Rising Strong: The inspiring bestseller to help you create a life you love, from the author of Dare to Lead and The Gifts of Imperfection

Having read all of Brené Brown’s previous books, I was looking forward to Rising Strong and it certainly delivered. Building on the theories and principles of her two previous books, The Gifts of Imperfection and Daring Greatly, Rising Strong completes the arc by outlining how we can pick ourselves back up again after a fall or perceived failure—outcomes that, she explains, are inevitable at some point or another if we dare greatly and endeavour to live whole-hearted lives. The book guides us through the Rising Strong process, explaining how we can apply the framework to different situations and experiences. She is careful to explain this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution and this is one of the key factors that makes this book so valuable. Rather than telling readers what to think and which conclusions to draw (as many personal development books do), she provides us with the questions and tools to get curious with ourselves and deepen our understanding of why we feel what we feel, think what we think and do what we do. The Rising Strong process is summarised as follows: 1. The Reckoning: walking into our story (recognising and getting curious with our feelings, thoughts and actions) 2. The Rumble: owning our story (getting honest about the stories we’re creating and challenging them) 3. Revolution: Creating a new ending (taking the key lessons from our rumble and applying them to create new, braver stories that enable us to live wholeheartedly) Through sharing case studies and her own anecdotes (including those in which she acknowledges she is capable of being the shamer as well as feeling ashamed), she shows what this process looks like in practice. We see tangible, real-life examples of what it means to feel hurt, angry, rejected, ashamed (and other uncomfortable emotions we often seek to avoid), to be tempted to react in a way that levels the playing field, and to be able to take a step back, work through the stories, and create a more connected, constructive and happier ending. It’s rare to find a book that offers something for everyone, but this is one of those books. Whether you most need to “rise strong” in your love life, friendships, family, parenting, employment, business, or otherwise, the principles outlined in this book are universal and invaluable to practically anyone who self-identifies as human.

I've been reading Brene Brown's books out of sequence, but in a way I'm glad that I read "Dare to Lead" before this one. I first encountered The Power of Vulnerability (brilliant 6 x audio CD, I love the workshop format) and her 2-CD audio on Shame & Worthiness (studio recording, but a really good summation). "Rising Strong" felt quite dense, even on audio. I love the sources and other research that she cites, and that she also quotes from the mainstream media - the balance of academic and 'pop culture' references still allows her to wear her knowledge relatively lightly. Plus I admire her courage and self-compassion in sharing stories from her own experience and how she uses her journals. highly recommended, its the sort of thing you want to (mentally) digest in small pieces, like very rich and high-quality chocolate. Thank you again, Brene - for caring enough to heroically put this (and your other work) out into the world, and for the wonderful support materials available on your website. You absolutely rock, lay-dee. Keep up the sterling work! :O)

l felt that l can relate / connect with Brené Brown's Rising Strong, as it's an easy read and based on their own experiences. Because of this l was able to gain a better understanding of me, myself - l. l feel that they reflect as well as project honesty in their writing. l have yet to finish the the book - nearly halfway, l'm taking my time reading 'Rising Strong' as l am enjoying the book and in no rush. From a quarter the through 'Rising Strong' l researched Brené Brown's 'Daring Greatly', even though they express the same event (that's the main thread throughout their narrative in both books, along with other life events), they are both equally, easy, good reads; really enjoyable. Thank you Brené Brown.

This is a great follow-up to Daring Greatly. The willingness of the author to use her own experiences to illustrate evidence gathered from thousands of interviews, is for me what makes it so relatable. The author does not claim to be perfect. She owns her own mistakes and a willingness to be “curious” about her feelings as she describes. This is the epitome of vulnerability and strength and it’s difficult not to be inspired. I love the SFD idea and the references to “sewer rats and scofflaws”; it was easy to recognise myself in judgement mode which led to bursts of laughter.

I am a very big fan of Brené Brown. Together with Daring Greatly, Rising strong is on of my top books written by her. Having done her research, Brené draws conclusions and speaks and writes in a moving and passionate way about it. Rising Strong is what it is about! Get back up after you have been knocked down by the traumas life throws at you. We can be strong as a human being... but knowing that vulnerability can be a strength, can positively change us.

I couldn't put this book down having read each of her other titles. What speaks to me are her own personal stories, somehow I can digest these so well and feel connected to all of us who are daring to live this "whole hearted" life. This book really does help, as I was beginning to wonder if it was just me who was struggling! I've taken many little steps to be wholehearted, yet I have ended up recently hurt and wondering what on earth happened? Now I feel more inspired that I can get up and grow further. I love the idea of being curious about the "stories we make up"- I have believed them for a long time because they can feel so true. Now I'm trying her way, firstly to feel the feelings and THEN to look at what story I've made up, then to check it out. Thanks Brene.

It doesn’t matter if you work with a, b, c or d, if you are a human being, you must read this book. Brené is fantastic to put words to our feelings and thoughts, and gives us a step by step set of questions to understand where we are and where we should be.

Most recommended. I feel grounded and encouraged after reading. I have tge guts to be in the arena, not afraid of having my face down, rise and fall and rise etc. SHOWING UP. SHOWING UP. SHOWING UP. NO MATTER WHAT.

You know how we are always similar to the people we surround ourselves with? We always look at ourselves through other people's eyes. This book changes all that. This book is all about being compassionate to yourself while you fall, and finding the grit to be honest about our failures and dealing with the big bossy emotion called "shame". This book offers you strategies on how to be brave with your emotions, and how to sort through them. There are three specific truths that really shook things upside down for me: 1. That we are always doing our best, no matter what. If we knew better, we would do better. And other people are also doing their best, no matter what. If they knew better, they would be doing better. Once we recognise this truth, it is easier to let go of blaming yourself and others and it gets easier to forgive and move on. 2. People who judge themselves for receiving help, are indirectly judging those who ask for help. That is how humanity works - we all need help sometime and we all need to help others sometime. There's no being weak or strong or superior or inferior in this whole exchange of help. 3. The value of having authentic regrets in life- “No regrets" doesn't mean living with courage, it means living without reflection. To live without regret is to believe you have nothing to learn, no amends to make, and no opportunity to be braver with your life. There are many such nuggets of wisdom. The gist of the book is - You cannot really be brave with your emotions if you are busy denying them or rejecting them or shaming yourself for having them. This book is about being brave inside-out. [I bought a paperback version of this book. The fonts are okay, the paper quality could have been better, but the content of the book negates all complaints on the quality of the paper. It is worth reading in any form whatever.]

This book really changed my life! I was depressed for over ten months, and it showed me the way to self-forgiveness, liberating me from my shame/fear of disappointing others. I am definitely rising strong now, and I recommend it to anyone who needs help getting up when you’re down.

Well worth the read. I HAVE read twice and gifted it as well.