On the Other Hand: The Little Anthology of Big Questions

''There's an air of decency implied in the expression ‘human being'; it doesn't quite fit with the way we behave.''

Do not let the cute, charming front cover fool you. This isn't a ‘self-help' book in the mundane sense of the genre, it is rather a ‘self- awareness' book that poses questions that, most probably, we've all thought at certain points of our lives, but have been too afraid to ask. I know I have and I am only 32.

‘'On the Other Hand''...such a fitting title. Renee brings so many questions into focus, presenting the various sides of each argument but doesn't provide direct answers. This is what makes a big difference from other examples of the genre,and this is the main reason I've enjoyed this book so much.She allows us to stop and contemplate, and presents her own side in a subtle, warm way without imposing anything on the reader., In my opinion, this makes the message of the book even more powerful and the impact, at least on me, was significant. She touches upon subjects that we all face daily. Insecurity, memories, acceptance, independence, belief, life and death, and the list goes on...As I'm writing this review, my mind wonders in today's bleak news. My uncle passed away having lost a short battle with cancer,and her passage about death suddenly acquired a deeper, more personal meaning.Another subject that stood out, for me, was fear. For the first time, I came across a definition for this dreadful feeling that has been my plague for many years, and reading this helped me understand it a bit better.

As other reviewers have mentioned, this book isn't a light read and it's not for the faint of heart. It is raw and honest, too honest at certain points. You may come across passages that will challenge convictions you have retained for years, you may even disagree with some of the arguments presented. It doesn't matter, do not let that dissuade you. Everyone has a different opinion and this is the basis of every healthy arguments. At least, it should be...So, perhaps next time, we may allow ourselves ask these big questions and end up being less dogmatic and more accepting...

Many, many sincere thanks to Renee for providing me with the opportunity to read ‘'On the Other Hand''.