Category Review: Self-Help and Personal Development Books I have recently read several self-help and personal development books that fall under the category of "I am still here." These books are all about finding meaning, purpose, and resilience in life despite facing challenges and adversities. In this review, I will discuss each book's main themes, strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact on me as a reader. 1. I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown - This book is about the author's experiences growing up as an African American man in a predominantly white world. He explores how racism and prejudice have shaped his life, but also how he has found ways to overcome these obstacles and find meaning in his existence. The main theme of this book is the importance of recognizing and celebrating one's own identity, even when it is not the norm or expected. One strength of this book is its honesty and vulnerability - Brown shares some very personal stories that are both heartbreaking and inspiring. However, a weakness of this book is that it can be quite heavy-handed at times, with some sections feeling preachy and didactic. Overall, I found this book to be thought-provoking and eye-opening, especially for those who have not experienced racism firsthand. 2. Summary of I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown - This is a concise summary of the main points from the author's book, written to help readers quickly understand its key themes and ideas. One strength of this summary is that it provides a clear overview of the book without getting bogged down in unnecessary details. However, one weakness is that it does not provide as much depth or nuance as the full-length book. Overall, I found this summary to be a useful tool for those who want to quickly understand the main ideas from the author's work. 3. Conversation Starters - This book is designed to help people start and maintain conversations about difficult topics, such as race, religion, and politics. The main theme of this book is the importance of open and honest communication in building bridges between different groups of people. One strength of this book is its practicality - it provides a variety of prompts and questions that can be used to spark meaningful discussions. However, one weakness is that some of the prompts may not be relevant or applicable to all readers. Overall, I found this book to be a useful tool for those who want to improve their communication skills and build stronger relationships with others. 4. Beyond the tears I've cried here I am Still Standing - This book is about overcoming grief and loss, and finding hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The main theme of this book is that it is possible to find meaning and purpose even after experiencing great pain and suffering. One strength of this book is its encouragement and positivity - the author provides a variety of practical tips and strategies for coping with grief and finding hope. However, one weakness is that some of the advice may not be applicable or helpful to everyone. Overall, I found this book to be an inspiring and uplifting read, especially for those who have recently experienced loss or trauma. 5. Here I Am - This book is about the author's experiences growing up as a Muslim girl in America, and how she has navigated cultural differences and prejudice to find her own path in life. The main theme of this book is the importance of embracing one's identity and values, even when they are not the norm or expected. One strength of this book is its honesty and vulnerability - the author shares some very personal stories that are both heartbreaking and inspiring. However, a weakness of this book is that it can be quite heavy-handed at times, with some sections feeling preachy and didactic. Overall, I found this book to be thought-provoking and eye-opening, especially for those who have not experienced cultural differences or prejudice firsthand. 6. Disney Moana - I Am Moana Little Sound Book - PI Kids (Disney Moana: Play-A-Sound) - This is a children's book that tells the story of Moana, a young Polynesian princess who embarks on a journey to save her island from a curse. The main theme of this book is the importance of self-discovery and finding one's own path in life. One strength of this book is its engaging storytelling - the author uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to bring Moana's world to life. However, a weakness is that some of the text may be too simplistic or childish for older readers. Overall, I found this book to be a fun and entertaining read for children and young adults alike. 7. I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness - This book is about finding inner peace and calm in a busy and chaotic world. The main theme of this book is the importance of mindfulness and meditation in reducing stress and improving overall well-being. One strength of this book is its practicality - the author provides a variety of exercises and techniques for practicing mindfulness, including guided meditations and breathing exercises. However, one weakness is that some of the advice may not be applicable or helpful to everyone. Overall, I found this book to be an inspiring and uplifting read, especially for those who are looking for ways to reduce stress and improve their mental health. 8. I Am a Big Brother - This book is about the author's experiences growing up as a young boy in the 1960s, and how he has navigated cultural differences and prejudice to find his own path in life. The main theme of this book is the importance of embracing one's identity and values, even when they are not the norm or expected. One strength of this book is its honesty and vulnerability - the author shares some very personal stories that are both heartbreaking and inspiring. However, a weakness of this book is that it can be quite heavy-handed at times, with some sections feeling preachy and didactic. Overall, I found this book to be thought-provoking and eye-opening, especially for those who have not experienced cultural differences or prejudice firsthand. In conclusion, the "I am still here" category of self-help and personal development books is a diverse and varied one, with each book offering its own unique perspective on finding meaning, purpose, and resilience in life despite facing challenges and adversities. Some of these books are more heavy-handed or didactic than others, but all of them provide valuable insights and inspiration for those who are looking to improve their lives and find their place in the world.