Start with Hello by Shannan Martin

 

I've followed Martin online for years and always appreciated much about her writing and her skill definitely shines through on each page. Throughout the book Martin has a style that feels very authentic and conversational. It just feels appropriate that a book on living well as neighbours and authentic community reads like sitting down in the kitchen over tea and having a conversation filled with questions, advice, and story. Martin is a storyteller through and through finding the beauty in everyday moments and interactions. The stories are inspiring in that Martin weaves them out of such ordinary space that finding your own such moments and interactions feels achievable and natural.

I also appreciated how Martin focused on simplifying connection for readers, how to focus less on presentation in favour or presence and how to live vulnerably and openly within healthy trust. There wasn't anything terribly new in these pages but the book is a helpful refresher on the basics of living well with others. 

That said, there was a lot that just, personally, missed the mark for me in this particular book in this season. Although Martin has done a lot of work expanding her horizons beyond her own worldview and privilege that work hasn't yet crossed into disabled perspectives based on what I found in this book.

For example, in one chapter, Martin advocates for humanizing people by using person first language among other things but in the disabled community many dislike person first language due to a complicated past, it's always safer to ask. It felt out of place to see advice like this as a statement, especially considering a previous chapter on listening.

Throughout the book, Martin talks about challenging her introverted nature and getting out there, finding ways to connect with her neighbours through walks, service, daily routines like walking to school. Martin book was peppered with stories at how these daily routines gave room for moments of connection that eventually lead to deeper community. However, there were no alternatives for those with disabilities that might prevent that, no gentle awareness that the tasks she suggests may not be an option right now. I was actually surprised how much of the book focused on simply getting out and being aware. 

Much of Martin's book felt geared towards reclaiming prepandemic rhythms and even spoke of getting back to normal with gatherings or past terminology but many I know in the disabled community are still in various levels of isolation or with reduced capacity due delayed treatments or long covid. Even in Martin's expanded circle of awareness it felt hard to see space for safe and accessible connection with current events.

While I still appreciate Martin's voice on so many topics this book just fell short in my experience. 

3 out of 5 stars

Book was provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. and Baker Publishing Group.