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Louder Than a Whisper: Clearer Than a Bell
This book challenges the status quo of humanity by inviting us to look at the morass of confusion, despair and uncertainty that pervade our society. Through this series of heartfelt essays Renée examines topics such as ‘Pride’, ‘Desire’, ‘Responsibility’, ‘Betrayal’ and ‘Loneliness’ - what are they and how do they affect our lives? These topics - and many more - delve into the human psyche to places many are reticent to visit, but need to if we are ever to change our world. This ‘journey’ begins with us, and only through this journey can we discover our true nature. Fear creates the roadblock that prevents us from taking that first bold step to changing our world - fear of the unknown. Our challenge is to overcome that fear, and the inertia that prevents us from getting started.
174 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2015
2 people are currently reading
1809 people want to read
About the author
Renée Paule
9 books265 followers'Self-reflection', 'Know Thyself' and 'Semi-autobiography'
'Top of the morning' from Ireland.
Many years ago I wrote my autobiography - probably more as therapy than anything else - but life continued happening to me and I got to thinking, what good will this story do, isn’t there enough misery in the world without me adding to it? I subsequently burnt the manuscript. It was around that time that I began searching for meaning in my life and had a profound experience - a realisation that we’re all connected; we’re One. In my books, I take an honest look at our quirky and often bizarre behaviour in society and challenge the status-quo we accept as unchangeable - questioning and pushing the boundaries we set ourselves, and those that have been set for us. I’m convinced that if we want to change our lives and change our world then we must first change ourselves. I invite you to join me on my journey, questioning the society we call ours and the role we play within it.
My Reviews
I rate/review books that have given me pause for thought. 5 stars = something resonated with me.
Author Interviews, Articles and Questionnaires are at:
Pebble in the Still Waters
Smashwords
Two Girls and a Blog
Read, Rant and Rock and Roll - Just Around the Bend
Books, Teacup and Reviews
BookWorks
Read, Rant and Rock and Roll - The Frightened Little Flower Bud
Show good will to each other - every day.
'Top of the morning' from Ireland.
Many years ago I wrote my autobiography - probably more as therapy than anything else - but life continued happening to me and I got to thinking, what good will this story do, isn’t there enough misery in the world without me adding to it? I subsequently burnt the manuscript. It was around that time that I began searching for meaning in my life and had a profound experience - a realisation that we’re all connected; we’re One. In my books, I take an honest look at our quirky and often bizarre behaviour in society and challenge the status-quo we accept as unchangeable - questioning and pushing the boundaries we set ourselves, and those that have been set for us. I’m convinced that if we want to change our lives and change our world then we must first change ourselves. I invite you to join me on my journey, questioning the society we call ours and the role we play within it.
My Reviews
I rate/review books that have given me pause for thought. 5 stars = something resonated with me.
Author Interviews, Articles and Questionnaires are at:
Pebble in the Still Waters
Smashwords
Two Girls and a Blog
Read, Rant and Rock and Roll - Just Around the Bend
Books, Teacup and Reviews
BookWorks
Read, Rant and Rock and Roll - The Frightened Little Flower Bud
Show good will to each other - every day.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 5, 2015
From a women that was put by the circumstances into the most hard conditions to bear but she arose bravely and fought her problems , this book is the third book written by Miss Renee. I've read the three books and all of them are great and I enjoyed them all.
In Louder than a whisper if you read the other books you may notice the evolution of miss Renee as an author.
The book covers the problems in our daily that we are afraid to approach and get close to. It's like the electric shock that stimulates your brain and make it ask questions.
Personally speaking , this book somehow talks about me. As an example, in the chapter "the abyss of loneliness" I can easily identify myself in those words and it certainly hit a nerve .
I Recommend this book to those who like Self Help books and to those who Want to CHANGE ( but don't only rely on the book, it s you who is going to change and you have to do it yourself )
In Louder than a whisper if you read the other books you may notice the evolution of miss Renee as an author.
The book covers the problems in our daily that we are afraid to approach and get close to. It's like the electric shock that stimulates your brain and make it ask questions.
Personally speaking , this book somehow talks about me. As an example, in the chapter "the abyss of loneliness" I can easily identify myself in those words and it certainly hit a nerve .
