Louder Than a Whisper: Clearer Than a Bell

As always, Renée's books are a delight to read. They prompt you into thinking, perhaps understanding past and current choices and principles that have accompanied us all our lives. In this book, she deals with difficult issues that make home in our unconscious like pride, desire, suffering, betrayal.

I could definitely relate to the chapter about desire and I plead guilty to the crime of anticipation over Christmas gifts and the brief feeling of sadness when everything is opened (and perhaps, accounted for? :) ) However, I do not consider this a negative feeling, there are certain things that will always make us feel like children and I think this is as it should be. If we were adults in all aspects of our lives, we would make for very boring company. Another issue I could recognise and feel familiar with is the notion of driftness once work stops, either because we are on well-deserved vacations or because the time has come for us to retire.I am on holidays right now and I already feel bored and somehow disorientated. It happens every year and the heat doesn't make me feel rested. It makes me more irritated than usual and trust me, I get irritated every so often rather easily.

The chapter that had me thinking a lot was the one dedicated to opinions.I agree with Renée on certain parts. I always try to include the phrase ‘'in my opinion'' in my reviews and in my daily interactions in my social circle and my job. Even in my class, even with my parents with whom I feel 100% free and relaxed. This is my habit, I don't want to impose and enforce my views on anyone, even though I know that I am right (sometimes:) ) I've always been shy, so I seldom offer my opinion unless I am specifically asked. I see it as a way to avoid unnecessary conflicts, because I get easily angry and I am able to utter words I will later regret. It has happened many times, and to tell you the truth, most of the conflicts we are involved in and don't concern us are a waste of time. Other times, I see it as my way to protect my personal space. Still, when I am really disturbed by an issue or a case of injustice that's taking place in front of my eyes, I will speak up. And all Hell breaks loose then.

I think that out of the 3 books by Renée that I had the pleasure to read, Louder than a Whisper contains the most controversial issues. It's not for everyone. There were a few moments when I lifted my eyes from the page and thought ‘'wait a minute, I've never thought of it this way'' or I found myself disagreeing. The latter doesn't matter, she provides the food for thought. The way I see it, major revelations and discoveries start with doubts. Doubting principles we've always retained or disagreeing is perfectly healthy and even desirable in our day and age. It's thinking that always lead somewhere. In my opinion....

Many thanks to Renée for giving me the opportunity to read her work.