The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are

Why is storytelling such a key component of Brown’s practice as a researcher? What does Brown’s sharing of her personal stories offer the reader? Discuss at least two stories in your answer.

Why are courage, compassion, and connection such crucial tenets of wholehearted living? How might Brown’s definitions of these words surprise the reader in their difference from the common assumptions surrounding them?

Why is vulnerability such a crucial emotion for Brown? Why does she believe that we need to risk being vulnerable if we are to live wholeheartedly?

How would you describe Brown’s tone throughout the work? What rhetorical techniques does she use to amplify her message?

What does Brown’s research reveal about The Paradox of Shame? What other paradoxes does her work discuss, and why might so many of her conclusions seem counterintuitive?

Reread Brown’s note to the 10th-anniversary edition of her book. Based on this note, what role does Brown see self-help books as playing in solving systemic or community-wide problems?

What is Brown’s research method and background? What is grounded theory, and why is it such a key aspect of Brown’s research method? How has this particular strand of qualitative research contributed to her conclusions on wholehearted living?

How does Brown treat the challenge of being oneself in a conformist world? Why does she ultimately conclude that authenticity is worth it, even in the face of opposition from others? Refer to both the content of Brown’s book and her style of presentation in your answer.