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Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves, Loving Each Other
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau invites readers on a deeply personal journey toward self-knowledge, acceptance, and empowerment, drawing on the expertise of top psychologists, psychiatrists, scientists, and thought leaders.
As a passionate advocate for mental health, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau believes that in order to know and accept ourselves fully, we need to understand why we think and feel the way we do, and recognize the experiences, attitudes, and patterns that may be holding us back. And yet, all of us are capable of growth and positive change, if we're willing to stay open and curious throughout our lives.
In Closer Together , Sophie shares moments from her own from her childhood, through her struggles with an eating disorder in her teens and early adulthood; from a career as a speaker and television host to de facto "first lady" and mother of three. Above all, Sophie is a warm and empathetic connector, and her book is enriched by exclusive interviews with experts such as Gabor Maté, Liz Plank, Terrence Real, Catherine Price, Harville Hendrix, and Helen LaKelly Hunt—to name just a few—as she delves into the science behind brain health and our unique emotional signatures. She explores the questions that matter the most for our individual and collective growth, and in how we interact with
Drawing on her own mindfulness and yoga practices, Sophie also offers journalling prompts and other tools that will guide readers as they explore these questions in their own lives. In creating a space for openness, playfulness, and creativity, Sophie inspires us to see that there are more things that bring us together than separate us, allowing us to stand in the light of our true potential.
As a passionate advocate for mental health, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau believes that in order to know and accept ourselves fully, we need to understand why we think and feel the way we do, and recognize the experiences, attitudes, and patterns that may be holding us back. And yet, all of us are capable of growth and positive change, if we're willing to stay open and curious throughout our lives.
In Closer Together , Sophie shares moments from her own from her childhood, through her struggles with an eating disorder in her teens and early adulthood; from a career as a speaker and television host to de facto "first lady" and mother of three. Above all, Sophie is a warm and empathetic connector, and her book is enriched by exclusive interviews with experts such as Gabor Maté, Liz Plank, Terrence Real, Catherine Price, Harville Hendrix, and Helen LaKelly Hunt—to name just a few—as she delves into the science behind brain health and our unique emotional signatures. She explores the questions that matter the most for our individual and collective growth, and in how we interact with
Drawing on her own mindfulness and yoga practices, Sophie also offers journalling prompts and other tools that will guide readers as they explore these questions in their own lives. In creating a space for openness, playfulness, and creativity, Sophie inspires us to see that there are more things that bring us together than separate us, allowing us to stand in the light of our true potential.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published April 23, 2024
151 people are currently reading
658 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
April 22, 2024
like sitting through an first year intro to psychology course from the most out of touch woman who thinks that comparing mental health struggles to surfing in tofino is relatable and worthy of sharing
May 9, 2024
I've read this for work and I have many issues with it.
Full disclosure: I've been volunteering in mental health for over a years (suicide prevention) and my main problem with a book from a self-proclaimed mental health advocate is that it has a strong responsibilizing stance as most of the time, a mental health crisis will be triggered by an outside factor who the person suffering has little to no control over: a breakup, a disease, a death in the family, financial trouble, violence, problems who the author of this book seems unfamiliar with. She bravely talks about her eating disorder, but she frames it as this inciting event on her journey of self-discovery and that bugged the hell out of me.
The information provided through interviews with (mostly) scientists is valid although mostly available on the internet or in most thorough books, but it's also a panorama meant for people who are at degree zero of a self-care journey and it gets really, really dense and complicated quick. Who thinking "man, why am I so depressed?" wants to hear about their vagus nerve and the regulation of their parasympathetic nervous system?
Oh and it's also half a biography with a lot of detail and stories that have little to do with the author's mental health journey. It feels like deliberate brand positioning rather a genuine attempt to help and I'm saying this as someone who voted for Justin Trudeau twice, so I'm not dunking on this as a political opinion. I'm dunking on this because it's a clumsy and self-interested attempt by the author to position herself as a self-help guru.
