Brené with Elizabeth Lesser on the Power of Women’s Stories

In 'Cassandra Speaks,' Elizabeth Lesser delves into the myths and stories that have shaped our culture, particularly those that have marginalized women. The book is divided into three parts: the first part examines the historical and cultural stories that have influenced our perceptions of women; the second part redefines what it means to be courageous, daring, and strong from a feminine perspective; and the third part offers tools and exercises for inner strength and personal growth. Lesser argues that by changing these stories, we can change our lives and create a more compassionate and equitable world. She draws on her own life experiences, research on gender, and cultural myths to provide a compelling narrative that encourages readers to reclaim their own stories and challenge patriarchal values.

In 'Broken Open,' Elizabeth Lesser shares a blend of moving stories, humorous insights, practical guidance, and personal memoir to help readers navigate life’s challenges. The book emphasizes the choice between being broken down by adversity or being 'broken open' and transformed by it. Lesser draws on her own experiences, including divorce and single motherhood, as well as stories from others who have faced significant hardships, to illustrate the 'Phoenix Process' of growth through pain and loss. The book combines spiritual and psychological perspectives to offer readers a path towards wisdom, love, and personal transformation.

In 'Marrow: A Love Story', Elizabeth Lesser recounts the journey of her sister Maggie's battle with cancer and the need for a bone marrow transplant. Lesser, who is the perfect match, delves into the complexities of their relationship, examining family history, having difficult conversations, and offering forgiveness. The book is a profound exploration of love—love of other, love of self, and love of the world—highlighting how even the most challenging experiences can lead to unexpected spiritual growth and deeper connections.

In this book, Elizabeth Lesser synthesizes lessons from the world's wisdom traditions and intertwines them with personal anecdotes and meditative exercises. She guides readers through the four landscapes of the spiritual journey: the mind (learning meditation to ease stress and anxiety), the heart (dealing with grief, loss, and pain), the body (healing and overcoming the fear of aging and death), and the soul (experiencing daily life as an adventure of meaning and mystery). The book is designed to help readers create a personal practice, gauge their progress, and choose effective spiritual teachers and habits.

In this book, Isabel Wilkerson argues that racism in the United States is part of a broader caste system—a society-wide system of social stratification characterized by hierarchy, inclusion, and exclusion. She defines eight pillars that underlie caste systems across civilizations, including divine will, heredity, and dehumanization. Wilkerson uses historical documentation, insightful analogies, and powerful anecdotes to illustrate how this caste system permeates American society, affecting people's lives and behavior. The book also explores the consequences of caste and the possibility of a world without it, emphasizing the need for collective effort to dismantle such systems.

Written in the early 16th century, 'The Prince' is a realistic instruction guide for new rulers. Machiavelli argues that an effective leader must be skilled in the art of war, sometimes cruel, and willing to use deception and manipulation to achieve political goals. The book is divided into chapters that discuss various types of principalities, how to acquire and maintain power, and the qualities a prince should possess. Machiavelli uses historical examples, including the career of Cesare Borgia, to illustrate his points. The treatise emphasizes the importance of maintaining the goodwill of the people and the stability of the state, even if it means deviating from traditional virtues. 'The Prince' remains a controversial but influential work in modern political philosophy.

In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.