Book Review: If You Feel Too Much: Thoughts on Things Found and Lost and Hoped For by Jamie Tworkowski

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. If You Feel Too Much is an important book from one of this generation’s most important voices.

Release Date: May 26, 2015

Age Group: Adult

Source: Review copy from publisher

Reviewed By: Kelli

Review:

I love this book!  When I read the title of If You Feel Too Much, I knew that this book would be one for me.  I live my life feeling as if I DO feel too much, and I was hoping for words of encouragement and wisdom within these pages.

If You Feel Too Much read like poetry.  The book is comprised of essays: a writing style that I really enjoy.  The format keeps the book from getting repetitive and also each chapter is like a little book in and of itself.  I liked reading one or two chapters at a time, then sitting back and thinking about what I'd just read.

The essays are soulful and beautiful.  Jamie's writing is lyrical, and the book reads almost like a song.  It was definitely a song to my heart.  I found myself crying and feeling as though my heart were being filled up with hope, peace and love as I read.

My favorite thing about If You Feel Too Much is the way I felt when I finished reading it.  This book gave me hope for our generation, knowing that there are people in the world like Jamie made me feel like we just might be okay after all.  He has devoted his life to helping others, and bringing love and light to those who are suffering.  I believe that there is no higher calling, and this world is a better place because of Jamie's work.

I highly recommend this beautiful book to anyone and everyone.