Get a physical copy

The story is moving and there are some great writing prompts, but personally I didn’t really do them because I listen to audible while driving usually. If you want to take the time to bookmark the parts with writing prompts and then go back to them later, this is a fine selection for you. If not, I’d recommend getting an actually physical copy of the book so you can work through the book at your own pace.

8 people found this helpful

Excellent Book and Resource

I bought this book after my father died from
dementia. I have been journaling for some time and I’m drawn to writing about my life. I was interested in how others deal with loss and trauma. The Story You Need to Tell did not disappoint. It was full of compelling stories, terrific ideas for beginning a healing story, and the science to back up the claim that trauma can healed with writing. Writing can be a lifesaver. I’m so glad I listened to the book. More importantly, I have started to write the story I need to tell.

6 people found this helpful

An excellent guide to greater self-understanding

Toward the end of this well-crafted work, a wise and courageous elderly gentleman, nearing the end of his life, tells the author he understands the value of writing, but “I just don’t like to do it.” He then proceeds to write several stories of key events in his life that his family now treasures. The Story You Need to Tell provides many such uplifting examples of the value of journal and story writing for those facing personal challenges, disease, loss, or trauma. But for those of us who, like the wise gentleman, understand the value of writing but dislike the actual process of writing, the author’s numerous ideas and prompts provide an excellent guide that can lead us to a higher level of self-understanding as we deal with the slings and arrows that life inevitably sends our way.

5 people found this helpful

Nothing less than TRANSFORMATIVE!!!

There are dozens upon dozens of books on available on Amazon and in book stores regarding expressive writing, journaling, writing for wellness, mindfulness, and so on. Many say virtually the same things. They contain lists of why journaling or expressive writing is cathartic or therapeutic. Some even provide lists of subjects about which to write, while others provide a “structured” approach. However, finding one in which the author established the concepts based on hundreds of legitimate research studies addressing healing and promoting a healthy brain activity is another matter.

As a writer, writing about chronic pain (which affects all biopsychosocial domains of life), I found this book a wealth of life-changing ideas and concepts, all of which are straightforward yet inspirational. Marinella shares real-life stories and examples that precisely illustrate the concepts she presents. Her style of writing is very readable and digestible. These two characteristic are essential considering the subject.

The subtitle reads, “Writing to Heal From Trauma, Illness or Loss.” However, if anyone desires to share their story or create a legacy work to share for future generations, they too will realize great benefit. You need not be in the throes of life challenges to enjoy this work.

Last, if any military leaders or government officials in state or federal leadership positions read this, please heed my next remarks. We lose 20 American soldiers per day to their own hand after being discharged from their service to our nation. Providing this work and encouragement to them would likely reduce that number to near zero. “The Story You Need To Tell” should be required reading for anyone who serves in a forward area at war or law enforcement, and definitely readily available in every VA hospital.

If I had to describe “The Story You Need to Tell” in one word, that word would be TRANSFORMATIVE.

3 people found this helpful

A Must Read

Something for everyone in this memoir of the author's road to healing through writing, including stories from others who also found solace in their own reflections and words, From years of experience teaching writing, Marinella includes guidance and prompts at the end of each chapter for readers to start their own storytelling journey. A wonderful read and listen!

2 people found this helpful

loveeeeeee

I suffered two traumatic brain injuries Within 2 years the second traumatic brain injury changed my whole life due to a car accident I've been having such a struggle writing my story since listening to this book I have been able to start putting my story on paper! Which is been huge for my healing process thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you so much for writing this book I will definitely be sharing this book with everybody that I know!

1 person found this helpful

very insightful

I love this book and it help me think through a lot of things about my own writing!

1 person found this helpful

Inspiring Book That Changed My Life

I loved this book. It changed my life. I had been writing stories of growing up with a mentally I'll mother, but the prompts and stories in this book gave me the motivation I needed to keep going and dig deeper.

The author fills the book with her own personal story of dealing with cancer and how writing about it helped her manage the emotional roller coaster of that experience. She adds the stories of others and then she gives the reader a writing prompt at the end of each chapter.

I did not connect with the narrator of this audio book. Her delivery was too perfect as if she was trying too hard to enunciate each word perfectly. it felt very staged and impersonal. Despite that, the content was so wonderful that I finished the book and I will recommend it to others.

1 person found this helpful

Read this for every reason

This! Whether you intend to publish your book, keep it to yourself or burn it, this book helps heal in a way I've never thought of. If you do intend to publish, this helps you get to places within yourself that inspire the best story, the best flow and get over being stuck or other beliefs that hold you back. This is for you!

Transformational impact

Although an often used buzz word, transformational is how I was moved by this book. I've read it, I've listened to it, I've taken twoof the author's work shops. An author's goal is to move the reader, to change the reader, the story arc filling expectations for a difference and change. This book nailed that goal for me. And reflecting on it as I write, I think it is a lesson for every age, culture, place in life and the world. I highly recommend this and Sandra!!