I realize Brianna Weist is popular amongst many readers. However, for reasons I've thought it only fair to include below in a quick review, her guidance didn't resonate with me.
My issue with this book (and others she's written) isn't necessarily the writing itself, as this isn't the first book of Wiest's that I've picked up and read. My issue is with the fact that I firmly believe authors who write relatable and healthy "self growth and self efficacy" publications need to have experienced a fair amount of hardship, trudging, disillusionment, and darkness in order to earn the trust of millions of readers. This isn't a work of fiction. It isn't literary non-fiction. This is, as the title states, a book on how to heal.
My opinion has nothing to do with her age, though there is knowledge and experience that comes with time. By contrast, authors who have struggled intensely with addiction, disability, mental health, disease, divorce, being a member of a marginalized community, low income, trauma, a notable loss, etc... (at least one of these things) -- they have endured difficult circumstances that have called for tricky navigating. From everything I learned about Brianna Weist by reading her articles, listening to her podcast interviews, reviewing her life history, I think she's extremely bright and well intentioned. I appreciate those things. I do. She has admitted that from an early age, she told her mother she wanted to help others. Her wish is admirable. I'm not arguing that by any means. Yet, to dole out "how to heal" advice to millions of people living in varying circumstances completely different from hers, I found it a tad bit short sighted and egocentric.
Examples of authors who are authentically and humbly effective because of the odysseys each has experienced that come to mind are: Suleika Jaouad, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, David Bedrick, Glennon Doyle, Nadia Bolz-Weber, Sonya Renee Taylor, Sarah Polley, Anne Lamott, Pema Chödron, Thomas Merton, Bessel Van Der Kolk, and Cheryl Strayed (amongst others).
Before daring to write up anything about Brianna Wiest, I made sure I did a deep dive of research about her education, her published articles in various journals, her life in its entirety to date. I listened to three various podcast interviews with Wiest as a guest. I don't believe in unjust criticism. Without a full picture of an individual, there's nothing mindful about giving a self efficacy author a two star review - and I wanted to make it clear this isn't some maladjusted projection of my own.
To be less muddy about what I take issue with, I'll be honest, Wiest's work comes off as hypocritical and insincere. I realize this isn't her goal. Of course it isn't. The problem with her instructions on "how to___" (you name it), is that she's speaking in broad strokes to millions of readers who have been spellbound by her beauty, perceived inner wisdom, and her (self professed) "old soul" qualities. In my opinion, the most lauded and trustworthy resources for getting from one side of any difficulty to the other, is finding someone who has taken a similar trek before you- someone who has experience with the skinned knees and bruised egos of experience. We live in an age with wellness coaches, health gurus, spiritual guides, and others offering solutions en masse. We're bombarded with people who have "answers." Before I ever take a grain of advice from anyone, I find out if they've lived enough of the questions themselves.
As stated before, Weist can write. It would be wonderful if she pivoted a few degrees with her skill, and played around with another genre or sub-genre. It's clear she has a gift with words.
I realize that my opinion isn't the majority: and for everyone who thoroughly enjoyed this book, I think that's the beauty of reading and literary criticism: diversity. ~