Memoir Revolution: A Social Shift that Uses Your Story to Heal, Connect, and Inspire

Product Description

In Memoir Revolution, Jerry Waxler shows how memoirs link us to the ancient, pervasive system of thought called The Story. By translating our lives into memoirs, we discover the meaning and purpose that eludes us when we view ourselves only through the lens of memory. When we share these stories, we create deep connection and mutual understanding. The author traces the emergence of the Memoir Revolution through his own journey from rebellion and chaos in the 60s; from mysticism to computers in the 70s; and from receiving talk therapy to providing it in the 80s and 90s. Through extensive commentary on over 100 memoirs, self-help and fictional works, Waxler draws you into the power of this literary movement, where you can find a voice for your own life experience."Jerry Waxler writes beautifully about his own life journey and integrates it with his deep and abiding knowledge and passion for story. His book is inspiring and welcoming to readers, writers, and teachers. I think his book could start an even bigger revolution!" -- Linda Joy Myers, PhD, therapist, founder of the National Association of Memoir Writers and author of Don't Call Me Mother and Journey of Memoir, a Workbook"This book is a manifesto, boldly declaring the value of each individual life. He has done for memoir what he is doing with his own life -- pulling meaning out of a sea of disconnected facts and turning fragments into a work of art." --Shirley Showalter, PhD, former president of Goshen College and author of the blog 100 Memoirs, a memoir, Blush: A Mennonite Girl Meets a Glittering World"The Memoir Revolution is a deeply insightful exploration of why the genre of memoir has exploded in recent years, and why we should embrace the fact that more and more “ordinary” people feel moved to write the story of their lives. Weaving psychology, history, and literature with scenes from his own life as a reader and writer, Waxler has written a unique overview of memoir as a movement and imperative." -- Martha Stettinius, Alzheimer’s activist and author of the memoir Inside the Dementia Epidemic"In a clear and precise style, Jerry Waxler weaves a remarkable vision of the relationship between story and real life. His ability to connect his personal story to the extraordinary changes in the culture provides just the right context for our understanding of how and why the memoir revolution happened. As a bonus, he also offers valuable practical advice on writing a memoir. No doubt, Memoir Revolution is an important book." -- Robert Waxler, PhD, English Professor, University of Massachusetts, cofounder of Changing Lives Through Literature, and author of memoirs, Courage to Walk and Losing Jonathan"Jerry Waxler knows memoir. Memoir Revolution is a delightful blend of literature and psychology. Part text book, part memoir, Waxler's great passion for telling and reading life stories comes through on the page. If you're writing a memoir of your own, or trying to make sense of memoir's explosive new popularity, Memoir Revolution is the book for you." --Tim Elhajj, Author of Dopefiend"Through an honest account of his own rebellious youth during the 60s, and an admission of his personal struggles to understand his own life, Waxler explains how exploring our lives and sharing them can help us break out of isolation and come together in a global community. We no longer need to be celebrities or politicians to turn life into a memoir. Waxler gives us a recipe for turning ordinary lives into stories, enabling everyone to become part of the Memoir Revolution." --Sonia Marsh, author of the memoir Freeways to Flipflops Read more