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Joy, Regardless: A Memoir: Real life, raw truths, true joy.
"A must-read for any soul-searching woman." - Bernadette Agius, Author of I'm Staying at Richard's
"This really is such a beautifully written, insightful and honest memoir. I feel like I’m still catching my breath." - Kate Stevens, Book Editor, Australia
A powerful memoir about embracing the unknown, reclaiming the feminine and rediscovering the wholeness that’s been hidden in your heart all along.
On the outside, Lara Charles had everything she was supposed to need; but inside, a quiet ache left her longing for more. Then life gave her more . . . just not in the way she expected. One curveball (or two) later, Lara is forced to confront the inner beliefs and societal scripts that had kept her feeling ‘good’ but never truly whole.
With depth and insight, Lara peels back the layers of her identity, re-examining her beliefs about marriage, motherhood, identity and culture. In the process, she uncovers a profound true wholeness isn’t something to chase – it’s something to reclaim by embracing the feminine wisdom the world taught her to suppress.
Blending raw honesty with a touch of humor, Lara invites readers on a transformative journey guided by ancient wisdom and wise souls – one that’s less about escaping to expensive meditation retreats and more about uncovering your true self in the thick of everyday life. For the person who longs for deeper meaning but is anchored in the demands of home and family life, this memoir is a powerful reminder that the most extraordinary discoveries often happen in the most ordinary places. Because true joy isn’t found elsewhere – it’s found, regardless.
"This really is such a beautifully written, insightful and honest memoir. I feel like I’m still catching my breath." - Kate Stevens, Book Editor, Australia
A powerful memoir about embracing the unknown, reclaiming the feminine and rediscovering the wholeness that’s been hidden in your heart all along.
On the outside, Lara Charles had everything she was supposed to need; but inside, a quiet ache left her longing for more. Then life gave her more . . . just not in the way she expected. One curveball (or two) later, Lara is forced to confront the inner beliefs and societal scripts that had kept her feeling ‘good’ but never truly whole.
With depth and insight, Lara peels back the layers of her identity, re-examining her beliefs about marriage, motherhood, identity and culture. In the process, she uncovers a profound true wholeness isn’t something to chase – it’s something to reclaim by embracing the feminine wisdom the world taught her to suppress.
Blending raw honesty with a touch of humor, Lara invites readers on a transformative journey guided by ancient wisdom and wise souls – one that’s less about escaping to expensive meditation retreats and more about uncovering your true self in the thick of everyday life. For the person who longs for deeper meaning but is anchored in the demands of home and family life, this memoir is a powerful reminder that the most extraordinary discoveries often happen in the most ordinary places. Because true joy isn’t found elsewhere – it’s found, regardless.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 16, 2025
Joy, Regardless by Lara Charles
★★★★★
Lara Charles seemed to have it all, yet a quiet emptiness pushed her to question the roles and beliefs she’d always lived by. Through unexpected challenges, she discovers that true wholeness isn’t about chasing more, but reclaiming her authentic self in the midst of everyday life.
Memoir | Parenthood | Womanhood
Earlier this year I watched Apple Cider Vinegar and binged the whole thing, so I loved how some of those threads and connections carried into this book.
If Lara’s intention was to take her readers on a journey of self-discovery and help them find a sense of wholeness, she definitely had that effect on me.
As a mum of three, I found myself becoming more present in the everyday moments. I started pausing to breathe, to really take things in. I’ve stared into my daughter’s eyes during a nappy change, or simply sat and watched my kids play together, letting gratitude wash over me in those little, ordinary moments.
Lara’s story was powerful and compelling because it never tried to be a “how-to” guide on motherhood or perfection. Instead, she simply shared her truth, and in doing so, created space for her readers to reflect on their own lives and begin their own journeys.
Thank you, Lara, for the gift of your story, it was such a joy to read.
☁️🕊️🌱🌸
Thank you to @theberryagency for a copy of this book.
💭 What is a memoir that changed your life?
Pour a hot drink, it’s book talk time.
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★★★★★
Lara Charles seemed to have it all, yet a quiet emptiness pushed her to question the roles and beliefs she’d always lived by. Through unexpected challenges, she discovers that true wholeness isn’t about chasing more, but reclaiming her authentic self in the midst of everyday life.
Memoir | Parenthood | Womanhood
Earlier this year I watched Apple Cider Vinegar and binged the whole thing, so I loved how some of those threads and connections carried into this book.