I Recommend this book to those who like Self Help books and to those who Want to CHANGE ( but don't only rely on the book, it s you who is going to change and you have to do it yourself )
January 25, 2018
*** Note: I received this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Renée Paule. ***
I’m not going to divide this review like I usually do, so consider it more like discussion of what I loved in this book and why.
In the third book ‘Louder Than a Whisper’- that follows second book ‘On Just Around the Bend’ that takes us to next level of self-discovery after learning to question our age old beliefs in the first book ‘On the other Hand’- author tells us louder than a whisper in more clearer sound with a firm message to start embarking the journey of self-discovery in order to bring change in ourselves and spread the message in the world we live in. She clears out the point, our weaknesses and fears that are holding us back from the change, making them stronger through observations and self-examination and more importantly explaining why we should be initial and start it with ourselves first.
I felt so inspired and motivated by this book and at the same time very connected because I’m very direct person and I defy obeying what society says I should do to make them happy and I feel really grateful to know that I’m not the only person in this world who somewhat, if not entirely, (because we are different person and have different thoughts) have similar kind of thinking and also because it helps me to shape my thoughts, made me realize where I’m doing wrong and in a what way I should direct it.
As author explained it very clearly in first two books and in this one as well that this book is not an instant recipe of removing our problem or problems in the world or society, it’s a path / a direction that lead readers to self-discovery, inner peace, and putting energy into right direction and author entirely leave it up to reader whether to follow it not and again questions us whether we want to change ourselves or just want to carry on with blaming the world and others.
I loved quotations at the start of each chapters. There were so many deep meaningful lines in the book that I bookmarked. The narration and writing was very explicit, it felt like I was reading the discussion on particular topic with examples and illustrations. I loved this book even more than the previous two books as it involved topics like, Consolidation, Betrayal, Loneliness, desire, Am I good Enough, and Pride and other small essayed topics that were not deeply explored in previous books.
The topics I loved to read were –
Desire– I loved this topic and the way author questioned our need to desire something and why even after achieving what we desire we don’t feel complete or content and how the thirst of desire keep increasing leaving us unhappy and weak.
Am I good enough?– This was mind-blowing topic. We ask this question to ourselves whenever we try to achieve something or while we are on that path. We even look for the answer of this question from others! Why we need someone else’s approval to confirm whether we are good enough or not even though we know the answer of this question ourselves. Even if we ask others we expect to hear the answer what we want to hear!
This was the question that I asked myself many times in my life. Even with this blog. I constantly asked this question to myself and other as well. I really liked how this topic made me realize that I need to believe in myself than believing in someone else’s thought and I should stop seeking for approval. If I want something better from what I do, I need to seek answer in myself and try to improve. This was something that will help everyone.
Responsibility– This was very interesting topic. I was constantly told by people around me to start taking responsibility of life and my marriage, as a woman it’s my responsibility to give birth and blah blah. It’s not that I don’t want to have baby or anything, I know what I want and what not, but when people start telling this thing under the title of ‘responsibility’ it annoys me on high level. I was so much interested in what author has to say in this topic. I’m really happy to know the true meaning of this word, how everyone think about it, and what our real responsibility should be in this world as human being.
Betrayal– It just blew my mind to know how much we are betraying ourselves, our children, and our existence itself by not going on the path of change. This was most amazing topic in whole book and I so damn recommend everyone to read this one if you get the book.
I loved all the symposium topics and poems ‘Hidden’ and ‘Who am I’. There were many other topics that I would love to tell about but that will be betraying author by me being a ‘spoiler’. So I’m ending my rambling here.
What I learned from this book is we are not perfect, no matter how much we love to hear people say that we are perfect but we are not. If we want anything good from this life, want to leave worries, fears, and all the dreadful things that are making us unhappy, we need to change, should start change with ourselves and that is Right Now.
Overall, this book is definitely effective, more than true, more direct and so much wise. It’s really great series that shows reader real perspective towards the world and society that is formed so wrong or I should say on-not-so-perfect base that helps us to see where the changes are needed and more importantly it shows the mirror clearly saying that if we want anything real and helpful, start with ourselves.
This is a kind of book that you would love to read again and again and every time you get more deeper sense from the book.
I’m not going to divide this review like I usually do, so consider it more like discussion of what I loved in this book and why.