Full disclosure: I've been volunteering in mental health for over a years (suicide prevention) and my main problem with a book from a self-proclaimed mental health advocate is that it has a strong responsibilizing stance as most of the time, a mental health crisis will be triggered by an outside factor who the person suffering has little to no control over: a breakup, a disease, a death in the family, financial trouble, violence, problems who the author of this book seems unfamiliar with. She bravely talks about her eating disorder, but she frames it as this inciting event on her journey of self-discovery and that bugged the hell out of me.
The information provided through interviews with (mostly) scientists is valid although mostly available on the internet or in most thorough books, but it's also a panorama meant for people who are at degree zero of a self-care journey and it gets really, really dense and complicated quick. Who thinking "man, why am I so depressed?" wants to hear about their vagus nerve and the regulation of their parasympathetic nervous system?
Oh and it's also half a biography with a lot of detail and stories that have little to do with the author's mental health journey. It feels like deliberate brand positioning rather a genuine attempt to help and I'm saying this as someone who voted for Justin Trudeau twice, so I'm not dunking on this as a political opinion. I'm dunking on this because it's a clumsy and self-interested attempt by the author to position herself as a self-help guru.
December 19, 2023
Sophie Grégoire uses an anecdotal style to talk about her childhood, motherhood, marriage and professional career. During each stage of her life she reveals challenges that she faced and how she dealt with them, either successfully -- or not. After each of these personal pieces, she brings in a professional and interviews them about strategies to cope with such challenges. The professionals run the gamut, from psychologists, nutritionists, sports and mental health experts. The beauty of this book is that a reader who wouldn't normally pick up a self-help book gets the benefit of one anyway. The book will have a wide audience and will do a lot of good.
July 24, 2024
Ok, channeling my “real book reviewer” energy.
It is frustrating that celebrity almost automatically gives a person a platform. Sophie Grégoire has so few original thoughts in this novel that it is a veritable Pinterest board of other people’s views and experiences with about the same level of depth. If Sophie was truly keen to write a book and knew what it should be about, it doesn’t show.
You wouldn’t know she was ever married to a Prime Minister (other than once mentioning something along the lines of ‘the life of a Prime Minister!’ regarding sleep habits) so if some insight into that aspect of her personal life is what you’re looking for, you can skip this book.
It seemed her most interesting and defining life experience was with an eating disorder. At least that part of the book was real and honest, and truly her own. It was about the only part of the book that was. The rest of this strangely-structured book reads like a series of interviews, selecting the most buzz worthy topics to link back to a general theme of connection.
Grégoire Trudeau attaches herself to several influential people who have interesting life stories and points of view. This, of course, is of very little credit to her personally. Chapter after chapter reads like this: ‘As my friend xyz says’ *insert anecdote here* … ‘and I completely agree!’
She seems to find herself somewhat of an authority(?!) of a great many issues she covers, though she has very little relevant or formal expertise. Sophie and one of her many collaborators, Liz Plank, would likely call this comment patriarchal because of “connectedness” (iykyk) but interestingly and disappointingly enough, she avoided making the same argument about openness of discussion and connection regarding LGBTQ+ and gender affirmation issues. (Yes, why of course she covers this topic.)
Speaking of topics, here is a list of the first ten I noted before I gave up:
- Dangers of Screen Time
- Parenting
- The Patriarchy
- Gender Equality
- Gender Affirmation
- Millennial / Teenager Emotional Suffering
- Merits of Therapy
- Developing a Good Sense of Self
- Therapy, how to process trauma, navigate relationships
- Finding your Attachment Style
There were a few bright spots. Chapter 5 sees contributions from Dr. John Grey who is wonderfully insightful. Chapter 8 features some unique perspective coming from Jewel. Sophie’s closing chapter had some warmth and sweetness. I thought I might like her if I met that person. Sadly that was too rare.
