Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience

Author: Brené Brown

What is the book about as a whole? 

The author drew from her research to identify 86 different emotions with definitions, examples, and distinctions. 

What is being said in detail, and how?

The author identified different emotions and how they are identified by people who experience them as well as those who researched them. The author provided context for the book, the research conducted, and the findings. Each chapter has a theme and the emotions related to the theme. For example, the author made a distinction between jealousy and envy, as well as shame and guilt. 

Is the book true, in whole or in part?

The book drew from research that the author has conducted as well as research of others. It came from a place of research to help people understand what they may be feeling. I believe the book to be true. However, it is important to note that as a Christian who cares deeply about biblical literacy, the way the researchers define certain words may contradict how the Bible defines the exact words. So when reading the Bible, it is important to use the biblical definition rather than the clinical definition of the words such as love, joy, and hate. 

Why does the author think it is important to know these things?

The better people can identify their emotions and use precise words, the better it is to build empathy, connection, and belonging. It is healthier for people to have the words to express themselves clearly and be precise with what they are experiencing. It will also help with coping with emotions. 

Impressions

The book felt long, and it took time to read and understand what was written and the definition presented. Since it has everything to do with emotion, it was a bit triggering as I was reading it, and it was helpful to keep a journal and document the feeling and the memories I associate with the feelings. 

Who Should Read It?

Anyone interested and desires to get to know themselves and other people better about their experiences and their feelings. For people who want to be accurate with their words and expressions. 

How the Book changed me (thoughts, ideas, behavior)  

This book helped me to think more deeply about complex emotions. We all have them, and the difference is now I have the vocabulary to name them. It helps me process better when I know what I am talking about. It is an essential step towards emotional health. 

My Top 3 Quotes

1.  It is not fear that stops you from doing the brave and true thing in your daily life. Rather, the problem is avoidance.

2. that simple, boring tasks or mundane activities can allow our minds to wander, daydream, and create. The lack of stimulation that defines “being bored” gives our imagination room to play and grow.

3. Curiosity is recognizing a gap in our knowledge about something that interests us, and becoming emotionally and cognitively invested in closing that gap through exploration and learning. Curiosity often starts with interest and can range from mild curiosity to passionate investigation.