In the third book ‘Louder Than a Whisper’- that follows second book ‘On Just Around the Bend’ that takes us to next level of self-discovery after learning to question our age old beliefs in the first book ‘On the other Hand’- author tells us louder than a whisper in more clearer sound with a firm message to start embarking the journey of self-discovery in order to bring change in ourselves and spread the message in the world we live in. She clears out the point, our weaknesses and fears that are holding us back from the change, making them stronger through observations and self-examination and more importantly explaining why we should be initial and start it with ourselves first.
I felt so inspired and motivated by this book and at the same time very connected because I’m very direct person and I defy obeying what society says I should do to make them happy and I feel really grateful to know that I’m not the only person in this world who somewhat, if not entirely, (because we are different person and have different thoughts) have similar kind of thinking and also because it helps me to shape my thoughts, made me realize where I’m doing wrong and in a what way I should direct it.
As author explained it very clearly in first two books and in this one as well that this book is not an instant recipe of removing our problem or problems in the world or society, it’s a path / a direction that lead readers to self-discovery, inner peace, and putting energy into right direction and author entirely leave it up to reader whether to follow it not and again questions us whether we want to change ourselves or just want to carry on with blaming the world and others.
I loved quotations at the start of each chapters. There were so many deep meaningful lines in the book that I bookmarked. The narration and writing was very explicit, it felt like I was reading the discussion on particular topic with examples and illustrations. I loved this book even more than the previous two books as it involved topics like, Consolidation, Betrayal, Loneliness, desire, Am I good Enough, and Pride and other small essayed topics that were not deeply explored in previous books.
The topics I loved to read were –
Desire– I loved this topic and the way author questioned our need to desire something and why even after achieving what we desire we don’t feel complete or content and how the thirst of desire keep increasing leaving us unhappy and weak.
Am I good enough?– This was mind-blowing topic. We ask this question to ourselves whenever we try to achieve something or while we are on that path. We even look for the answer of this question from others! Why we need someone else’s approval to confirm whether we are good enough or not even though we know the answer of this question ourselves. Even if we ask others we expect to hear the answer what we want to hear!
This was the question that I asked myself many times in my life. Even with this blog. I constantly asked this question to myself and other as well. I really liked how this topic made me realize that I need to believe in myself than believing in someone else’s thought and I should stop seeking for approval. If I want something better from what I do, I need to seek answer in myself and try to improve. This was something that will help everyone.
Responsibility– This was very interesting topic. I was constantly told by people around me to start taking responsibility of life and my marriage, as a woman it’s my responsibility to give birth and blah blah. It’s not that I don’t want to have baby or anything, I know what I want and what not, but when people start telling this thing under the title of ‘responsibility’ it annoys me on high level. I was so much interested in what author has to say in this topic. I’m really happy to know the true meaning of this word, how everyone think about it, and what our real responsibility should be in this world as human being.
Betrayal– It just blew my mind to know how much we are betraying ourselves, our children, and our existence itself by not going on the path of change. This was most amazing topic in whole book and I so damn recommend everyone to read this one if you get the book.
I loved all the symposium topics and poems ‘Hidden’ and ‘Who am I’. There were many other topics that I would love to tell about but that will be betraying author by me being a ‘spoiler’. So I’m ending my rambling here.
What I learned from this book is we are not perfect, no matter how much we love to hear people say that we are perfect but we are not. If we want anything good from this life, want to leave worries, fears, and all the dreadful things that are making us unhappy, we need to change, should start change with ourselves and that is Right Now.
Overall, this book is definitely effective, more than true, more direct and so much wise. It’s really great series that shows reader real perspective towards the world and society that is formed so wrong or I should say on-not-so-perfect base that helps us to see where the changes are needed and more importantly it shows the mirror clearly saying that if we want anything real and helpful, start with ourselves.
This is a kind of book that you would love to read again and again and every time you get more deeper sense from the book.
November 13, 2015
Louder than a Whisper, Clearer than a Bell is your succinct travel guide for self-exploration and introspection. This book is about a journey, wherein you question anything that you face and end up in a pleasant numbness. It matters what the questions are, this book simply helps you with some clues. Of course, experiences and emotions can’t be totally generalised, but Renee’s style of writing is hugely inclusive. You are aboard on her train of thoughts and an active participant in her journey.
The chapter titled ‘Responsibility’ is one such excellent piece of work. (“Everything falls into place in its own time; but only if we want it to.”) You can’t expect a more touching sentence than this to poke you into wakefulness. This chapter is one of my favourite ones, simply because it doesn't negate responsibility with irresponsibility. Why, for that matter, through the whole book, I haven’t seen any rash negations, which is what many authors end up doing.
