How Your Story Sets You Free

by Heather Box, Julian Mocine-McQueen

Everyone has a story to tell. Sharing that story can change you, your community, or even the world. But how do you start? This inspirational guide invites readers to unlock their truth and share it, whether in a TED talk, a blog post, or a conversation with their loved ones. Storytelling coaches Heather Box and Julian Mocine-McQueen reveal how to embrace the power of personal storytelling in a series of easy steps. Their practical and motivating advice fills this charming hardcover, which features a textured cover with glittering foil stamping, and colored paper printed with metallic ink on the interior. It's a meaningful gift and a powerful reminder that stories matter.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Self Help

112 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2019

Reviews

[Luke Hillier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Swoon, one of my all-time favorite artists and a speaker I deeply admire, promoted this book shortly after it came out and that endorsement alone prompted me to buy it. Just based off of the title and her short blurb, I had assumed it was a bit less "how-to" and dealt more intimately with engaging with and making sense of our personal narratives as a way of seeking healing or freedom. While I imagine that's their hope, the book itself focuses much more on the process of storytelling as a public venture and reads as a more technical guide rather than a therapeutic or introspective one. That said, there's still some great stuff in here (including a brief but impactful feature on Swoon and her own storytelling), though given the brevity of the book it only seemed to skim the surface to me. It's not necessarily the book I was hoping for, but that doesn't mean it's not a resource I may be glad to have on my bookshelf in the future.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

How Your Story Sets You Free by Heather Box

This short book (I read it in under an hour) makes a case for how personal stories can change the world. They help us relate to each other, break us out of isolation, and release others from their isolation.

Words, writes Box, can change minds; stories, on the other hand, can change hearts. We may or may not remember a lecture, information, directives for living but we will often remember a story for the rest of our life.

Box writes (quoting Brene Brown) telling your story requires the courage to be vulnerable. But the payoff is that you become more authentic, more free, and that others can see themselves, their secrets, often their shame in your stories and realize that they are not alone.

When you connect with your stories and share them you can move others to action. Box writes that requires you to know your values and how your content connects with them. Preparation is essential: you don’t just “wing it”—whether in speech or writing, you go over what you want to say, you clarify it, you understand it, you know it.

Box offers an exercise to help you understand what your story is: 45 minutes in which you reflect upon your life and draw its story. (Obviously there is more to it than that but you’ll have to read the book to see what it is!) I have done this before but I will most likely do it again following her instructions and see what is revealed.

Although the book is very short, it presents a convincing case for understanding and sharing your story in order to move people to action. I’m not sure it will change lives but I am convinced that telling your story can.

I received a copy of this book from Library.Thing but the opinions expressed are my own.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little gold(mine) book packs a serious punch. It is literally a "how to" guide for helping to build a better world. We can create stronger communities when we connect with other people by sharing our authentic selves, and we can focus in on that (who we are, what we do, why) by telling our stories.

The authors share quotes, personal anecdotes, and tidbits from some of the storytellers they've coached to illustrate their points, as they walk you through the process of finding, developing, working on, and ultimately sharing your personal story with a wider audience, whether that's via the written word, from a stage, or a more intimate setting.

I think this insightful book is perfect for individuals wanting to harness their motivation, anyone hoping to be an effective leader, or someone trying to work through past trauma or pain. I also think it could be amazing to use in a book club or classroom setting, with the goal of really connecting to others as everyone goes through their storytelling process together.

[Joseph Dinas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book where everything single page was inspiring! This book is incredible! I would give it 15 stars I I could! I already do some public speaking, so the ideas of sharing my story, my truth come a little easier to me. Even so I still recommend this book to anyone and everyone in the whole world. Whether you want to be more honest with your friends, or change the world this book is for every person on the earth. 🌎

[Ema Tiljak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although not what I expected the book to be, it's a delightful and straightforward guide to developing (everyday) storytelling skills in a more personal and truthful manner. Its a short read and more sort of a introduction than a deep dive. Even thought its filled with solid and easy-applicable advice, there is a bit of redundant repetition.

[J Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Your Story Sets You Free by Heather Box and Julian Mocine-McQueen was not the book I was expecting it to be. Turns out that is a good thing. I expected more of a writer's guidebook, and this misconception was all on me and what I was anticipating when I read the blurb. It certainly can serve as a bit of a writer's guidebook but it is more about communication, regardless the form, and the role storytelling plays within that area.

I hesitate to use the phrase "self-help" because I find the vast majority of books that promote themselves as such to be more about publisher/writer-help in making a dollar of people wanting a better life. I have personally gained more in my life from other nonfiction and fiction than from the hundreds of "self-help" books I've read over the years. That said, this book will help you in many ways, both internally and in the world. So whether one labels it self-help or not, it does actually accomplish that objective.

We don't, on the whole, realize the impact our stories can have on others. As a result, we keep things to ourselves. Sometimes doing so inhibits us beyond just a feeling of not being important enough to "have a story." Yet if we think back we realize that everything that has had an impact on us was likely in story form. From the sciences to how best to handle life. A story makes information more memorable and thus retained better. A story will also help to lower barriers between people so that we can begin to understand that we are far more alike than we are different. So...

Tell your story. Whether you want to make change in the world, in your community, among your friends, or within yourself just tell your story. Of course, just telling it doesn't always work. Maybe we're still unsure whether it is important or useful to anyone else. Maybe we just haven't stopped to think about how to engage people actively so we drone on in a monotone, or write in a basic "this then this" style. That is where this little book can make such a huge impact. Why tell your story? How to tell your story. Enlisting help and support (which is vitally important for someone such as myself who prefers to stay on the periphery of most groups). The ideas, examples, and suggestions here will help you to decide to tell your story and prepare you to do so effectively.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

[trill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly what I thought it would be, this book is focused on writing a biography, have a TED talk or otherwise telling people about _your life_, not building that fictional story you have inside of you and as such, I was not the targeted audience.

However, there is a lot of great advice for life in general in this book about being open and be yourself, that you set examples for others and such. I am still looking for those communities that are proactively welcoming, that they mentioned in this book, because that sounds magical and unlike anything I have ever seen or felt before.

My favourite quote:

congratulate yourself for your courage. You didn’t have to stand up and be as bold as you were. You showed up for yourself and your audience, and you didn’t take the easy way out. The step you took by sharing more openly and vulnerably was literally a public service to us all. You just made more room on the planet for other people’s experiences.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much wonderful information packed into this perfect little book! It doesn't matter if you want to speak on a stage, write an article or just tell stories to your family and friends, this book will guide you through a process that reveals not just what you have to say, but also why you need to say it. I specifically loved the life map exercise which uncovered a previously unrecognized thread in my life. I also love the Public Narrative process. I actually used a version of it at work in a meeting to guide everyone onto the same page and it was remarkably easy and effective. Once learned, I can see this becoming a consistent way to convey concepts in multiple scenarios in daily life.
I highly recommend this book to absolutely anyone - especially those who might think they *don't* have a story to tell. I promise that you do!

[Melanie Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

RECOMMENDATION: How Your Story Sets You Free. This book is designed for anyone who is human. Human beings are storytellers. No matter who you are (or aren’t) or what you have (or haven’t) gone through, you have a story to tell and that story matters. This book conveys just how important it is to share your story and helps you navigate how to share it. Heather and Julian, through How Your Story Sets You Free and Million Person Project, are changing lives. Through every reader and every audience member of that reader they are helping create a more vulnerable and accepting world. I can’t wait to see how many lives this book changes and I hope it starts with yours! 10/10 would recommend to every family, friend, and stranger. Bonus for the reader: it’s a short, heart opening, smile lifting, pen to paper kind of read.

[christa · Rating 4 out of 5]

short little self help book that I picked up at the library and read in a day. I can see how it can be very useful to people getting into public speaking, or who just need some extra encouragement being vulnerable and open with friends and family. it was really cool to read this as a cancer patient, because we can often feel scared or embarrassed when we open up and share our stories. I’d recommend this to anyone who might be feeling too nervous or shy to open up about hard/vulnerable topics in their life. short, sweet, and to the point.

quotes that I liked:

"your story is not about what happened to you or what you did, it is about who you have chosen to be, given all you've seen."

"When I share my story it's to make a space for people to not feel alone, and in that sharing, I also don't feel alone."

[Billione · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I turned 40 years old, I began reflecting on my life and the stories I have that I thought no one would hear. After becoming acquainted with Heather Box and Julian Mocine-McQueen through their work at the Million Person Project, I understood the power of my story and how to effectively share it.

We each have a story within us, many actually. Whatever story you’re enacting in your life, this book will assist you in that journey, and help lay a foundation on which you can build something brave, inspiring, and meaningful.

I feel stronger and more confident in sharing my story. Though much of it is about trauma, even more of it is about hope. Discovering this book at this point on my journey, offered me a way to use my words to heal. In many ways, healing is about being free.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly laid out, inspirational--and I really think, even if you've been writing (or speaking) for a long time, you will find something in this little book to help you. I had never heard of a life map, for example, and another example the authors give, of finding your perfect audience and focusing your story on that person, is truly helpful. I'd recommend that all writers and artists at least glance at it. But the authors mean their advice for everyone, not just artistic types, and I think that's wonderful! Like Brenda Ueland, they affirm that everyone is important and valuable and has something to say.

[Georgia Herod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Human beings are story telling people. Just think of the last story you shared with a friend or colleague: the accident on the interstate, the grumpy sales clerk, your romantic picnic at the beach, the best job interview, etc. You may entertain, encourage, shock, enlighten, or comfort with your story. But you must tell it in order to change “the world.”
Because I have spent most of my life teaching personal writing—a storytelling/listening role, I was immediately drawn to the title. Every person has a story, which is made up of numerous individual stories—those stories from our past set us free to become who we are today and will be in the future.
This little inspirational guidebook will help every person take the steps toward changing her own life and changing others, perhaps even changing the world.
The authors assert in the introduction: “This book will help you understand your story (or the many stories that make up your life), what it means to you, why you might want to tell it, who should hear it, and, of course, how to share it.”
And once you’ve read this how-to book, you’ll be challenged to tell your story!

[Blaine Strickland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book via Audible over three days. It is a primer, read by the authors, and is only 90 minutes long. Nonetheless, it contains a fair amount of tips, observations, resources and encouragements. They reference their mentor - Marshall Ganz of Harvard / What is Public Narrative and his three pillars of your story: story of self, story of now, story of us - which I found to be a valuable outline to consider when telling your story.

My only thumbs down was the slightly jarring nature of the narration. The two authors have very different speaking styles, and one of them often swallows the end of her words.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a great reminder that each of us had a story to tell and telling that story has the power to change the world.

Each page is full of inspiring stories and practical tips and tools to really find your truth and share your story with the world. The best part is that even though it is jam packed with helpful information it is also an easy to read, practical guide that makes it easy to get started.

If you’re looking for a way to tell a powerful story, do yourself a favor and order this book immediately.

[penny shima glanz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is for you if you're looking for help to shape and share your unique story. Box and Mocine-McQueen have distilled their Million Person Project into a slender helpful volume. It's upbeat, but not drowning in sweetness. How Your Story Sets You Free combines stories, quotes, and guided prompts. Learn why personal stories matter, their impact on others, and how to tell yours.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher, Chronicle Books through Library Thing, in exchange for a review. The FTC wants you to know.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading the book alone won't help you tell your story, you have to put the work into it as expected.

The authors encourage the reader to spend time creating a life map, and what's more after the good, bad, and the ugly is there on paper, to accept those moments of pride just as much as the moments you wish you could erase as the first major step in putting your story together.

"Your story is not about what happened to you or what you did, it is about who you have chosen to be, given all you've seen."

[Shannon Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief and powerful…this little book reignited my excitement for sharing stories with students. It outlines the “why” and the “how” of accessing our own unique stories as empowering tools for both writers and their audiences. It succinctly reminds us of the value of storytelling—that it can literally save us. Peppered with bite-size anecdotes and inspiring quotes, the book’s authors make the “art of story” feel utterly accessible and infinitely necessary.

[Maxwel Quintão · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book packs a powerful punch. How Your Story Sets You Free is incredibly inspiring and deeply encouraging — a beautiful reminder of the power of personal storytelling. It invites you to reflect, reclaim your voice, and share your truth with confidence. Perfect for a quiet moment on the beach or whenever you need a nudge to believe in your own narrative. Short, impactful, and uplifting — highly recommend.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the authors’ say this is a short and sweet book that explains what a successful story needs, how it is set up, how to determine your audience and how to tell the world or a select few about your story. It gave me a better understanding on how to be a better public speaker by understanding what my story needs to express to my target audience to be remembered as an effective storyteller.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one great pep talk. It was chock full of ideas and I could read it in 2 days! It piqued my interest in the million person project; it seems like it's a program that's designed to both improve the world and help make money for its creators (because why should the helpers of the world be poor?).

[Kony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A punchy beginner’s mini-manual on why and how to tell your personal story so that it inspires action. Roughly 85% pep talk, 10% craft talk, 5% anecdote. OK as a warm-up appetizer if you’re just starting to dip your toes into the topic. It’s well-edited and encouraging, but extremely short, so expect a tiny jolt of inspiration but don’t expect it to get you story-ready.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heather Box and Julian Mocine-McQueen present a simple guidebook to finding, crafting, and sharing your story. In a hundred pages, Box and Mocine-McQueen offer succinct tips for storytelling, including the why, the how-to, the shaping, and the presentation.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Already the best little golden book I'll cherish for a long time to come. Simplicity at its elegant best, well done Heather Box and Julian Mocine-McQueen.
Though I won this beauty via Goodreads giveaway, I do plan to purchase at least one more copy to gift to a friend. Millions really do need to read this gem!

[Mischa · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like a pep talk but a nice one.

[Kevin Wyckoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on finding voice and meaning in stories and talks.

[The Reading Countess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid advice for novice writers.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring little pick-me-up! Fast 100-page coffee table read and pep talk.

[Ali Penny Trueluck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I opened this and never really started it... once I got into it I read it pretty fast, in like two one hour afternoon reading sessions. Would recommend. Will definitely read again!

[Darcel Fausz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, short book that gives you that gentle nudge to share your story and how it can benefit your life and others.