this some other time? Too sad and didn’t love the writing. Lots of real life, if that’s what you’re into. Might be better in audio?

Well that was a phenomenal book. I definitely cried for about a fourth of the stories. All the trigger warnings so proceed with caution.

There are horrible people in the world. This book was not what I expected....

Craigslist Confessional

There are a few big moments in my life when I’ve been reminded how much pain people carry around with them. I see people get angry on the road, yelling at a complete stranger on the street and crying in the checkout lines at a grocery store and I wonder what’s going on that has them in this state. Its easy to be annoyed and impatient but when we stop and think that maybe this person is struggling, we can take the opportunity to maybe lend a hand or smile when someone really needs it.

When I was growing my hair back after chemotherapy, I was stopped a few times in public and told that it was so refreshing to see a buzz cut on a middle-aged woman. Little did they know that I was trying to grow my hair back. One of the side effects of my treatment was damage to my tear ducts. Tears would constantly spill from my eyes. Even when I was having good days it looked like I was miserable. A reminder that the inside and outside of ourselves are often at odds.

In this digital age, we have so many ways to connect but its important to remember that true connection comes from being ourselves. Sharing ourselves and being vulnerable is extremely hard. We open ourselves to criticism but we also open ourselves to healing.

Craigslist Confessional reinforced my desire to connect and be understood but more importantly reminded me to LISTEN. There is so much value in just listening and being present for a friend, family member or even a stranger. I’m so grateful to have a space where I feel heard and understood. I hope I can do the same for all of you.

Thank you @helenadeabala and @gallerybooks for a book that will surely remain a favorite for years to come. This book is available July 7th. Make sure you take your time and give yourself time to process each story. These are not easy stories to read but they are so valuable.

I received an advanced copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. What follows is an honest review of the book

I was genuinely surprised with this book. I kind of expected it to be a book with goofy secrets and stories. But it was more serious and deep stories and turmoils from people who have struggled and wanted their stories to be heard. It was a deeper look into these strangers lives and experiences than what I thought I’d be reading when I picked up this book. It definitely opened up that so many people struggle with so much stuff that others may not see on the surface and you never truly know what people are currently suffering with and might have dealt with in the past. It’s eye opening and makes the reader want to be more empathetic when it comes to seeing other people. It was well written and stayed within each “story tellers” voice. I thought it was worth the read