Audiobook Sample
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- Title: My Grandmother’s Hands
- Author: Resmaa Menakem Msw Licsw Sep
- Narrator: Cary Hite
- Length: 10:18:38
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 13/11/2020
- Publisher: Authors Republic
- Genre: Non-Fiction, Health & Wellness, Disorders & Diseases, Psychology, Social Science
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
I’m beyond excited to share my thoughts on the ‘My Grandmother’s Hands’ audiobook by Resmaa Menakem Msw Licsw Sep, narrated by Cary Hite. As someone who’s spent years dissecting storytelling across formats – whether it’s a TikTok trend or a multi-voice audio drama – this non-fiction gem in the Health & Wellness and Social Science space hit me on a level I didn’t expect. Here’s what makes this interesting: Menakem’s work isn’t just a book; it’s a visceral call to action that lives in your body as much as your mind, and the audiobook experience amplifies that in ways I’ll break down for you.
First, a personal connection. Growing up, I remember my grandmother’s hands – calloused from years of labor, yet gentle when she’d braid my hair on her porch. Those hands carried stories of resilience, of unspoken pain, much like the generational trauma Menakem explores. Listening to this audiobook, I was transported back to those moments, but with a new lens on how trauma isn’t just a memory – it’s a physical inheritance. This hit close to home, especially as I’ve been exploring how stories shape us on my ‘Future of Stories’ podcast. Like that time I compared five ways to experience ‘Project Hail Mary’ and found the audiobook’s sound design added a whole new layer, this listening experience of ‘My Grandmother’s Hands’ brought an intimacy that text alone might miss.
Let’s break this down: Menakem, a therapist with a focus on trauma and body-centered psychology, argues that racism isn’t just a mental or systemic issue – it’s literally embedded in our bodies. White supremacy, he posits, creates generational anguish that affects Black bodies, White bodies, and even ‘Blue’ bodies (our police) through secondary trauma. The cultural impact here is staggering; it’s a perspective shift that challenges us to heal not just with words or policies, but through somatic awareness. His step-by-step healing process, grounded in neuroscience and somatic methods, offers practical tools to address this collective agony. As someone who geeks out over emerging storytelling formats, I found his approach akin to a narrative remix – taking a familiar issue like racial justice and flipping it into a body-first framework that feels both ancient and futuristic.
Now, let’s talk about the audiobook experience itself. Cary Hite’s narration is nothing short of a cultural artifact. His voice carries a gravitas that feels like a trusted elder guiding you through pain and possibility. There’s a warmth in his tone when he recounts Menakem’s personal stories – like the titular reference to his grandmother’s hands – that made me feel as if I were sitting across from him at a family gathering. The audio quality is crisp, with pacing that allows heavy concepts like ‘white body supremacy’ to land without overwhelming. Hite’s ability to shift from incisive social commentary to tender reflection mirrors the book’s dual nature as both a critique and a healing manual. For fans of non-fiction audiobooks in Psychology and Social Science, this performance elevates the text into something you don’t just hear – you feel.
That said, let’s keep it real. While the content is groundbreaking, the audiobook isn’t without its challenges. At times, the density of trauma theory and somatic exercises can feel like a lot to process in audio format. I found myself pausing to reflect or even wishing for a companion PDF with the exercises Menakem describes – something I often recommend in my BookTok breakdowns, like when I analyzed ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ and listeners craved visual aids for character timelines. This isn’t a limitation of Hite’s narration but more a reminder that this Health & Wellness listen might pair best with a physical copy for deeper engagement.
On the flip side, the strengths are undeniable. Menakem’s blend of personal narrative and scientific insight creates a bridge between Disorders & Diseases of the psyche and societal ills. It’s a masterclass in non-fiction that doesn’t just inform but transforms. Compared to other works in this space, like Mark Manson’s ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,’ which I’ve riffed on for its pragmatic life advice, ‘My Grandmother’s Hands’ digs deeper into collective rather than individual struggle. Where Manson urges us to choose our battles, Menakem insists we first feel them in our nervous systems. It’s a heavier lift, but for listeners invested in racial justice or trauma recovery, it’s a must.
Who’s this audiobook for? If you’re into non-fiction that challenges cultural norms, or if you’re exploring Psychology and Social Science topics like systemic racism and healing, this listening experience is tailored for you. It’s also perfect for anyone who, like me, finds audio a powerful medium to internalize complex ideas – think of it as a podcast episode that rewires your worldview. And hey, if you can snag this audiobook free through platforms like Audiobooks.com, that’s just the cherry on top for budget-conscious listeners seeking transformative content.
Reflecting on this, I’m struck by how ‘My Grandmother’s Hands’ aligns with my own mission to spotlight stories that shift digital and cultural landscapes. It’s not just a book; it’s a movement in audio form, echoing through Cary Hite’s voice into our collective consciousness. As I’ve learned from building communities on BookTok, the power of a story often lies in how it’s delivered – and this audiobook delivers on every level.
Thanks for vibing with me on this deep dive, story seekers! Sophie Bennett signing off, reminding you to listen with intention and heal with purpose. Drop your thoughts on this audiobook in the comments or hit me up on BookTok – let’s keep this convo alive!
