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I just got around to reading this and, clearly, it has resonance for our earlier conversation on grief. As I mentioned in that thread, I cannot stand self-help books, even ones like Brene Brown's whose books I'm almost constantly having people quote at me. It isn't that she's wrong about a lot. It's more that it's pat, smug, and way too easy.

As your post said, too many people feel better by just buying the book (or listening to the Ted Talk) and then don't achieve true healing. It's so much easier to spout off a few platitudes and seem wise than it is to do the work of self-reflection and actual growth. We're a fast food culture and that extends to practically everything. Frustrating.

I do find it a good sign that at least the number of self help books is dwindling. Hopefully, that's a good thing.

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