I think I would have been more amenable to this style of novel if Sophie was more relatable. Had she acknowledged her privilege given her position of power provided her with a lot of unique and wonderful opportunities to connect with experts in their fields, had she displayed some form of humility. I found her to be self-satisfied while simultaneously painting herself as hard done by because her (admittedly loving) parents got divorced making her life as an only child untenable. At one point she made the comment that Brébeuf (a private school she attended) was “considered” to be a school for the privileged which rubbed me the wrong way. The spirit of that comment along with other small ideations throughout, made it seem as though she rejected the notion of her privilege entirely.
In short, as other reviewers have written, she comes across as out of touch.
A snippet from the novel:
“As parents simply trying to do our best, we don’t always realize that our own motivations may be lurking behind what we ask of our children. In a way, the more selfless we are, the more authentically loving we become. I was moved by Dr. Shefali's words about how we can foster a sense of worth in our children by honouring their essence. We all need this, don't we? Isn’t the sense of being seen and appreciated for exactly who we are the very basis of emotional health and well-being?
Thinking about this reminded me of a moment I shared with Ella-Grace when she was about five years old. We were reading a Fancy Nancy book and as always, there was a new word to learn. This time, it was humble. How do you explain humble to a five-year old? I held her close and gave it my best shot: “Well…let’s say someone loves to read and they are very good at it. They are also quite nice and generous with their friends, and they are very good at sports and drawing, too. But do they go around telling everybody that? No. They are peaceful and quiet with who they are. They don’t need the world to know of to tell them how good and beautiful and talented they are. Do you understand, my love?”
‘Of course I do,’ Ella answered. ‘That’s just like me!’”
The irony.
It is frustrating that celebrity almost automatically gives a person a platform. Sophie Grégoire has so few original thoughts in this novel that it is a veritable Pinterest board of other people’s views and experiences with about the same level of depth. If Sophie was truly keen to write a book and knew what it should be about, it doesn’t show.
You wouldn’t know she was ever married to a Prime Minister (other than once mentioning something along the lines of ‘the life of a Prime Minister!’ regarding sleep habits) so if some insight into that aspect of her personal life is what you’re looking for, you can skip this book.
It seemed her most interesting and defining life experience was with an eating disorder. At least that part of the book was real and honest, and truly her own. It was about the only part of the book that was. The rest of this strangely-structured book reads like a series of interviews, selecting the most buzz worthy topics to link back to a general theme of connection.
Grégoire Trudeau attaches herself to several influential people who have interesting life stories and points of view. This, of course, is of very little credit to her personally. Chapter after chapter reads like this: ‘As my friend xyz says’ *insert anecdote here* … ‘and I completely agree!’
She seems to find herself somewhat of an authority(?!) of a great many issues she covers, though she has very little relevant or formal expertise. Sophie and one of her many collaborators, Liz Plank, would likely call this comment patriarchal because of “connectedness” (iykyk) but interestingly and disappointingly enough, she avoided making the same argument about openness of discussion and connection regarding LGBTQ+ and gender affirmation issues. (Yes, why of course she covers this topic.)
Speaking of topics, here is a list of the first ten I noted before I gave up:
- Dangers of Screen Time
- Parenting
- The Patriarchy
- Gender Equality
- Gender Affirmation
- Millennial / Teenager Emotional Suffering
- Merits of Therapy
- Developing a Good Sense of Self
- Therapy, how to process trauma, navigate relationships
- Finding your Attachment Style
There were a few bright spots. Chapter 5 sees contributions from Dr. John Grey who is wonderfully insightful. Chapter 8 features some unique perspective coming from Jewel. Sophie’s closing chapter had some warmth and sweetness. I thought I might like her if I met that person. Sadly that was too rare.
I think I would have been more amenable to this style of novel if Sophie was more relatable. Had she acknowledged her privilege given her position of power provided her with a lot of unique and wonderful opportunities to connect with experts in their fields, had she displayed some form of humility. I found her to be self-satisfied while simultaneously painting herself as hard done by because her (admittedly loving) parents got divorced making her life as an only child untenable. At one point she made the comment that Brébeuf (a private school she attended) was “considered” to be a school for the privileged which rubbed me the wrong way. The spirit of that comment along with other small ideations throughout, made it seem as though she rejected the notion of her privilege entirely.
