Some of Our Parts cover art

Some of Our Parts

Why we are more than the labels we live by SHORTLISTED AT THE IRISH BOOK AWARDS

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Some of Our Parts

By: Laura Kennedy
Narrated by: Laura Kennedy
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'Wise, thoughtful and provocative ... An important book for our times' - Róisín Ingle

'Laura is an acute, intelligent and accurate observer and this book successfully combines psychology, philosophy and modern thinking in a fresh and vibrant way' - Brian O'Connell, journalist

"I have worn a lot of labels, by choice and otherwise. Here, I consider the ones I've picked up, rejected, lost, had stuck to my back like a 'kick me' poster in the schoolyard at lunch time, worn for a while and lost connection to. In its way, each one makes a discrete claim on who I am, as the labels you bear do for you. Each one is a means of translating who we are to the world and, when seen as the most important or truest element of who we are, shrinking and flattening us. Each one is part of our story, nothing more."
A thought-provoking exploration of identity, Some of Our Parts casts a philosophical eye over the labels that shape our lives, considering how they can both help us to communicate our values and how they have the potential to trap us.
A memoir explored through a life in labels inherited, accrued and cast off, Some of Our Parts considers the power in reclaiming our own story and challenges readers to question how we define ourselves in a world that is so ready to decide for us. LGBTQ+ Studies Personal Development Self-Esteem Social Classes & Economic Disparity Sociology
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Critic reviews

'A fascinating dissection of the labels we apply to ourselves, and others apply to us, executed through the lens of Laura Kennedy's unique incisive mind' (Liadán Hynes)
'Wise, thoughtful and provocative ... An important book for our times' (Roisin Ingle)
'Women deserve better than to be soft-served self-help and personal development via crystals and any other number of intangible nonsense. Some of Our Parts cuts through the all the platitudinous garbage of understanding who you are, what you stand for and what you want from life in a way in a way that's accessible, real and achievable. If you want self-actualisation, Laura Kennedy has you covered' (Emma Gunavardhana)
'I greatly enjoy writers whose work leaves me feeling loads more learned than I actually am. Kennedy is one of them and this intensely thoughtful and philosophical exploration into identity has left me feeling as though I should give myself an honorary doctorate. Brilliantly written, expertly presented and with her always-present touch of humour' (Ruth Crilly)
'Laura Kennedy has the gift of bringing philosophy to life by applying those "big questions" to the everyday, familiar, shared experiences of being human. Some of Our Parts is a deeply intimate, thought-provoking, accessible (and often humorous) look at how we become who we are and thinks about how we can be more thoughtfully present in that process' (Helen Pluckrose)
'Laura is an acute, intelligent and accurate observer and this book successfully combines psychology, philosophy and modern thinking in a fresh and vibrant way' (Brian O'Connell)
'A sharp and distinctive book ... There are moments of warmth, humour and naked honesty, and the end product is wise, thoughtful and much more'
All stars
Most relevant
This is the audiobook in my library with the most bookmarks by far. I lost count of how many moments made me stop, rewind, and save a quote because she just gets it. There are so many lines that feel deeply seen, understood and gently articulated in a way that’s hard to put into words yourself.
Well-researched and thought-provoking, but equally respectful. Laura explores complex, sensitive ideas without preaching or dismissing where others might be at in their own journeys. A self exploration that feels curious rather than judgmental.
This audiobook has sparked so many meaningful conversations with friends, and I’ve recommended it countless times. Not a single person has disliked it. One of those rare listens that stays with you and continues to unfold over time.

So Many Bookmarks, So Many “Yes, Exactly” Moments

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The accessibility, the beautifully written narrative and the shearing honesty of the writing.
Is why i really enjoyed listening to Laura Kennedy’s thoughts and questions on labels - how we might perceive or why we should not perceive ourselves and others through labels. The thought provoking questions which made me think, and understand something in a different way and ultimately want to re listen re think and question

Excellent

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Was not for me, found the style annoying and too ‘try hard’. Should have researched it better.

Not for me

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