in the first three days of January 2024, I removed all the books from my home library and gave all the shelves a good dusting. While cleaning, reorganizing, and inventorying (872 books), I found myself setting books I wanted to read aside into a pile. I was really going to read them (was I making a New Year’s resolution?). With the shelves newly organized, I pulled the second book off the stack; it was Tell Me More is a memoir authored by Kelly Corrigan. I am not sure I would refer to it as one, but more a collection of stories; which is why the subtitle of the book “Stories about the 12 hardest things I’m learning to say” is more fitting.  The collection of essays explores the power of the right words at the right time. Corrigan writes about the art of No. “One friend told me her one big takeaway from three years and $11,000 of therapy was learn to say no. And when you do, don’t complain, and don’t explain. Every excuse you make is like an invitation to ask you again in a different way (122).” She writes about the art of an apology “According to my mother, the cornerstone of a proper apology is taking responsibility, and the capstone is naming the transgression. Contrition must be felt and conveyed. Finally, apologies are better served plainly, hold the rationalization. In other words, I’m sorry should be followed by a pause or period, not by but and never by you (143).” She speaks of the art of boundaries and respect “After trying a few different comebacks to You’re so brave and What a wakeup call, I found the best answer was ‘Into every life, some rain must fall’ (64).”

Each of Corrigan’s essays are personal and offer insights on the importance of communication and vulnerability, inspiring readers to connect more deeply with themselves and others. The book can be summed up with the art of listening “But you have to, you have taken the time to ask the right questions, think it through, keep collecting information” (68), and “Knowing people takes time (102).” Have you read this book? What lesson resonated with you?