In short, as other reviewers have written, she comes across as out of touch.
A snippet from the novel:
“As parents simply trying to do our best, we don’t always realize that our own motivations may be lurking behind what we ask of our children. In a way, the more selfless we are, the more authentically loving we become. I was moved by Dr. Shefali's words about how we can foster a sense of worth in our children by honouring their essence. We all need this, don't we? Isn’t the sense of being seen and appreciated for exactly who we are the very basis of emotional health and well-being?
Thinking about this reminded me of a moment I shared with Ella-Grace when she was about five years old. We were reading a Fancy Nancy book and as always, there was a new word to learn. This time, it was humble. How do you explain humble to a five-year old? I held her close and gave it my best shot: “Well…let’s say someone loves to read and they are very good at it. They are also quite nice and generous with their friends, and they are very good at sports and drawing, too. But do they go around telling everybody that? No. They are peaceful and quiet with who they are. They don’t need the world to know of to tell them how good and beautiful and talented they are. Do you understand, my love?”
‘Of course I do,’ Ella answered. ‘That’s just like me!’”
The irony.
May 4, 2024
One star for her lack of judgement marrying Justin, the worst Prime Minister in Canadian history, who’s father is now the second worst. Between the two of them they’ve destroyed Canada.
April 25, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up -- this should've been a podcast, very odd format with interviews and leading questions. Some good tidbits from the personal stories, but the interviews really lost me.
May 4, 2024
This book is mostly about mental health, which is not for everyone (even though it should be). But as someone who is into mental health, I thought the book was amazingly well written and explained. I really appreciate that Sophie was able to speak to so many specialists and spread their respective knowledge in an easy to understand way.
June 6, 2024
A self help book for one and all. As a 76 year old, I benefited from sections on screen limiting which was intended for youth but I realized that my life is negatively impacted by my addiction to phone screens rather than taking a break and allowing my mind and body to relax. I also benefited from sections on diet and nutrition and realize that my diet could be significantly improved bringing a positive impact to my physical and mental health.
Written with conversations with a variety of experts from different fields, ample references to their expertise and creditability.
Lastly, pleasantly spiced with innumerable personal stores and experiences.
Written with conversations with a variety of experts from different fields, ample references to their expertise and creditability.
Lastly, pleasantly spiced with innumerable personal stores and experiences.
August 30, 2024
I was disappointed in the lack of personal story telling which I expected. I had not planned on reading pages and pages of experts rather than actual “Sophie” stories about her life and experiences. Perhaps a misunderstanding on what I perceived the book to be about.
May 9, 2024
A self help book with interviews with different specialists. Didn’t find it a compelling read and skimmed over pages quickly in some parts.
October 8, 2024
"As your emotional biography sets the musical scale of your life, your unwounded soul writes the ultimate final symphony."(276)
Honestly, this book was not want I was expecting. I feel like it had good points; but there was so much going on that nothing really was more than surface level. I did get some good tips though.
This book was a medium read; as I read it in about 3 days!
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a self-help book.
Honestly, this book was not want I was expecting. I feel like it had good points; but there was so much going on that nothing really was more than surface level. I did get some good tips though.
This book was a medium read; as I read it in about 3 days!
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a self-help book.
September 14, 2024
2.5 stars
Found the format of the book, different coloured pages, “science info”in different coloured squares, typed discussions with “experts” jumbled together, a mess to read. Switched to the audiobook which the author narrates, and found easier to digest. Didn’t find anything new here, but she did seem passionate in her presentation. Think she did connect her story, with current thought from “experts”, and mainstream science. May find an audience, but overall read more like a collection of source information than anything specifically helpful or novel.
Found the format of the book, different coloured pages, “science info”in different coloured squares, typed discussions with “experts” jumbled together, a mess to read. Switched to the audiobook which the author narrates, and found easier to digest. Didn’t find anything new here, but she did seem passionate in her presentation. Think she did connect her story, with current thought from “experts”, and mainstream science. May find an audience, but overall read more like a collection of source information than anything specifically helpful or novel.
