I can see this be a great book for certain. Unfortunately it didn’t resonate with me; found it to be too long winded. For example, when the question of “what is an emotion?” is brought up the author explains the limitations of current definitions but fails to provide and answer. As a result found myself reading references to “emotions” without the semantics on which to base myself. Only several chapters later is that question answered.

There are some helpful frameworks and references on to how to interpret emotions. If you are like me and like simple straight to the point guidance and/or have already done a lot work on yourself this book might not be for you.

This book puts forth some interesting premises regarding how our society misunderstands emotions. I think most of her observations have merit, but they could have been stated with less repetition. I also wish there was a bit more depth behind her explanations of the healthy and appropriate way to handle emotions. As someone who tends to stuff them away, I did not find enough info here to really understand how to begin welcoming them.

This book is a must read for anyone going through a time of intense personal crisis. It is a deep reference guide for understanding emotion that I reach for again and again to understand emotions like grief, anger and joy and what messages they are bringing into my life.

It's the kind of book that I'm still reading and will continue to read for a long time.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t feel your full range of emotions, this book is a great intro. It’s helped me be more cognizant of what I’m feeling and the depths of what I’m feeling. It’s helped me think of what questions I need to answer when I’m in those feelings to make sense of them and their gifts. Oh and “stressed out” is not an emotional state. I wasn’t into everything in the book, but I did find the explanation of emotions and some of the practices super helpful.

It's a good read to understand innate human emotions and how they work together to keep us alive and healthy and what to do if an emotion is over or under used. The things I didn't like about the book were the extreme wordiness in some places that make the book pretty lengthy and there are sections that repeat a lot (advice for how to overcome not utilizing an emotion).

Holy sh*t.

This book contains exactly what I wanted to know. the meaning of the basic emotions such as (1) Anger- tells that ur boundaries had been cross (2) Sadness - tells that u need to take a break etc etc. Dr Karla is a godsend, I really need this. Thank u very much ~

I took this book to help me understand, name, feel emotions better. There were lot of stories but I didn't think, I got the best of it. I think, I sensed lot of esoteric ideas for emotions.

The author does admits that most of the content in the book is personal anecdotes, no case studies.

Part II is the meat of the book, I think understanding purpose of each emotion, would help us to navigate life better.

I didn't think this was the best book on emotions. I am systematic in my approach and did not find it the best due to personal anecdotes. I would recommend to people who like New Age, Esoteric thought.

Deus Vult,
Gottfried