In a world filled with different narratives, perspectives, and experiences, the power of storytelling is the universal thread that weaves us together. Never has the time felt more urgent to find common ground between us. In an age of cancel culture, fake news, and history denial, society has devolved into finger-pointing and name-calling when they disagree. Individuals hide behind screen names and blast hateful comments like word bombs across social media feeds, collectively destroying the act of civil discourse.
Rebel Readers Cleveland is working to change how we communicate and connect, one conversation at a time. That's why we decided to focus on the genre of memoirs and non-fiction for this year's season.
Memoirs, as a genre, have an unmatched ability to connect us to a kind of truth we are not privy to in fiction. Once the memoirist puts pen to paper sharing their story and offering it to the public for consumption and critique, it no longer wholly belongs to them. They have given their story away, like an artifact in a museum, it will be examined, discussed, and studied. Their life, which they have so vulnerably shared, will be judged. As the reader, we are given power, as to how we will interpret their truth.
The very act of reading and discussing memoirs brings us closer together more so than any other genre because we validate the author by reading their story and accept their truth by discussing their point of view.
Here are three reasons why we believe this genre can connect us more deeply.
The Memoirist is a Vulnerable Storyteller The act of writing a memoir, of sharing a personal story, is to say "I want you to know me, I want you to know my story because it's important to me that I share my story with you." It's not an easy thing to do. Beloved memoirist Anne Lamott said, "Vulnerability is the essence of good writing." Why? Because otherwise, the story is just another protected narrative saying, "I'm fine, everything is fine," and let's be honest, no one wants to read that story. Good writing requires the writer to strip away the protective mask we all wear when interfacing with everyday reality. The memoirist must be a vulnerable storyteller, to expose their truth.
"Vulnerability is the essence of good writing." - Anne Lamott
Developing Empathy Through Shared Experiences Memoirs hold a unique ability to evoke empathy by allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the author's personal stories. Exploring someone's triumphs, struggles, and vulnerabilities provides a deeper understanding of their life journey, and when we get to know them we simultaneously hold up a mirror to better see the truth within ourselves. Author Khalil Gibran has said of this experience, "Truth is a profound kindness that guides us to find fulfillment in our daily lives and spread joy to those around us." This shared emotional experience fosters connections and builds empathy, promoting unity over division.
“Truth is a deep kindness that teaches us to be content in our everyday life and share with the people the same happiness.” —Khalil Gibran
Inspiring Resilience and Hope Memoirs often chronicle tales of resilience, courage, and transformation. By witnessing the author's journey of growth and self-discovery, readers are inspired to navigate their challenges with renewed strength and determination. As famed author Mark Twain said, "Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear." These real-life stories of being courageous by overcoming adversity resonate with readers from all walks of life, instilling hope and a sense of solidarity in the face of life's trials.
“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.” - Mark Twain
In today's society, characterized by division and polarization, the importance of finding bonds through shared humanity has never been more crucial. As we navigate through a world marred by hate and conflict, it is through the universal language of storytelling that we can rediscover our common ground. By embracing the diversity of personal narratives and experiences, we can build bridges that unite us in our shared humanity.
In a time where differences often take precedence over similarities, memoirs serve as a reminder of the underlying connections that bind us all. Through the power of storytelling, we find solace in shared emotions, strength in collective resilience, and hope in the unifying power of humanity.
Rebel Readers will use this year to embrace the magic of memoirs, the stories that weave a tapestry of truths that transcend boundaries and unite us in our shared experiences. As we immerse ourselves in the personal narratives of others, may we cultivate empathy, understanding, and compassion, paving the way for a more connected and compassionate world.
I can’t speak for Nina, but I’m pretty confident she would have loved your whole program and specifically the choice of to have the two women you’ve lined up discuss The Bright Hour. We discussed death doulas when her mom was dying back in 2015, and in retrospect I wish we’d have found one for Nina’s end of life care. It’s such an important conversation and I’m thrilled you’re reading TBH as part of it.
Thank you.
John Duberstein (Nina’s husband)