May 28, 2024
Didn’t really get started. Just wasn’t that engaging.
July 10, 2024
"Go where life unfolds: within. When you avoid silence, you avoid yourself. Befriend silence and you will befriend yourself."
August 19, 2024
Communication, yoga etc.
January 14, 2025
DNF. Oddly structured, could have been a podcast series
May 26, 2024
Audio 2.5 This was okay… some chapters I liked, some I were too sciency to keep my attention. The bits and pieces of the author’s life that interspersed the book did not feel relatable.
July 6, 2024
3.5 stars
Sophie has brought together many experts in the field of relationships and attachment styles. Therefore, it isn’t anything new but rather a compilation of therapy styles.
She openly shares about herself beginning with her childhood and her life as a mother and wife. She talks lovingly about Justin so obviously this is before the split. Knowing that the marriage failed seems to reduce the credibility of her theme of this book.
Sophie has brought together many experts in the field of relationships and attachment styles. Therefore, it isn’t anything new but rather a compilation of therapy styles.
She openly shares about herself beginning with her childhood and her life as a mother and wife. She talks lovingly about Justin so obviously this is before the split. Knowing that the marriage failed seems to reduce the credibility of her theme of this book.
May 2, 2024
Audio came across as a bit contrived. Some valuable points.
May 30, 2024
Not at all the book I thought it would be, but once I released my predetermined idea of what it was going to be, I was able to enjoy. A great synthesis of current research and tools on how we can reconnect with authentic self and also raise kids who are more connected to their true selves. Through stories of her upbringing she illuminates how ultimately it is in this process of finding authenticity that we will come closer together and find fulfillment and purpose. Her stories to feel a bit guarded, but hey, it’s not her obligation to peel back all her layers and display them for us. It’s simple, sweet and beautifully articulated. Thank you Sophie. Also, not so sure you loved me first, but I love you back 😉💛
July 2, 2024
This book was more self-help than memoir with a style that jumped around to many topics. There was an air of privilege and disconnection to this book. It focused on the self-help information but had a lack of recognition to the societal barriers that make some of these items difficult to implement in daily life. The personal stories from her childhood memories and experiences raising teens were interesting. Overall, the book covered too many topics broadly and lacked a connection and depth to her personal experiences and the experiences of others.
August 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It flowed nicely, and the topics were researched and presented well. Sophie was open about her experiences without making the book all about her. I thought about giving it 4 stars, but thought: what could have made it better? So I'm going with 5.
February 20, 2025
I enjoyed this part memoir, part self-help discussion of mental and physical health. The topics are wide-ranging with "interviews" between Gregoire Trudeau and about a dozen experts. These include psychologists and sociologists as well as people who are well-known and have struggled with mental health in the past. I wasn't familiar with most of the experts, so discovering their ideas is great.
As for the memoir part of the novel, I could identify with her immediately as an only child living in a rural area for her early years, and with parents who exhibit a lot of discord. I was essentially alone as a kid (a sister already in school when I was born), and her descriptions of making friends in nature rang true to my own experience. My parents also had issues that often traumatized me.
She had more confidence than I had, though, which becomes apparent when she finally gets jobs dealing with people everyday. She's honest about being bulimic as a young woman, which isn't really explored thoroughly. I'm not sure why she was driven to this behavior, as it didn't sound like she had been called fat or pudgy or something negative to make her focus on body image so much. The only conclusion I could make was the need for control in a fractious household.
There might have been a little editing to make the topics flow better throughout (eg, breathing techniques are given in two different sections, which to me are essentially the same topic). On the social media topic, her children's short essays felt extraneous and didn't add much (felt a bit awkward actually, like she just wanted to give them space in the book). Right after them the whole topic of kids and media is then explored more thoroughly by one of her experts, and then we hear how damaging constant screen use is--especially when used to pacify children.
