Loving Corrections
Emergent Strategy Series
Probing, fierce, and honest, the essays of Loving Corrections advocate for more compassionate, inclusive understandings of family, community, and oneself.
The twenty-five essays in this book tackle a wide range of topics, including family conflict, disability justice, white supremacy, climate change, the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on social networks, and Israel-Palestine. With a piercing self-awareness, adrienne maree brown confesses that most of the pain she caused others was born of “false superiorities, which made me believe I deserved more of the goodness of existence for doing less physical, mental, or emotional work.” Issuing a nuanced call for revolution, she urges others to examine how their privileges and fears affect the way they see themselves and the world.
In an insightful essay on Ursula LeGuin, brown indicates that she reads science fiction to learn “new ways to transform the world.” Featuring rare excerpts from LeGuin’s letters, the essay examines the maturation of the lead character in The Dispossessed, who reconsiders what brings him pleasure and chooses accountability when caught between two worlds—one of physical wealth and luxury, the other of deep relationships and community.
A chapter on “righting family” features an extended interview between brown and her two sisters. Despite their distinct personalities, memories, and life choices, the siblings achieve understanding and acceptance through open dialogue. A brief essay on social media includes profound advice about protecting boundaries in a “fickle public sphere.” A piece on love and relationships in a world of abundance includes permission to let go: “Invest your previous life force into relationships where you feel seen, respected, cared for, challenged, grown, accepted as you are, and loved.” The closing chapters are wise, poetic meditations on the solstice and equinox.
The provocative, tender, inspiring essays in Loving Corrections approach contemporary topics with a gentle spirit and fresh perspective.
Reviewed by
Kristen Rabe
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
