I See You : How Compassion and Connection Save Lives

by Julie Lee

We are navigating an era where digital interactions and political polarization are on the rise. Too often the collateral damage is our emotional health. Isolation can kill people from the inside out. But there is an antidote. Through stories, analogies, and humor, I See You invites each of us to face the battle against separation head-on. As we commit to listen, protect, and love each other more fiercely, we will see those who need us most. People all around us are praying for relief. We can answer their plea. We might even be their miracle.

Genres: Nonfiction

153 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2020

Reviews

[Wesley Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am sure I would have enjoyed this book more if I wasn’t required to read it. I did like her “Hope Works” video, and she is an engaging speaker. However, this book seems to be just a train of a hundred short, positive, anecdotes strung together. I didn’t see any clear organization, nor were there obvious action plans. I’m concerned that this book is being used as the basis for a curriculum, since it has little actual research. The professional research in the book came from people like Brené Brown or Kristin Neff, and I wish my school would adopt a program by them. Julie Lee tries to use the bite-sized chapters to tackle huge issues like racism and LGBT discrimination, and it just seems good-intentioned, but shallow. I think if she had picked a few of these stories to really dissect and dig deep, this book could have been a lot more impactful.

[Courtney Homer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like her podcast by the same name, Julie makes a case for the importance of compassion and connection in our lives. The book is full of thoughtful anecdotes and stories - she shares her own experiences, as well as those of others she has met. She's relatable and enjoyable as she writes with raw authenticity and delightful humor. It's insightful, easy to read, and thought-provoking. In a world full of turmoil and isolation, we could all use a little more compassion and connection.

[Ashley Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I picked up "I See You" by Julie Lee, I was drawn into a world that felt both familiar and profoundly transformative. This book is not just a story; it’s an emotional experience that lingers long after the last page is turned. Julie Lee has a remarkable ability to weave intricate characters that resonate deeply. I found myself fully invested in their journeys, feeling their joys and heartaches as if they were my own. The way she captures the nuances of human connection left me both moved and reflective.

What struck me the most was the theme of visibility—how often we overlook those around us and the power of truly seeing someone for who they are. This resonated with me on a personal level, reminding me to appreciate the little moments and connections in my own life. The writing is both poignant and lyrical, making it a pleasure to read. I found myself highlighting passages that spoke to my heart.

In a world that can sometimes feel isolating, "I See You" is a beautiful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding. It’s a call to action, encouraging us to reach out and connect with others in meaningful ways.

[Melissa Lemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be "timely." How appropriate to have a book about seeing those around us just when the world asked us to cover our faces. I consider this to be a really short but profound mental health guidebook. I've read a lot of books on mental health and this one is a really good summary. If you need to be seen, or want to increase your capacity to see, love, and help others, I highly recommend this book!

[Ariel Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't generally like self-help books, but this one had many good messages that are (relatively) simple to implement. It is clear, however, that this book is written by an extrovert who has a lot of friends and people who care about her. I wish it had more advice on creating these relationships and connections as a socially-challenged introvert!

[Jacquie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julie provides a quick read, filled with analogies and authentic stories from her life; she provides anecdotes for greater connection and awareness, which is essential to our current social climate.

[Christy Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed this read. It opened my eyes and my heart to the importance of connecting with others, especially in times of heartbreak or challenge. Loved Julie’s personal stories and humor.

[Lacey Haskell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! ❤️

[Summer Fernandez Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful refresher on how to treat people. Quick and easy read that I would recommend to everyone, particularly young adults.

[Kim McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie writes in a way that is easy to relate to. I appreciate her voice and the work she does to try to help others to connect.

[Katra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warm, witty, and wise.

[emeraldragonlady (Maddie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

This book was soo emotional for me. But emotional in such a good way. I have often believed that while awareness for mental health illnesses are rising, sadly there is still this taboo attached to it that you still have to suffer in silence. As someone who has struggled with anxiety, and PTSD I know how hard it can be for someone to speak up. Julie highlights not only the difficulties of living with a mental illness but also how best to help. I have been in that situation where all I needed was to have someone listen or just hold me and say nothing. Those are the times when I felt loved the most. Those are the times when I remember that I don’t have to do it alone. This book is absolutely amazing. I whole heartedly recommend this book to everyone! We all know someone who struggles and there will even be times when we ourselves struggle. Knowing where to go for help and who we can lean on and how we can help is an amazing tool and we all need it!

@cedarfort