Overall, her positivity shines through this book, and I enjoyed getting a glimpse into a prime minister's family's life in these contentious times (not for the faint of heart).
As for the memoir part of the novel, I could identify with her immediately as an only child living in a rural area for her early years, and with parents who exhibit a lot of discord. I was essentially alone as a kid (a sister already in school when I was born), and her descriptions of making friends in nature rang true to my own experience. My parents also had issues that often traumatized me.
She had more confidence than I had, though, which becomes apparent when she finally gets jobs dealing with people everyday. She's honest about being bulimic as a young woman, which isn't really explored thoroughly. I'm not sure why she was driven to this behavior, as it didn't sound like she had been called fat or pudgy or something negative to make her focus on body image so much. The only conclusion I could make was the need for control in a fractious household.
There might have been a little editing to make the topics flow better throughout (eg, breathing techniques are given in two different sections, which to me are essentially the same topic). On the social media topic, her children's short essays felt extraneous and didn't add much (felt a bit awkward actually, like she just wanted to give them space in the book). Right after them the whole topic of kids and media is then explored more thoroughly by one of her experts, and then we hear how damaging constant screen use is--especially when used to pacify children.
Overall, her positivity shines through this book, and I enjoyed getting a glimpse into a prime minister's family's life in these contentious times (not for the faint of heart).
September 19, 2024
This book is memoir and interview/podcast. Overall I enjoyed this book that I consumed via audio that was narrated by the author.
The memoir part was relatable, interesting, and kept me hooked.
The interview/podcast portions annoyed me so much. The questions she asked the various experts were long winded and asked in a way that provoked the answer the author was looking for. That felt very disengenuous. ( It might have been a language issue as I believe the author is a native French speaker and English is a second language) . As well the author talked a lot about how her relationship with her parents and her children shaped her mental health journey but she glossed over the significance of being a partner/spouse. I realize she did not want to write a book about being Justin Trudeau’s wife but the role of being a wife or partner should have had more space in this book about mental health and how relationships affect it.
I only gave it 2 stars because it felt incomplete and a bit phony. It was a decent effort but definitely did not meet my expectations considering the author is such an advocate for mental health.
The memoir part was relatable, interesting, and kept me hooked.
The interview/podcast portions annoyed me so much. The questions she asked the various experts were long winded and asked in a way that provoked the answer the author was looking for. That felt very disengenuous. ( It might have been a language issue as I believe the author is a native French speaker and English is a second language) . As well the author talked a lot about how her relationship with her parents and her children shaped her mental health journey but she glossed over the significance of being a partner/spouse. I realize she did not want to write a book about being Justin Trudeau’s wife but the role of being a wife or partner should have had more space in this book about mental health and how relationships affect it.
I only gave it 2 stars because it felt incomplete and a bit phony. It was a decent effort but definitely did not meet my expectations considering the author is such an advocate for mental health.
November 30, 2024
The first few chapters about her childhood were fine and I learned a few things about forming attachments in early childhood. However that’s where it ended and I skipped over the rest of the chapters. I understand what she was trying to do with a focus on mental health and related expert opinions but it was just too many wide ranging topics. She may have done better to focus solely on her eating disorder and share a little more on that aspect of her life. Many times I found she sounded very self indulgent and unable to “read the room”, so to speak, and realize that very few readers will be able to relate. As such some of it sounded “braggy”. Other than the eating disorder, her life seems to have come very easy to her whether it be education, jobs and romantic relationships.
This would not be my go to book on how to navigate life or improve mental health. I do appreciate the bibliography and might read some of the experts’ works.
This would not be my go to book on how to navigate life or improve mental health. I do appreciate the bibliography and might read some of the experts’ works.
May 10, 2024
This deeply personal book delves into the science behind brain health and our unique emotional signatures while providing emotional leadership and self-awareness tools. Sophie reflects on her experiences with eating disorders, attachment theory, and processing emotions. She emphasizes the need for emotional connection in relationships and parenting and shares practical tools for regulating the nervous system and fostering emotional resilience.
