Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience

Author: Brené Brown, MSW, PhD

Read: June 2022

Genre: Non-Fiction

Format: Kindle via Libby (Local Library)

Synopsis: Using her years as a researcher on shame and vulnerability, Brené Brown and her team provide the appropriate language we need to describe common feelings we experience.

Likes: Brown breaks her chapters into experiences like “Places We Go When We’re Hurting.” “Places We Go with Others.” “Places We Go When the Heart Is Open.” “Places We Go When We Feel Wronged.” I found this specificity helpful because words are nuances. Do you feel resigned or discouraged? Many people use those words interchangeably, but they are used for different situations. Brown points out that how we choose words often stems from external factors.

“Discouraged: I’m losing my confidence and enthusiasm about any future effort—I’m losing the motivation and confidence to persist.”

“Resigned: I’ve lost my confidence and enthusiasm about any future effort—I’ve lost the motivation and confidence to persist.”

It’s a fascinating take on language and how we use it to name our feelings. I believe Brown’s point in writing this book is to show that, with the correct terminology, we can healthily process our emotions and move forward.

Comments: I’ve been a follower of Brené Brown for years, and her book, Dare to Lead, has greatly helped me grow as a leader. I wanted Atlas of the Heart to be as revelatory as Dare to Lead, but it fell flat. I think many people will find Atlas of the Heart eye-opening because most people aren’t linguistical nerds (like me) and will benefit from the nuances of language around feelings.

Rating: 4 Stars

Affiliate Link: Atlast of the Heart on Bookshop.Org