If You Feel Too Much by Jamie Tworkowski
Review by Lauren
Source: copy for review; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: In 2006 Jamie Tworkowski wrote a story called “To Write Love on Her
Arms” about helping a friend through her struggle with drug addiction,
depression, and self-injury. The piece was so hauntingly beautiful that
it quickly went viral, giving birth to a non-profit organization of the
same name. Nine years later, To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) is an
internationally-recognized leader in suicide prevention and a source of
hope, encouragement, and resources for people worldwide.
Jamie’s
words have been shared hundreds of thousands of times online. They’ve
shown up on T-shirts and posters and even tattoos. Now, for the first
time, Jamie’s writing is available in the form of a book. If You Feel Too Much
is a celebration of hope, wonder, and what it means to be human. From
personal stories of struggling on days most people celebrate to offering
words of strength and encouragement in moments of loss, the essays in
this book invite readers to believe that it’s okay to admit to pain and
it’s okay to ask for help.
Review: I have known about To Write Love on Her Arms for years now. So many of my favorite bands would wear the t-shirts and you could find everyday people doing the same. It was a wonderful movement that offered support and understanding to those that were dealing with addiction, self-injury, depression, and more. Reading this book (a collection of blog posts, etc. from Jamie) showed me that it’s a lot more than that too. This is a book, a belief, for everyone. We all have bad days and hardships and it’s important that we realize that this is life. It’s okay to step back and get help. It’s okay to ask for help because this is our one life and it is important.
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| do not own photo – source |
I hadn’t been following Jamie’s blog posts, so none of these stories were anything I had read before. Regardless, I think it’s nice to have one full collection of thoughts and stories. This is a book that you can read chapter by chapter, or jump around to one that seems to suit you best at that moment. Because this book was essentially written over many years, there are repeated thoughts and ideas. This might be repetitive if you’re reading the book straight through – like I did – but at the same time, these are thoughts and ideas that should be repeated over and over. Some people need to hear them on a regular basis because it’s easy to forget.
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| do not own photo – source |
If You Feel Too Much is a relatively slim book, but it’s full of power and hope. It’s a gift that anyone could love.
It sounds like a different and interesting book even if it's not really what we're used to.
This sounds like a helpful movement for those in need and I'm sure having it in book form will only widen its appeal. Great review Lauren.
I have been a HUGE supporter of this movement for years, but had no idea that Jamie had released a book – definitely planning on checking this out!
xx
What a fascinating premise for a book, the blog post formats and the subject matter would definitely make it interesting.
Wow this sounds really interesting.
Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird
Intrigued by the cover. Sounds like a book with a difference, I'm sure this will be a fascinating and inspiring read.
Seems like a very different book from what I've read but I'd like to. One of my best friend has been struggling with depression and it makes me so sad to not know how to help him!
Thanks for the recommendation.
Sounds like an informative and helpful read. I like that it is taken from a blog.
If You Feel Too Much sounds truly fantastic, Lauren! I had not heard of Jamie's project, nor this book, so thanks for the review! I'm checking this out 🙂
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
This sounds like an amazing read! I am the worst (read, really really bad) person about asking for help. I hate doing it even when I am up to my eyeballs or worse, drowning, in things to do or in emotions. I struggle with this all the time and am trying to be better at asking for help, even for little things like taking out the garbage or having my kids empty the dishwasher. Seriously, I'm that bad.
Anyways, this sounds like a wonderful read and one that I would really enjoy. Thanks so much for putting this one my radar!
This sounds wonderful, both uplifting and inspiring. Many people will benefit from reading the book. This is the first time I'm seeing If You Feel Too Much.
Huh, I'll have to look into that blog and movement because this is the first I'm hearing of it. Especially if Jamie has such a following like you say, then there must be worth there and I'm curious to find out more about it.
The power and hope in this one sounds great
Great inspiration! Thanks for sharing!!
Baci,
Coco et La vie en rose – Valeria Arizzi
Oh my word, I am having a nostalgic moment here. This was one of the most compelling books I have ever read Lauren. I remember even now, how it mirrored many of my own personal qualms. It truly inspired and helped shed light in the dark days where I myself, struggled with suicidal tendencies. Lovely review <3
I also remember To Write Love on Her Arms! Man, was that really nine years ago? D: I'm going to check this one out, for sure. I could always use reminders that it will be okay and that I'm not alone. Nice review.
I heard more about it last year, and definitely so important, and yeah, some things in the book may be repetitive, but bad thoughts are, so you need those good thoughts to repeat just as much.
Woah, sounds like it really deals with some super heavy topics! I think the repetitiveness would get to me, though?? I get so frustrated with books that say something over and oooover and over. BUT STILL. I'm glad this was a good book and I'm intrigued!
Thanks for stopping by @ Paper Fury!
My kids all wore these t-shirts when they were in high school. Sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for sharing Lauren.
I think I would enjoy this book because of the message it's obviously trying to transmit. Great review, Lauren!
Marianne @ <a href="http://boricuanbookworms.com'>Boricuan Bookworms</a>