Brené Brown

Draws on research with hundreds of interviewees to identify the pervasive influence of cultural shame, discussing how women can recognize the ways in which shame influences their health and relationships and can be transformed into courage and connectivit

Women Reclaiming Power and Courage in a Culture of Shame

I Thought it was Just Me

Draws on research with hundreds of interviewees to identify the pervasive influence of cultural shame, discussing how women can recognize the ways in which shame influences their health and relationships and can be transformed into courage and connectivity.

Making the Journey from "What Will People Think?" to "I Am Enough"

I Thought it was Just Me (but it Isn't)

Scott Wilson

An excellent book on understanding Shame, and developing Shame-Resilience specifically focused on women. 

I bought this book because I really enjoyed watching Brené Brown speak on Oprah about Daring Greatly, and so wanted to start reading from her beginning works until the present. So this was the first book that I have read. 

While I was disappointed at first that it didn't also speak as well about men, I was happy to read that Brené plans on conducting future research on shame on men. I am relatively certain as she states on page 279 "...we are very much the same at our core."

While academic in citations, Dr. Brown writes to a level that is accessible and enjoyable by most readers. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to potential applications within the workforce!

Researcher, thought leader, and New York Times bestselling author Brené Brown offers a liberating study on the importance of our imperfections—both to our relationships and to our own sense of self The quest for perfection is exhausting and unrelenting. There is a constant barrage of social expectations that teach us that being imperfect is synonymous with being inadequate. Everywhere we turn, there are messages that tell us who, what and how we’re supposed to be. So, we learn to hide our struggles and protect ourselves from shame, judgment, criticism and blame by seeking safety in pretending and perfection. Brené Brown, PhD, LMSW, is the leading authority on the power of vulnerability, and has inspired thousands through her top-selling books Daring Greatly, Rising Strong, and The Gifts of Imperfection, her wildly popular TEDx talks, and a PBS special. Based on seven years of her ground-breaking research and hundreds of interviews, I Thought It Was Just Me shines a long-overdue light on an important truth: Our imperfections are what connect us to each other and to our humanity. Our vulnerabilities are not weaknesses; they are powerful reminders to keep our hearts and minds open to the reality that we’re all in this together. Brown writes, “We need our lives back. It’s time to reclaim the gifts of imperfection—the courage to be real, the compassion we need to love ourselves and others, and the connection that gives true purpose and meaning to life. These are the gifts that bring love, laughter, gratitude, empathy and joy into our lives.”

I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn't)

Erin Pitstra

"Change doesn't require heroics. Change begins when we practice ordinary courage."

This was a very interesting read!

Lauren James

I was kind of stuck between three and four stars but chose four because of the message of the book.
Women, every woman, feels shame. I certainly do. Heck, I think I shame myself more than anybody else shames me. Women really need to stop shaming other women (and men!) and we seriously need to have more empathy. I kind of thought this book light, but with a deep message if that makes sense. I'm wondering if it could have gone deeper if the author brought God and faith more into it. 
Very interesting read!

I Thought it was Just Me Women Reclaiming Power and Courage in a Culture of Shame

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