Burn After Writing Book

Burn After Writing by Sharon Jones is a unique and introspective journal that invites you to dig deep into your thoughts, memories, and emotions. It’s more than just a journal; it’s a personal journey of self-discovery, designed to help you reflect on your life and, ultimately, let go of what no longer serves you.

What I Appreciated:

• Thought-Provoking Prompts: The journal is filled with prompts that really make you think. Some are light and fun, while others are more challenging, pushing you to confront aspects of your life that you might not have thought about in a long time—or ever. It’s a great way to explore your inner self without the pressure of sharing your thoughts with anyone.
• Privacy Encouraged: The idea behind Burn After Writing is that you’re writing just for yourself, with the freedom to be completely honest. The title itself suggests that once you’re done, you might choose to destroy the journal, which adds a sense of liberation to the process.
• Simple and Effective Layout: The design is straightforward, with plenty of space for you to write. There’s a minimalist approach to the layout, which keeps the focus on your thoughts and responses rather than distracting visuals or overcomplicated formatting.
• Emotional Catharsis: For those who are ready to confront and release their emotions, this journal can be incredibly cathartic. It’s a safe space to pour out your heart and leave behind anything that’s been weighing you down.

A Few Considerations:

• Depth Varies: Some prompts may feel superficial or repetitive, especially if you’ve done similar journaling exercises before. However, this also means that the journal is accessible to a wide range of users, from those new to self-reflection to more experienced journalers.
• Not for Everyone: If you’re not comfortable with deep introspection or prefer guided, structured journaling, this might not be the best fit for you. The journal requires a willingness to be vulnerable, which isn’t always easy.
• Burning It: The concept of burning the journal after completing it can be both appealing and daunting. It’s a symbolic act of letting go, but some might find it hard to actually destroy something they’ve spent time and effort on.

So far I am a huge fan of the “Burn After Writing” book. The prompts range from easy one word answers to more complex self reflections, so you can choose to work on this for one minute at a time or hours. I’ve been on a “self improvement” book kick, and this is one of my favorites so far. Even the short answer prompts keep my brain thinking. It asks questions about myself I don’t know the answer to, and I love how it’s chronologically ordered and even goes on to discuss the future. I’m not sure I will actually burn it when I’m done because some of my answers I would like to keep to look back on in many years, but I highly recommend this for anyone interested in self-reflection and enjoys writing.

I am torn about this book. On the one hand, there are somewhat interesting prompts. Here are few at random:

The stupidest thing I have ever done the nicest thing I’ve ever done that no one knows about
The biggest challenge facing the world today
People to be forgiven
If no one was watching, I would
If I could spend my last hours of life with anyone, doing anything, I would

But there are some silly ones too:

Most of the top 5 lists you are asked to make and others that seem more geared toward teens. (1st kiss, 1st love, etc.)

The main issue though is there is nothing after you write your answer, no help with understanding the ‘whys’ of what you wrote. So I might continue, but then again why bother if I’m only going to shred it when done? Seems like just rehashing the past for no reason, considering the present without ways to make it better, and thinking about the future with no real path to influence how it all pans out.

This book is fun to flip through and fill out; it helped me to remember stuff from my childhood I hadn’t thought about in a long time. I’d definitely recommend it if you like making lists, writing about your memories, or thinking through your favorite things. The variety of prompts make it fun and it’s a good relaxing activity to take your mind off of everyday stresses. I got the spiral bound version and it’s convenient to write in.

ganz nett aber das war’s auch schon

now as an adult ive bought two of these books, it helped me a lot through something i didnt think i was going to get through, but it really made me realize some things about myself. this book is all about self discovery!! if thats what youre looking for, youre in luck! im sure youll love this book!

Been wanting this book for quite a while to write and forget a lot of trauma in life !! & I can say I love this book and what it has been doing for me !! I would recommend this book to anyone ready to let go !!