Jessica Pan, self proclaimed "shintrovert" (shy introvert), decides to extrovert to the extreme for one year. Among other things, she signs up for impJessica Pan, self proclaimed "shintrovert" (shy introvert), decides to extrovert to the extreme for one year. Among other things, she signs up for improv classes, travels solo, does The Moth, and performs stand up comedy.
Overall, I really liked Pan's tone and voice. She's relatable and funny and feels like a friend. She interviews multiple social gurus about introversion, charisma, and public speaking anxiety. There's tons of great advice here - how to make friends after college (I've wondered!) or how to throw a successful dinner party. Sorry I'm Late inspired me to shake things up in my own life. I'd like to do the cheap version of this book. I'm all about self discovery, but Pan's version includes spare cash for plane tickets. I am in awe and quite jealous.
My only hang up concerns introvert/extrovert stereotypes. I've seen many an article titled "How to Care for Your Introvert" or something along those lines. And I, fellow introvert, appreciate that. However, I can't help but sense this tone that all extroverts are shallow while introverts are too busy reading Ulysses or staring at a large globe. From my experience, even the most extroverted of people have trouble reaching out or expressing vulnerability in social interactions at times. Of course, that could be me reading too much into things....more
Easily five stars. Obama tells her story with warmth and candor. She transitions between phases of her life seamlessly, a daunting task in the hands oEasily five stars. Obama tells her story with warmth and candor. She transitions between phases of her life seamlessly, a daunting task in the hands of a less skilled writer. I was so absorbed with her pre White House existence I honestly forgot about Barack by the time he stepped on the scene. Ooops.
Before I delve into Brave, I want to say Rose McGowan is entitled to every feeling written here. SheThis is a tough book to stamp with a star rating.
Before I delve into Brave, I want to say Rose McGowan is entitled to every feeling written here. She's been through a lot. Her experience deserves sympathy and speaking out deserves respect. It took courage to write this book.
Brave is a memoir. It tries to be a feminist manifesto. It feels more like a letter. The kind of letter your therapist tells you to write to someone who harmed you. In that letter you spew every hateful thing you can think of, only to look at later and say "What? I don't really want that person to get hit by a bus."
Brave is McGowan's angry letter. She is entitled to that anger, but there is zero clarity here. That's why it's hard to rate this book on a numerical scale. It's a therapeutic tool that bypassed editing in favor of sales during the #metoo movement.
Rose McGowan isn't equipped for the #metoo movement. Based on this book alone, she can't look past her own experiences. She looks down at other women constantly. She name-drops Jennifer Lawrence and Reese Witherspoon, scoffing at "the girl next door" type. She constantly holds herself superior to other women. She boasts she's intelligent and funny, unlike other actresses.
She sneers at her peers and says they don't know pain; they have never struggled like I have. That's noncompassionate and false. The #metoo movement deserves a voice that recognizes the breadth of silence/sexual harassment. Rose only acknowledges her own pain. She's entitled to her feelings, but she shouldn’t represent the very people she looks down on.
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