The author has given us so many tools, quizzes, and interviews. But I also love hearing about her life and where all of her issues and struggles started. It made me realize that every human being has a specific need for a healthy attachment. The quizzes can help you determine your attachment type.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...
The author has given us so many tools, quizzes, and interviews. But I also love hearing about her life and where all of her issues and struggles started. It made me realize that every human being has a specific need for a healthy attachment. The quizzes can help you determine your attachment type.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...
January 11, 2025
Politics aside, I think this is a very educational book that parents should read to learn about ways their own children can suffer from mental health issues. Some might argue that “oh yeah, a politicians wife (now ex wife) isn’t very relatable since she’s so privileged”, but isn’t this the same for every single celebrities memoir? They all start from somewhere. That being said this book was almost too educational if that makes sense? Being a student already I turn to books for escapism and was hoping for more of a life story and less of educational interviews but that’s also my own fault because I never read the description before I start reading something. I like a bit of a surprise haha. If you do decide to read this book I highly suggest audio versions. That is my favourite way to listen to memoirs, it makes them so much better.
April 27, 2025
I agree with what many others have said - it would’ve been easier to connect more deeply with this book if Sophie had felt a little more grounded and relatable. It would have made such a difference to see her acknowledge the incredible opportunities her position gave her — to meet brilliant people and experience things most of us never could. More than that, I found myself wanting to hear more about her personal journey, especially over the past 5–10 years. I would’ve loved to understand how her experiences as a mother and as the wife of a Prime Minister (or just someone who is privileged enough to be in those circles) shaped her work, her passions, and the way she views the world. A little more openness and reflection would have made her story feel much more human and meaningful to me. I did really love the closing where I felt like she gave a bit of that touch.
July 20, 2024
Closer Together by Sophie Gregoire Trudeau attempts to give strategies to study our inner selves in hopes of becoming our best selves. If you are looking for juicy stories or hints about the demise of her marriage with the current Prime Minister of Canada - Justin - you can skip this book. She only lovingly mentions him occasionally with maybe two or three small photos. She softly dissects her life from childhood, through marriage and parenthood. In the first chapter, she lays out her happy life in the backwoods with her uncle and parents where she fully enjoyed her active & outdoorsy personality. She also focuses on her parents' divorce as well as her obesity. She does not fail to touch on her privileged life. Her chapters often start with anecdotes then an introduction to a prominent scientist, mental health professional or sport/celebrity who she interviews. She ends with benefits of physical activity including yoga toward mental health or coping with anxiety. In truth, the average reader would care less about the more scientific subjects such as the amygdala and vagus nerve and I am in that group - I skimmed many parts. As a non-professional, Sophie perhaps could have lightened the tone of her book rather than passing herself as a guru who the reader could look to for tips. On the other hand, I appreciate the kindness she applied whenever speaking about anyone particularly her soon-to-be ex-husband.
October 28, 2024
CW: eating disorder, mental health, loss, suffering
The author interviews experts on a variety of fields related to mental health and parenting. These are areas of passion for her. She talks about challenges in her own childhood, dealing with an eating disorder, becoming a yoga teacher, and raising her kids. She has a lot of passion but is not the expert in her own story. Perhaps this is a kind of celebrity seeker narrative that leverages some of her best connections in the field while pretending politics don’t exist and asserting herself as a ‘regular mom’ without really discussing any of the realities of being the wife of a prime minister. Lots of references to taking kids to doctor’s appointments to humanize the narrative.
The author interviews experts on a variety of fields related to mental health and parenting. These are areas of passion for her. She talks about challenges in her own childhood, dealing with an eating disorder, becoming a yoga teacher, and raising her kids. She has a lot of passion but is not the expert in her own story. Perhaps this is a kind of celebrity seeker narrative that leverages some of her best connections in the field while pretending politics don’t exist and asserting herself as a ‘regular mom’ without really discussing any of the realities of being the wife of a prime minister. Lots of references to taking kids to doctor’s appointments to humanize the narrative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews