The Sound of Undoing: A Memoir in Essays

by Paige Towers

A memoir in essays, The Sound of Undoing deconstructs the way sound has overwhelmingly shaped Paige Towers’s life. Each essay focuses on a different sound, some perceptible—like the sound of a loon call or gunshot—and others abstract—like the sound of awakening. Given a hypersensitivity to noise from which she has both suffered and benefited since childhood, Towers uses these sounds as a starting point for making sense of past events. She reflects on the estrangement of a beloved sister, sexual abuse and assault, and the link between mental illness and noise in her family, as well as nature, religion, violence, and other themes. Experimental in form and provocative in content, The Sound of Undoing also makes use of research on silence, nature and noise pollution, listening, sound art, autonomous sensory meridian response, and the acoustic environment in general. By exploring memories and feelings triggered by certain noises, this lyrical meditation untangles a life infused with meaning through sound.

210 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2023

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so unique and had me so interested! This book was a lovely companion to read while taking my Senior English seminar on Creative Nonfiction and this book really encouraged me to want to write! I loved the format of this book, as it's a book of essays (which, again, is something we really talked about in my seminar - the difference between a book and a collection of essays, so loved that connection). I also absolutely loved the way that Towers made me consider sound within my life. It was so interesting to see how sound uniquely dictated or impacted her life, especially as she's lived in cities. So, it was a really great book to allow me to consider how sound plays a role in my own life. How do I interpret "sound" within emotions and my personal reactions? I also loved how the book consisted of Towers' personal essays and then included a research-based essay section at the end of each chapter. The research on sound in relation to affluent versus marginalized communities, as well as the negative consequences of frequent noise exposure, were fascinating topics to read about. One of the biggest takeaway exercises I got from this book was to sit down with my notebook and write down all the sounds I hear at one time. I think this is a great way to gain awareness of my surroundings, but it also challenges me to describe sounds in my environment with specific adjectives/comparisons. As I've done this exercise, it's really easy to say, "I hear [this]," but it's been a fun challenge to then try and uniquely/descriptively describe that said sound.

Extremely unique and great book, I would highly recommend it!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paige’s writing style is at times poetic (when she is writing about her experiences) and factual and clinical (when she is writing about her research). Still, she manages to be consistent in her writing style. What a gift! I learned much about sound, noise pollution, and ASMR from this book. Paige’s sensitivity to sound is also reflected in her sensitivity to people, nature and especially to her family. After reading “The Sound of Undoing”, I find myself paying more attention to everyday “quiet” sounds. Thank you, Paige for the gift of awareness.

[Jeff Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful collection of essays, each interesting and intriguing in their own way, tied together by the author's unique experiences with sound. The three that resonated the most for me were "The Sound of Undoing," "The Sound of an Animal," and "The Sound of the Unsaid," as they offered grounded, vigorous explorations of some of our society's most current ills. Towers' writing is witty and creative, especially in the way she conjured sounds on the page. Looking forward to more from her!

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to pick this book up every night--the voice is incredibly compelling, the writing gorgeous, the insights and ideas thought-provoking and inspiring. Each essay stands on its own, but together they've been woven to create a powerful memoir, inventive, experimental, and clear. Must read!

[Bronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent