andbenn reviewed Wise Up by Karen Duffy
Philosophy on Life as a parent and human
4 stars
I watched Karen Duffy work as a MTV VJ when I was younger. I recently became aware of this book somehow, and I am really glad I did.
Each chapter is a letter to her son. Likely written over years, each takes on one or two themes and runs with it for several pages. Jostled with her past, her health state, and her philosophy, this is a fantastic read.
Has some laugh out loud moments, such as cleaning her son's sports clothes, to sitting behind Bruce Springsteen at church and he recognizing her, to some of the simply outlandish stories she included, such as Grandma's in Japan chasing wild monkeys.
She obviously has spent a lot of time on Stoicism. She brings it up in many places, and there are quotes from the ancient stoics. She knows her stuff and I'm impressed. Thus this book is really mostly about philosophy …
I watched Karen Duffy work as a MTV VJ when I was younger. I recently became aware of this book somehow, and I am really glad I did.
Each chapter is a letter to her son. Likely written over years, each takes on one or two themes and runs with it for several pages. Jostled with her past, her health state, and her philosophy, this is a fantastic read.
Has some laugh out loud moments, such as cleaning her son's sports clothes, to sitting behind Bruce Springsteen at church and he recognizing her, to some of the simply outlandish stories she included, such as Grandma's in Japan chasing wild monkeys.
She obviously has spent a lot of time on Stoicism. She brings it up in many places, and there are quotes from the ancient stoics. She knows her stuff and I'm impressed. Thus this book is really mostly about philosophy and living.
I enjoyed this book getting through it in a couple days. Folks who grew up in the 80's and 90's might like it. Mothers might like it. Stoicism students would probably like it too.