In “Body Work: The Radical Power of Personal Narrative,” Melissa Febos explores the therapeutic power of storytelling. Drawing on her own experiences as well as interviews with therapists and clients, Febos shows how telling our stories can help us understand ourselves and others better, make meaningful connections, cope with traumatic events, and build lasting relationships. This insightful book is an essential read for anyone interested in self-exploration and personal growth.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone interested in self-exploration and personal growth.
Pros :
- Febos has a masterful way of weaving together her own stories with those of therapists and clients to illustrate the therapeutic power of storytelling.
- This book is filled with insightful observations about the ways in which personal narrative can help us understand ourselves and others better.
- Febos provides a thorough, thoughtful exploration of the many ways that telling our stories can enrich our lives.
Cons :
- The author spends too much time discussing her own personal story and not enough on the stories of others.
- The book is repetitive and could have been edited down to a more concise format.
- Despite its good intentions, “Body Work” ultimately falls short as a workable guide to therapeutic storytelling.
Learn more about the author
Melissa Febos is a writer and performer based in New York City. She’s the author of ” Whip Smart: A Memoir ,” which was named one of 2010’s best books by The Boston Globe and NPR, among others. Febos has also contributed essays, articles, and reviews to many publications including Harper’s Bazaar, Salon, Guernica,The Rumpus ,and Poets & Writers .
Reader Reviews
“Body Work is an amazing book! Melissa Febos has a unique gift for storytelling – her personal narratives are powerful, insightful, and inspiring. This book is crammed with wisdom and practical advice about the therapeutic power of narrative; it’s essential reading for anyone interested in self-growth or therapy.”
“Melissa Febos has written a wonderful and insightful book on the power of personal narrative. Through her own stories and those of therapists and clients, she demonstrates how telling our stories can help us understand ourselves better, make meaningful connections with others, cope with traumatic experiences, and build lasting relationships. This is an essential read for anyone interested in self-exploration and personal growth.”
“If you are looking for a book on the power of storytelling this is it! Febos takes the reader inside her own personal journey and those of therapists and clients to illustrate how sharing our stories can help us understand ourselves, others, and build relationships. This insightful book also provides concrete examples on how to start or continue your own therapeutic storytelling journey.”
“Melissa Febos has written a stunningly perceptive and brave book about the role of personal narrative in therapy and self-healing. Body Work is packed with wisdom, compassion, and hard-won insights gleaned from years of experience as both therapist and client. This beautifully written volume belongs on the shelf of every library—and on the nightstands of everyone who wants to understand themselves better.”