The question “Who am I” reverberates throughout the whole and at the end, it lingers. We aren't provided with any clear-cut solution; rather we are equipped with tools to ask more questions. The beautiful verses conclude the book perfectly, with a cute musical touch.
Concluding, the book urges you to question everything in your life, since ‘you have –after all – nothing to lose.
Kudos to the author and thanks for penning down this book. It is almost cathartic to read your book! :)
The chapter titled ‘Responsibility’ is one such excellent piece of work. (“Everything falls into place in its own time; but only if we want it to.”) You can’t expect a more touching sentence than this to poke you into wakefulness. This chapter is one of my favourite ones, simply because it doesn't negate responsibility with irresponsibility. Why, for that matter, through the whole book, I haven’t seen any rash negations, which is what many authors end up doing.
The question “Who am I” reverberates throughout the whole and at the end, it lingers. We aren't provided with any clear-cut solution; rather we are equipped with tools to ask more questions. The beautiful verses conclude the book perfectly, with a cute musical touch.
Concluding, the book urges you to question everything in your life, since ‘you have –after all – nothing to lose.
Kudos to the author and thanks for penning down this book. It is almost cathartic to read your book! :)
September 21, 2015
I was delighted to beta-read this new work for the author upon her request and have in no way requested or received any remuneration for doing so.
Renée writes from her own observations and, through her questioning approach, invites us to look beyond the confines of our conditioned mindsets. As with her other books this one doesn't aim to give answers, but instead helps us to discover the questions that we need to ask ourselves. To my mind, in a time when Mankind is being led to an abyss by greedy corporations and indifferent governments, a book that helps us to regain our inner strength and forge 'better' lives can only be welcomed with open arms.
Very highly recommended for anyone who likes to think for themselves.
Renée writes from her own observations and, through her questioning approach, invites us to look beyond the confines of our conditioned mindsets. As with her other books this one doesn't aim to give answers, but instead helps us to discover the questions that we need to ask ourselves. To my mind, in a time when Mankind is being led to an abyss by greedy corporations and indifferent governments, a book that helps us to regain our inner strength and forge 'better' lives can only be welcomed with open arms.
Very highly recommended for anyone who likes to think for themselves.
September 11, 2015
Beta read this ... not paid for it. Excellent read.
August 6, 2016
If you don't like thinking, maybe give this book a miss, if you do, this book will bring you rewards.
December 8, 2016
A masterpiece from a wonderful author.
Love it !
Love it !
September 19, 2019
As with the author’s first two books, I declare an interest in ‘Louder than a Whisper’. I know the author and edited this and the previous books for her. I have not and will not be paid for my services in any way. This book stands on its own merit and needs no props or bias. It’s from this standpoint that I am pleased to write my review.
Renée Paule’s latest book continues to chronicle her journey of self-reflection and examination. Written in the same vein as her other books, she examines topics that we don’t usually see in books of this genre such as ‘The Abyss of Loneliness’ and ‘Consolidation’. Writing from her own perspective and with a refreshing honesty that everyone can relate to, she looks inside the workings her own mind in such a way that it feels as though she’s looking into yours too.
Renée Paule’s latest book continues to chronicle her journey of self-reflection and examination. Written in the same vein as her other books, she examines topics that we don’t usually see in books of this genre such as ‘The Abyss of Loneliness’ and ‘Consolidation’. Writing from her own perspective and with a refreshing honesty that everyone can relate to, she looks inside the workings her own mind in such a way that it feels as though she’s looking into yours too.
September 7, 2015
I have beta-read this book for the author upon her request, and have in no way requested or received any remuneration for my efforts.
As with Renee Paule’s previous publications I have found myself not always in agreement with some of the content. Having said that on reflection I have found myself encountering some difficulty in either disproving or providing an alternative reasoned argument.
Renee Paule’s third book Louder Than a Whisper is an exciting work of literary self-examination. It encourages the reader to take a deep look at various aspects of life, feelings and perceptions of the world we live in and view humanity from a different perspective.
Her books just keep on getting better and better
Highly recommended!
As with Renee Paule’s previous publications I have found myself not always in agreement with some of the content. Having said that on reflection I have found myself encountering some difficulty in either disproving or providing an alternative reasoned argument.
