Happier with Gretchen Rubin Ep. 527: What a Favorite Book Reveals, Photo Selection Tips & Family Secrets Explored
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Mar 26, 2025 Rich Benjamin, a cultural critic and author of "Talk to Me," discusses the profound insights our favorite books and media can reveal about our identities. He shares personal stories about his family's hidden history and the complexities of his mother’s past in Haiti. Additionally, the conversation touches on a fascinating happiness hack: how we’re poor at choosing our best photos, as strangers often select more flattering images. This blend of personal revelation and psychological insight makes for an engaging listen!
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Understanding Through Media
- To understand someone better, pay attention to the books, movies, or TV shows they love.
- These choices can offer insights into their character and values.
Ministry of Time and Rogue Male
- Gretchen Rubin read "Rogue Male" after encountering it in "The Ministry of Time".
- Reading it helped her understand the character who loved it.
Gilead and Unspoken Messages
- In Marilynne Robinson's "Gilead," a wife's love for a specific novel reveals a message to her husband.
- This demonstrates how shared media can communicate unspoken feelings.
