Rising Strong

How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

By: Brené Brown

Narrated by: Brené Brown

Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write the ending.

Don’t miss the five-part HBO Max docuseries Brené Brown: Atlas of the Heart!

Social scientist Brené Brown has ignited a global conversation on courage, vulnerability, shame, and worthiness. Her pioneering work uncovered a profound truth: Vulnerability—the willingness to show up and be seen with no guarantee of outcome—is the only path to more love, belonging, creativity, and joy. But living a brave life is not always easy: We are, inevitably, going to stumble and fall.

It is the rise from falling that Brown takes as her subject in Rising Strong. As a grounded theory researcher, Brown has listened as a range of people—from leaders in Fortune 500 companies and the military to artists, couples in long-term relationships, teachers, and parents—shared their stories of being brave, falling, and getting back up. She asked herself, What do these people with strong and loving relationships, leaders nurturing creativity, artists pushing innovation, and clergy walking with people through faith and mystery have in common? The answer was clear: They recognize the power of emotion and they’re not afraid to lean in to discomfort.

Walking into our stories of hurt can feel dangerous. But the process of regaining our footing in the midst of struggle is where our courage is tested and our values are forged. Our stories of struggle can be big ones, like the loss of a job or the end of a relationship, or smaller ones, like a conflict with a friend or colleague. Regardless of magnitude or circumstance, the rising strong process is the same: We reckon with our emotions and get curious about what we’re feeling; we rumble with our stories until we get to a place of truth; and we live this process, every day, until it becomes a practice and creates nothing short of a revolution in our lives. Rising strong after a fall is how we cultivate wholeheartedness. It’s the process, Brown writes, that teaches us the most about who we are.

ONE OF GREATER GOOD’S FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE YEAR

“[Brené Brown’s] research and work have given us a new vocabulary, a way to talk with each other about the ideas and feelings and fears we’ve all had but haven’t quite known how to articulate. . . . Brené empowers us each to be a little more courageous.”—The Huffington Post

©2015 Brené Brown (P)2015 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"[Brené Brown’s] research and work have given us a new vocabulary, a way to talk with each other about the ideas and feelings and fears we’ve all had but haven’t quite known how to articulate.... Brené empowers us each to be a little more courageous." (The Huffington Post)

"With a fresh perspective that marries research and humor, Brown offers compassion while delivering thought-provoking ideas about relationships - with others and with oneself." (Publishers Weekly)

"It is inevitable - we will fall. We will fail. We will not know how to react or what to do. No matter how or when it happens, we will all have a choice - do we get up or not? Thankfully, Brené Brown is there with an outstretched arm to help us up." (Simon Sinek, author of Start with Why and Leaders Eat Last)

Buying this Book is investing in Yourself.....

Would you listen to Rising Strong again? Why?

I recommend listening to this book and then reading it in hard back so you can mark up the book and/or make notes easier than using the bookmark feature in audible. I did my audible and reading simultaneously. Some of the ideas in this book are not new but what Dr. Brown has done is flesh out so many nuggets I had to start journaling just to keep up.

This is incredible work and the effort she goes to in exposing her own very personal & vulnerable moments, as teaching opportunities, is a testament to her belief in the power of these precepts. I've experienced personal breakthroughs from this book that have already created more positive communication with my spouse and children, not to mention assisted me in understanding other of my demons.

Who was your favorite character and why?

You'll love Sewer Rats & Scofflaws and the story of the "icing wiper". I laughed out loud throughout that entire chapter. How we can all judge! AND, never think about how or why we do it.

Which scene was your favorite?

I think the story about her Me-Ma was touching and very educational. So much of what our grand parents learned (endured) during and around the depression should be learned again. Forgiveness and the ability to receive or ask for help are not discussed or understood near enough these days.

What did you learn from Rising Strong that you would use in your daily life?

I'm a firm believer, and it's now renewed, that for the most part we are all doing the best we can and if we can forgive ourselves for "perceived" failings, we can finally and necessarily forgive others. By far, however, the simple statement, "The story I'm creating sounds like this" has been the most powerfull tool in our family's communication since reading this book. So many false grains of course sand have evolved into smooth pearls of truth. We have to smash those pearls.

Any additional comments?

Find a friend you can trust, or a counselor who will, or has, read this book, and work on it in tandem or in a group setting. Amazing things will happen.........

Very insightful

Once again Dr. Brown asks the important questions about human behavior patterns and the perfectionist who can't believe in the strange world of difference among people. This book focuses question are all people doing the best they can or are we just lazy, incompetent, self-indulgent slobs? If we are all doing the best we can, why isn't the world a happier place for many? The results of her other research studies addressed in early books are also revisited in Rising Stronger; shame, being judgmental, and reaching greatness. I found the results of her research fascinating and useful to me in my everyday life as I struggle to keep positive in negative environments. A must read for Brene Brown fans. Humorous and Sad at the same time.

Highly recommend this book

Love that Brené reads her own books more often than not. It adds to the authenticity. I loved hearing the stories of her Texan roots and all the things that she and all of us attach to ourselves as labels. Brené is modelling the way for everyone in telling all of her shitty stories. It is a relief to know there is an expert that struggles with life like the rest of us in spite of the knowledge. Most just like to tell us how perfect they are. Brené's concepts work and have changed my life for the good. Everyone should read this book.

inspiring and deep thinking with new perspective

This was very good. The author does a great job telling her story. The book does have a story fill to it. It takes you on a journey that has you placing yourself in the same position and examining your own life to see a different perspective that can lift you, if you allow it, to a higher conscience of thinking so you can save yourself and others time and pain in the future.
I loved it. I would recommend it to those who are trying to improve on their awareness.

this book can crack your heart right open.

I heart Brene Brown and her research. I personally found this book incredibly insightful and helpful. Ms Brown's narration is excellent. The conversational tone and text made me feel like I was listening to a friend tell deep purposeful stories.

Life Changing

I LOVED this book! Dr. Brené Brown is so down to earth and relatable. I definitely recommend this book for insight on how to rise strong when life knocks you down. This book can change your life!

Amazing, would recommend it to anyone.

This book teaches us about ourselves and how we can be better, more compassionate, more understanding, more courageous. It forces us to look inside ourselves.

i just love her books!!!

her teachings about vulnerability changed my life: my relationship with myself and others became so full of empathy, love and understanding!!!
i feel so much closer and loving with myself and others around me.
thank you Brene.

Fantastic book

This is a must read book, very powerful. As a man I find the information very relevant and its presented in a way that is approachable. I like that the author does the reading.

A must read

This should be required reading for any human being with feelings. Seriously, life changing stuff.