Renee Paule’s third book Louder Than a Whisper is an exciting work of literary self-examination. It encourages the reader to take a deep look at various aspects of life, feelings and perceptions of the world we live in and view humanity from a different perspective.
Her books just keep on getting better and better
Highly recommended!
August 23, 2023
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I won this but I remember not signing up for it because I didn't get/understand the book by its description, so there must have been a glitch and I was signed up anyway. And I'm so happy I won for this was a good read.
Renée writes in a very eye-opening way that leaves you thinking about life in general, her topics are things you don't often think about and don't want to think about. She puts in personal stories that help bring the story forward in a relatable way, and she also has a blank page after almost every chapter that leaves space to write your thoughts after the chapter (I have the pocket print, it can just be in this one so if it is there also some pages in the back that says notes in them ) she also has some illustration in there that I found was a nice touch.
one thing that irritated me throughout the book was that she kept referring to her other books, and for me who hasn't read them that just became an irritating thing throughout the book.
this isn't a specific Self-help book like how to declutter your life but more a makes you think about your life and this life.
a nice short inspirational book that leaves you thinking, and if this book will help me only time will show.
I won this but I remember not signing up for it because I didn't get/understand the book by its description, so there must have been a glitch and I was signed up anyway. And I'm so happy I won for this was a good read.
Renée writes in a very eye-opening way that leaves you thinking about life in general, her topics are things you don't often think about and don't want to think about. She puts in personal stories that help bring the story forward in a relatable way, and she also has a blank page after almost every chapter that leaves space to write your thoughts after the chapter (I have the pocket print, it can just be in this one so if it is there also some pages in the back that says notes in them ) she also has some illustration in there that I found was a nice touch.
one thing that irritated me throughout the book was that she kept referring to her other books, and for me who hasn't read them that just became an irritating thing throughout the book.
this isn't a specific Self-help book like how to declutter your life but more a makes you think about your life and this life.
a nice short inspirational book that leaves you thinking, and if this book will help me only time will show.
Read
December 17, 2016well this is 2 and a half hours of my life that i can never get back. If you want to help yourself please do it by giving this book a wide berth. I cannot give this book any stars. The author starts by defining what she means when she says in plain english, humanity, ignorant among others - does she not expect her reading public to understand these terms. Just a little later she treats us do definitions of gastronomical, financial, religious - again are these terms so hard to define. We have a whole page of differing personality traits - well i, for one, knew peole had differing characteristics before is started the book. Her chapters include such titles as " am I good enough" a common enough dilemma i suppose but not one that she solves in her writing. " in our humble opinion" suggests asking others about their opinions is looking for approval or a lack of confidence - what if it is - i will still seek others opinions we do not live on an island.
MY chapter title would be who on earth felt this was worth the paper it was written on
MY chapter title would be who on earth felt this was worth the paper it was written on
August 29, 2017
This is an honest review because I was soo lucky to win a copy of this book in a competition.
I liked Reneé Paule writing style, sometimes she just leave the thoughts in the air, sometimes she puts the truth in our faces.
The book was much more than I expected.It was funny with the illustrations and serious also.
I hope one day everybody starts do the right thing(s) instead of pointing at each others. Blaming and ignoring the problems doesn't solve anything.
I reccommend it for everyone, who has the empathy of someone else thoughts.
I liked Reneé Paule writing style, sometimes she just leave the thoughts in the air, sometimes she puts the truth in our faces.
The book was much more than I expected.It was funny with the illustrations and serious also.
I hope one day everybody starts do the right thing(s) instead of pointing at each others. Blaming and ignoring the problems doesn't solve anything.
I reccommend it for everyone, who has the empathy of someone else thoughts.
December 15, 2016
nice little book. easy to read.
I have read a lot of spiritual books. This one told me nothing new. But I think it's an interesting and understandable book for a lot of people
I have read a lot of spiritual books. This one told me nothing new. But I think it's an interesting and understandable book for a lot of people
October 28, 2016
Louder Than a Whisper, Clearer than a Bell is a solitary journey for the mind, to the most inaccessible depths of our consciousness that we prefer to keep locked up and hidden. The author will take you places you have never gone before and will encourage you to go beyond the comfort zone of limiting beliefs and challenge personal convictions. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is searching and looking for meaning beyond the chaotic world we live in.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews