Brown (social work, Univ. of Houston) has spent years exploring courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. While relating her own difficult wilderness journey to experience a sense of self and a sense of belonging, the author challenges listeners to navigate our own "wildernesses" and find our personal paths to connection. She believes this can be done through learning to trust oneself and making oneself trustworthy to others; getting to know people whom one considers very different; and seeking out moments of togetherness. Talking with a variety of people, including Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, and middle school students, Brown offers inspiration and tools to work toward the goal of true connection. One quote from a middle school student, "If I get to be me, I belong. If I have to be like you, I fit in," offers an excellent definition of belonging and feeling comfortable. Brown capably narrates. VERDICT The book provides food for thought to all about their world view. Recommended. ["Mixing research, storytelling, and honesty, the author leads readers in becoming courageous and finding meaning in uncertainty": LJ 10/1/17 review of the Random hc.]-Cheryl Youse, Norman Park, GA © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

How to foster fellowship through fearlessness and visibility.In her latest book, following three bestsellers, Brown (Univ. of Houston Graduate College of Social Work; Rising Strong, 2015, etc.) turns her attention to cultivating community and the power of belonging in the midst of an era of disconnection. Openly sharing her own history of insecurity, self-destructiveness, vulnerability, and maturation while her quarrelsome parents repeatedly relocated, the author admits to finding inspiration from those she believes have "shaped the world with their courage and creativity," a list that includes J.K. Rowling and Maya Angelou. Through the result of an extensive research study, Brown discovered, despite the increasing distractions of contemporary daily life, an innate and persistent need for people to experience a real connection to others and how that need can be compromised by a fear of conflict or intolerance from loved ones or respected peers. The author examines the pain of loneliness and how anxiety and uncertainty can undermine focused efforts to engage socially. Also emerging from her fieldwork data are a few elements of true belonging, which encourage readers to get closer to those who are different, set boundaries, propagate trust and truth in yourself and others, learn the art of listening, and be "more curious than defensive, all while seeking moments of togetherness." She writes that time and patience are required to cultivate the unique kind of courage necessary to achieve each of these goals, but the tools are accessible and the rewards are great. Grounded by moving interviews, case studies, her experience spearheading four educational companies, and a winning combination of perceptiveness and humor, Brown's enthusiastic narrative urges readers to discover their own "wilderness" by culling the strength and determination (and risk) necessary to truly live "from our wild heart rather than our weary hurt." Nothing truly groundbreaking, but an enthusiastic, practical guide to achieving a healthy sense of interconnectedness within one's culture and communityand likely another bestseller for Brown. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.