Book Review: Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett
As an avid reader who relishes books that delve into psychology and emotional intelligence, I was drawn to Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett. The title itself intrigued me, as I’ve often contemplated the nature of emotions and their profound impact on our lives. With a focus on both children and adults, I expected Brackett to provide valuable insights, especially given his esteemed background as a professor at Yale University’s Child Study Center and founder of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.
Brackett’s book does not disappoint. From the outset, it’s clear that he is driven by a sense of urgency about the emotional well-being crisis confronting our children and adults today. He discusses how many people suffer in silence, ashamed of their emotions and unable to manage them effectively. The core of his approach lies in the RULER framework—Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotions—which serves as a practical roadmap for cultivating emotional intelligence.
Two strengths really stood out to me. First, Brackett’s personal anecdotes, particularly his experiences with bullying and abuse, provide a heartfelt context for his research. This gives readers not just scientific backing but also a relatable narrative that reinforces the significance of emotional understanding. I found it particularly therapeutic to read how recognizing and naming emotions can influence our mental well-being—a concept he articulates beautifully.
Second, the accessibility of the content is worth noting. Unlike many academic reads filled with jargon and footnotes, Permission to Feel unfolds in a conversational tone that keeps the reader engaged. One reviewer aptly pointed out that it’s not a dry academic tone, and I could not agree more. Instead, it’s filled with warmth and honesty, making it suitable for readers of all ages, including parents navigating the emotional landscape of their children’s lives.
However, the book is not without its drawbacks. While it is designed to be practical, some readers (myself included) might find certain sections could be more concise. The wealth of information provided can feel overwhelming at times, making it difficult to digest all the strategies in one go. Additionally, while Brackett’s RULER system is effective, the emphasis on this framework can sometimes overshadow other useful emotional insights he introduces.
Overall, Permission to Feel aligns closely with the expectations set forth in both the official description and customer reviews. It serves as both a wake-up call and a user-friendly guide for understanding our emotions. I appreciated that the book emphasizes the necessity of emotional awareness and skills not just for children but for adults too; this was reflected in his statement that “What we can do” to address emotional crises.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Permission to Feel for anyone looking to enhance their emotional intelligence. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply someone looking to navigate the complexities of human emotions better, this book has the tools and insights you need. With a rating of 4.5 stars, I would say it’s a must-read. It’s time we reclaim our emotions and discover their power in our lives! I am grateful to Brackett for introducing me to the RULER system and empowering me to take actionable steps toward emotional mastery.