If Lara’s intention was to take her readers on a journey of self-discovery and help them find a sense of wholeness, she definitely had that effect on me.
As a mum of three, I found myself becoming more present in the everyday moments. I started pausing to breathe, to really take things in. I’ve stared into my daughter’s eyes during a nappy change, or simply sat and watched my kids play together, letting gratitude wash over me in those little, ordinary moments.
Lara’s story was powerful and compelling because it never tried to be a “how-to” guide on motherhood or perfection. Instead, she simply shared her truth, and in doing so, created space for her readers to reflect on their own lives and begin their own journeys.
Thank you, Lara, for the gift of your story, it was such a joy to read.
☁️🕊️🌱🌸
Thank you to @theberryagency for a copy of this book.
💭 What is a memoir that changed your life?
Pour a hot drink, it’s book talk time.
TikTok
June 25, 2025
Joy, Regardless is so beautifully written, insightful, and wonderfully funny. Lara balances the depth of her experiences and journey with a lightheartedness that makes for such an enjoyable reading experience.
A memoir about her journey through cancer, motherhood, marriage, self-discovery, and spirituality. Trying to find meaning in chaos, and looking for those answers in God, spirits, angels, meditation, yoga, etc. But ultimately, within herself. I related deeply to her early reflections on control and expectations. She explores not only her journey into wellness and spirituality, but also dives into racism and prejudice, the patriarchy, and ultimately embracing the feminine and coming into her power.
This book was a joy to read. Thanks for sharing your story with me.
A memoir about her journey through cancer, motherhood, marriage, self-discovery, and spirituality. Trying to find meaning in chaos, and looking for those answers in God, spirits, angels, meditation, yoga, etc. But ultimately, within herself. I related deeply to her early reflections on control and expectations. She explores not only her journey into wellness and spirituality, but also dives into racism and prejudice, the patriarchy, and ultimately embracing the feminine and coming into her power.
This book was a joy to read. Thanks for sharing your story with me.
August 29, 2025
i'm not completely sure how to start this, in all truth i'm such a people pleaser that the idea of giving a review on a book based on someones life feels a little rude. that being said this is a book i gave three stars. now i know a lot of people see a three stars as a bad rating, but please realise that my rating system is whack, so to me a three stars is a good book.
this book is about lara's life, it's how she handles grief and struggles, and it is her personal journey. it is raw, it is true and it is real. instead of rambling, i am going to go three for three like i have done before, three things i
struggled with (and please know that these struggles are personal to me, perhaps someone else would not find these as a struggle) and three things that i loved.
firstly, i do feel like this book could've been a little shorter, but i am also not here to tell someone how much of their life they should write down, but my reasoning is that i felt some of the chapters repeated the same idea just in
different words, so for a little bit i did struggle because it felt repetitive
secondly, i personally struggle with the idea of spirituality, i don't get it, it's not really something for me and i just don't understand it, so it being at the forefront of her healing journey and something that is pushed and touched
upon consistently was just something that i personally could not understand
thirdly, i think a part of me struggled with how much of me i saw within this book, the people pleaser, the need to be the good girl, the lack of ability to feel my emotions when they happen and i didn't like the wake up call
now, i will say, that if i walked into a store and saw this book on the shelf and it had said anywhere on it that it was a book about a cancer journey, i would have immediately put it back on the shelf. if you don't know my story, a few weeks ago i had a cancer scare and before that by the time i was 19 i had lost both my parents and my grandparents to cancer, so it's a topic i tend to avoid. but that leads me into how healing this book was for me. my dad also tried the holistic spiritual approach to things, obviously it didn't work cause he's dead, but it was nice to understand or read the perspective of someone similar so i could understand where he was coming from.
secondly, lara is a really incredible writer. this was written so well. it flowed in a way that i didn't expect, it was easy to read and captivating, and honestly i was getting annoyed at some parts, and if the writing sucked i doubt i would have been bothered by some of the actions or the choices, so not only is she a strong, incredible woman, but wow can she write.
finally, i think this book was so vastly different to what i read normally, it's opened up a branch of books that i never thought i would touch and i truly did enjoy the entire experience of what her life is and how it came to be. i'm hoping that she writes another book in ten or so years so i can see how she navigates having teenagers, even though it's not my business.
all in all i do truly recommend this book, although it can be repetitive at times, it is so true to her and so emotionally raw and vulnerable, it takes a strong woman to be able to publicly show this. i'm privileged to have been gifted this book, and if you see it on the shelf, pick it up, give it a go. it may not be for everyone, but it might be for you.
this book is about lara's life, it's how she handles grief and struggles, and it is her personal journey. it is raw, it is true and it is real. instead of rambling, i am going to go three for three like i have done before, three things i
struggled with (and please know that these struggles are personal to me, perhaps someone else would not find these as a struggle) and three things that i loved.
firstly, i do feel like this book could've been a little shorter, but i am also not here to tell someone how much of their life they should write down, but my reasoning is that i felt some of the chapters repeated the same idea just in
different words, so for a little bit i did struggle because it felt repetitive
secondly, i personally struggle with the idea of spirituality, i don't get it, it's not really something for me and i just don't understand it, so it being at the forefront of her healing journey and something that is pushed and touched
upon consistently was just something that i personally could not understand
thirdly, i think a part of me struggled with how much of me i saw within this book, the people pleaser, the need to be the good girl, the lack of ability to feel my emotions when they happen and i didn't like the wake up call
now, i will say, that if i walked into a store and saw this book on the shelf and it had said anywhere on it that it was a book about a cancer journey, i would have immediately put it back on the shelf. if you don't know my story, a few weeks ago i had a cancer scare and before that by the time i was 19 i had lost both my parents and my grandparents to cancer, so it's a topic i tend to avoid. but that leads me into how healing this book was for me. my dad also tried the holistic spiritual approach to things, obviously it didn't work cause he's dead, but it was nice to understand or read the perspective of someone similar so i could understand where he was coming from.
secondly, lara is a really incredible writer. this was written so well. it flowed in a way that i didn't expect, it was easy to read and captivating, and honestly i was getting annoyed at some parts, and if the writing sucked i doubt i would have been bothered by some of the actions or the choices, so not only is she a strong, incredible woman, but wow can she write.
finally, i think this book was so vastly different to what i read normally, it's opened up a branch of books that i never thought i would touch and i truly did enjoy the entire experience of what her life is and how it came to be. i'm hoping that she writes another book in ten or so years so i can see how she navigates having teenagers, even though it's not my business.
all in all i do truly recommend this book, although it can be repetitive at times, it is so true to her and so emotionally raw and vulnerable, it takes a strong woman to be able to publicly show this. i'm privileged to have been gifted this book, and if you see it on the shelf, pick it up, give it a go. it may not be for everyone, but it might be for you.
June 21, 2025
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a while. For me, it is comparable to Eat, Pray, Love. It has the same kind of personal growth, vulnerability, spirituality and insights. A journey of selfdiscovery. Lara writes like we are inside her head, having a front row seat to her thoughts. The story is wellwritten, powerful. I think there is something relateable in this for everyone. At times, the writing was poetic. I’m grateful Lara decided to write and share this story with the world. I’ve read this book for free through Booksirens.
July 28, 2025
At first read, Joy, Regardless offers itself up as a classic “hard knocks” memoir. Indeed, Lara Charles has received many hard knocks in life: a blood cancer diagnosis, difficulties with the births of her children confounded by feelings of inadequacy and loss of control. But what sets this memoir apart is Charles’ willingness to be truly vulnerable and blatantly honest as she unearths her deepest thoughts and searches for that elusive spiritual “wholeness”, tugging at the bondage of her own beliefs, especially those originating deep within religious and societal norms.
Above all else, Joy, Regardless is a lesson in duality. In navigating the peaks and valleys of life in a “perfectly imperfect” way, as Charles describes it. Of balancing the masculine energies of discipline, drive and control with the much overlooked and often suppressed feminine energies of connection, compassion and “being”. Of realising that the voice of fear, control and expectation – originating from the head and who Charles refers to as “Laura” in the book – can be balanced by the embodiment of compassion, love and forgiveness from the heart – “Arabelle” in the book.
But don’t be fooled into thinking this is a self-help, new age bible for the 2020s. This is not a “How To…” guide. Charles admits at the end of the book that she doesn’t know “what tools you need to dig through your own soil” but by sharing her navigations, thoughts and experiences with the reader in an honest, raw, and at times, hilarious way, Charles helps us relearn that those tools are already on board, we just need to dig deeper to find them.
In a nutshell, Joy, Regardless gives confirmation that enlightenment is not a mythical, unreachable space where everything is just “perfect”, it is a place a just being, and by balancing the masculine with the feminine, by reconnecting the head and the heart, we can observe the pendulum of life and experience joy, regardless.
I “heartily” recommend this memoir for anyone who has ever lost their balance in life.
Above all else, Joy, Regardless is a lesson in duality. In navigating the peaks and valleys of life in a “perfectly imperfect” way, as Charles describes it. Of balancing the masculine energies of discipline, drive and control with the much overlooked and often suppressed feminine energies of connection, compassion and “being”. Of realising that the voice of fear, control and expectation – originating from the head and who Charles refers to as “Laura” in the book – can be balanced by the embodiment of compassion, love and forgiveness from the heart – “Arabelle” in the book.
But don’t be fooled into thinking this is a self-help, new age bible for the 2020s. This is not a “How To…” guide. Charles admits at the end of the book that she doesn’t know “what tools you need to dig through your own soil” but by sharing her navigations, thoughts and experiences with the reader in an honest, raw, and at times, hilarious way, Charles helps us relearn that those tools are already on board, we just need to dig deeper to find them.
In a nutshell, Joy, Regardless gives confirmation that enlightenment is not a mythical, unreachable space where everything is just “perfect”, it is a place a just being, and by balancing the masculine with the feminine, by reconnecting the head and the heart, we can observe the pendulum of life and experience joy, regardless.
I “heartily” recommend this memoir for anyone who has ever lost their balance in life.
August 24, 2025
Disclaimer: I was gifted an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I unfortunately did DNF this as it was incredibly repetitive in its messaging and I found it was not for me. I did get through about 56% of the book, I’d say that’s giving it a fair shot.
I would like to say that I recognise that I am not the target audience for this book and therefore I understand that’s why Joy, Regardless did not resonate with me, not because it’s a bad book. I found that a lot of my reading experience was spent in frustration at choices that were being made. I don’t want to criticise too much as I know this is a memoir but I just couldn’t get on board with the decisions and reasoning especially about certain things.
That being said I do believe there are some things from this book that will stay with me. Reminders to slow down, look for the little things and in general appreciate life for what it is. I think those are all valuable messages that everyone should take on board.
Based on what I’ve read if you are a mother, struggling with a diagnosis, needing to slow down or someone wanting to find balance in your life then I think this would be more suited to you.
I unfortunately did DNF this as it was incredibly repetitive in its messaging and I found it was not for me. I did get through about 56% of the book, I’d say that’s giving it a fair shot.
I would like to say that I recognise that I am not the target audience for this book and therefore I understand that’s why Joy, Regardless did not resonate with me, not because it’s a bad book. I found that a lot of my reading experience was spent in frustration at choices that were being made. I don’t want to criticise too much as I know this is a memoir but I just couldn’t get on board with the decisions and reasoning especially about certain things.
That being said I do believe there are some things from this book that will stay with me. Reminders to slow down, look for the little things and in general appreciate life for what it is. I think those are all valuable messages that everyone should take on board.
Based on what I’ve read if you are a mother, struggling with a diagnosis, needing to slow down or someone wanting to find balance in your life then I think this would be more suited to you.
July 19, 2025
A deeply honest and insightful read, this book takes you on an inner journey - inviting you to see everyday family life, marriage, friendship, womanhood and health as rich opportunities for growth. Raw, relatable, thought-provoking (and laugh-out-loud funny at times!), this story doesn't rely on dramatic external events, but instead is a powerful meditation on the emotional landscape and quiet transformations happening beneath the surface. I wish there were more books like this that reclaim the beauty of the "extraordinary ordinary". For fans of Katrina Kenison, Cheryl Strayed and Dani Shapiro. I look forward to reading more from this author!
August 17, 2025
I appreciated the way the author expressed her own choices and why she approached situations as she did because it leant into how that affected her growth as a person in the future, though as someone within the health profession, I did disagree with a number of decisions made. I can understand and empathise why the author made these decisions, however the evidence supports the medicine.
The writing flowed well, though I did find the messaging to be a bit repetitive in the second half of the book.
The main thing I got from this book was a reminder for me coming into my thirties to stay present and continue to find space to grow and I definitely needed that.
Thank you so much for the ARC to review!
The writing flowed well, though I did find the messaging to be a bit repetitive in the second half of the book.
The main thing I got from this book was a reminder for me coming into my thirties to stay present and continue to find space to grow and I definitely needed that.
Thank you so much for the ARC to review!
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August 18, 2025This was such a vulnerable and heartfelt memoir that took a deep dive into the duality of life, birth trauma, grief and loss, chronic health conditions, relationships and so much more. You can tell that Lara poured her heart and soul out onto these pages.
