Reviewed by: Ceil Carey, retired public librarian and long-time book discussion leader

Introduction

Book or Media Title:

Brave souls: Experiencing the audacious power of empathy

Author or Producer:

Belinda Bauman

Publisher or Studio:

IVP

Publication or Release Date:

2019

Format (i.e., print book, ebook, CD, DVD, movie, TV show, YouTube video, etc.):

Hard cover book

Length (i.e., 350 pages, 1 hour 45 minutes, etc.):

215 pages

OVERVIEW

Author Belinda Bauman’s goal is to show how empathy can save us. She takes the readers to the top (and bottom) of Mount Kilimanjaro, to war ravaged Syria, to conversations with women whose lives have been torn apart by war, severe abuse, rape and losses of every kind.  Using the stories of these brave women as well as Biblical parables, science and her own vast experiences around the world, the author shows us her vision of transformation of everyday Christians to ones whose lives are a demonstration of empathy to others. I found her diagrams such The four ways of relating and Reflecting on your empathetic listening skills to be particularly helpful and self revealing.

This is a serious book for serious readers.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5):

5

Suggested Audience:

Women, particularly, who want to listen, care about and get to truly know others.

Christian Impact:

Belinda Bauman is the founder of a movement of peacemakers advocating with women n the world’s worst conflict zones.  This book advocates the audaciousness of empathy for these women and any others in need of care and listening.

Other Notes (Optional):

Includes:

Appendix A: Reflecting on your empathic listening skills
Appendix B: Empathy mapping: Putting it all together
Questions for personal reflection or group discussion
Notes on each chapter

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