I really liked how it was separated into different sections and explored so many different themes, although some of the spirituality-focused discourse did leave me a bit lost at times (perhaps because of my lack of pre-existing knowledge or connection to it). I found myself rooting for Lara and also enjoyed witnessing the lessons she learnt and applied through self development and reflection as a person, particularly in her role as a mother and wife.
I can see it really resonating with all sorts of readers! Powerful read
I really liked how it was separated into different sections and explored so many different themes, although some of the spirituality-focused discourse did leave me a bit lost at times (perhaps because of my lack of pre-existing knowledge or connection to it). I found myself rooting for Lara and also enjoyed witnessing the lessons she learnt and applied through self development and reflection as a person, particularly in her role as a mother and wife.
I can see it really resonating with all sorts of readers! Powerful read
August 18, 2025
Joy, Regardless truly was a joy to read. Lara has beautifully written about her life and experiences. The vulnerability, personal growth through it all is admirable. This is a powerful story and I’m truly grateful for the gift of being able to read it! As someone who is on their own healing journey from some mental and emotional struggles, I appreciate the vulnerability shared, the perspective Lara gives and the power of embracing yourself. Even the humour through the messiness of life, is something I can relate to. This is a style of book that I do enjoy reading as I do love learning from stories that other people can tell us, this is definitely worth a read!
August 23, 2025
I really enjoy reading a memoir but at the same time, it’s hard to judge on someone else’s experiences. A lot of what Lara has gone through, I personally can’t relate to but I really enjoyed reading about her journey through cancer, motherhood and self-discovery.
I was able to relate to the idea of the ‘good girl’ and how those ideals can impact the way we grow and the need for control. Many of the steps that Lara has taken to overcome those challenges were really interesting and it’s not something I’d ever considered questioning.
Definitely a heartfelt and vulnerable read and I’m so happy Lara shared her experiences with us.
Thank you to The Berry Agency and the author for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review
I was able to relate to the idea of the ‘good girl’ and how those ideals can impact the way we grow and the need for control. Many of the steps that Lara has taken to overcome those challenges were really interesting and it’s not something I’d ever considered questioning.
Definitely a heartfelt and vulnerable read and I’m so happy Lara shared her experiences with us.
Thank you to The Berry Agency and the author for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review
December 14, 2025
I knew after reading the first few pages that this book had come along at the right time. Themes of the need to be ‘in control’ and ‘good’ and ‘perfect’ deeply resonated with this struggling perfectionist. How embracing the unknown can lead us to greater fulfilment and joy. As someone interested but not actively pursuing wellness and spirituality, I really enjoyed how Joy, Regardless gently waded into these topics.
This memoir was so wonderfully written that I was torn between wanting to rush through but wanting to take my time to truly appreciate it.
Grateful to you Lara for sharing your story ✨
This memoir was so wonderfully written that I was torn between wanting to rush through but wanting to take my time to truly appreciate it.
Grateful to you Lara for sharing your story ✨
December 21, 2025
While I do not consider myself a spiritual person, I do resonate strongly with a desire to find meaning and purpose in life. To bear witness to another woman’s deeply personal journey of self-discovery felt like a gift.
Other commenters here have suggested the book was repetitive - I disagree. I found the book to be incredibly well written, with the key messages developing into a unified whole by the end.
I would highly recommend this book to any woman who finds themselves at a crossroads in life, burned out and searching for purpose. You will find within its covers insights into self-acceptance and finding the beauty in the everyday.
Other commenters here have suggested the book was repetitive - I disagree. I found the book to be incredibly well written, with the key messages developing into a unified whole by the end.
I would highly recommend this book to any woman who finds themselves at a crossroads in life, burned out and searching for purpose. You will find within its covers insights into self-acceptance and finding the beauty in the everyday.
June 18, 2025
A tender, thoughtful reflection on becoming. I really enjoyed this memoir. It's about a woman's unfolding - through motherhood, illness, and the search for meaning amidst life’s unpredictability. Lara Charles writes with an open heart and weaves in spiritual exploration and emotional growth in a way that feels grounded and lived-in, not preachy or polished. Her book made me think about the value of staying present and curious through the messiness, and reflecting on long held beliefs and ways of being. Highly recommend and look forward to reading more books by the author.
August 24, 2025
Joy, Regardless by Lara Charles, was such a powerful memoir. I especially resonated with her reflections on giving birth and feeling like your body failed. It was raw, and deeply human.
This book is an honest exploration of marriage, motherhood, and the quiet ache so many of us carry. Lara’s writing is heartfelt and full of feminine wisdom, reminding us that joy and wholeness aren’t found elsewhere. They’re reclaimed within ourselves.
If you love memoirs that blend vulnerability with wisdom, this one is worth picking up.
Thanks to The Berry Agency and Lara for the ARC
This book is an honest exploration of marriage, motherhood, and the quiet ache so many of us carry. Lara’s writing is heartfelt and full of feminine wisdom, reminding us that joy and wholeness aren’t found elsewhere. They’re reclaimed within ourselves.
If you love memoirs that blend vulnerability with wisdom, this one is worth picking up.
Thanks to The Berry Agency and Lara for the ARC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2025
I loved this book! It’s an easy, enjoyable read, and I found myself struggling to put it down until I’d finished.
Lara’s character is relatable and at times I felt like she was speaking directly to me. She keeps her story honest and grounded, and there are some gems of wisdom I took away from it.
Lara’s character is relatable and at times I felt like she was speaking directly to me. She keeps her story honest and grounded, and there are some gems of wisdom I took away from it.
August 4, 2025
What a wonderful read! I connected with Lara's story on a number of levels and really enjoyed how 'real' her writing is. She has given me hope that some of life's toughest challenges can be overcome or re-shaped to find the joy in them. I understand this took a number of years to come together - the care and love shines through the book. Well done, Lara x
August 8, 2025
Thank you for taking me on a journey that confirms that there is “Joy,Regardless” in all aspects of life.
Reading your story has shown me the ways people react to different experiences and emotions in their world and how that can have a wider impact within oneself, family, friends and community. It can be daunting to be vulnerable but sometimes it is necessary.
Reading your story has shown me the ways people react to different experiences and emotions in their world and how that can have a wider impact within oneself, family, friends and community. It can be daunting to be vulnerable but sometimes it is necessary.
August 26, 2025
Loved it! As a mum of two girls navigating a cancer diagnosis, I found Joy, Regardless both deeply moving and relatable. Lara writes with such honesty and about life's challenges and curve balls, reminding us that being in the present moment is what truly matters - a reminder I'll carry with me!
June 2, 2025
Inspiring and thought-provoking read. Loved the honesty, and insights - thank you for sharing your story. Highly recommend and looking forward to reading more from this author.
August 20, 2025
this is such a beautifully tragic yet wholesome journey and i really appreciated lara’s writing style while sharing all these raw experiences
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February 21, 2026**DISCLAIMER: I received an ARC in exchange for a fair unbiased review**
This book, despite being well-written, was not for me. I fundamentally disagreed with so many of the choices the author made in her life, it's a miracle I didn't throw the book across the room at several points (the only thing that stopped me was that I was reading the eBook on my phone).
Ultimately, I did agree with two of the many conclusions she came to: that "... wholeness didn't come from thinking more, achieving more, or being someone else. It came from embracing the beauty, the power, and the joy of being exactly who I was...", and that life under patriarchy sucks for everyone (paraphrasing). But two pages after the quote above, she follows it up with: "Ultimately, I didn't know what caused my platelets to stabilise: the drug, the effort or the spiritual awakenings?" Hint: it was the drug. Platelets don't care about your wheatgrass juice habit or your meditation ritual. Don't get me wrong: I'm all for eating healthfully and meditating if these things give you a sense of calm and strength in your body, but they can't change your platelet count.
The only thing I got out of this book was the ability to check off a reading challenge prompt ('a memoir or biography of someone you know nothing about').
This book, despite being well-written, was not for me. I fundamentally disagreed with so many of the choices the author made in her life, it's a miracle I didn't throw the book across the room at several points (the only thing that stopped me was that I was reading the eBook on my phone).
Ultimately, I did agree with two of the many conclusions she came to: that "... wholeness didn't come from thinking more, achieving more, or being someone else. It came from embracing the beauty, the power, and the joy of being exactly who I was...", and that life under patriarchy sucks for everyone (paraphrasing). But two pages after the quote above, she follows it up with: "Ultimately, I didn't know what caused my platelets to stabilise: the drug, the effort or the spiritual awakenings?" Hint: it was the drug. Platelets don't care about your wheatgrass juice habit or your meditation ritual. Don't get me wrong: I'm all for eating healthfully and meditating if these things give you a sense of calm and strength in your body, but they can't change your platelet count.
The only thing I got out of this book was the ability to check off a reading challenge prompt ('a memoir or biography of someone you know nothing about').
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews