Review of In It Together

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Goodness Richman
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Review of In It Together

Post by Goodness Richman »

[Following is a volunteer review of "In It Together" by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes is a thought-provoking book that explores the struggles we, as humans, face and how these struggles serve to unite us. The author, Hughes, begins by explaining that everyone suffers in some way, whether it's through hunger, sadness, or inner battles like self-doubt. He discusses heartbreaking topics, such as the thousands of children who starve every day, and connects these to the more profound human experience of wanting more or feeling incomplete. Hughes explains that this endless feeling of wanting is what makes us human, but it also ties us together in a universal struggle. The book introduces the idea that we have two versions of ourselves: the real, conscious self and the false self, with the latter tied to material things like our body or ego. Hughes believes that recognizing this truth can help us live better lives and find peace.

The book also covers examples of the problems humans create, like greed, war, and self-harm. Hughes uses strong images to show these issues, like how some people starve while others waste resources or overindulge. He talks about addiction, both to harmful habits and to selfish desires, depicting them as akin to traps we fall into. Hughes also includes profound thought-provoking questions in the book, such as, "If you went to sleep in your body and awoke in mine, would you notice a difference?" This pushes us to consider our shared human experience beyond superficial differences. By painting these vivid pictures, the book asks us to think deeply about how we live and how we treat others. Hughes also links historical events, such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s fight for justice, to our modern struggles, showing that these battles for equality, love, and understanding are timeless and shared by all.

I like many aspects of this book. One of the most appealing aspects of this book is its powerful message of unity. Hughes states, "To live is to suffer," yet he also argues that this suffering can unite us and bring us closer to understanding our shared humanity. I also appreciate the book’s usage of simple, everyday examples, like how we all have desires or face temptations, to show that we are not so different from one another. This makes the book feel relatable and inspiring. I like the author's unique style of writing and unique choice of words, as they synergistically provoke profound reflection as I read. In addition to that, on almost every page of this book, I came across statements of profound, insurmountable wisdom, but my favorite is "The line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being.” Each and every one of these statements of wisdom fosters unusual thoughts from unique perspectives. In fact, I wrote down a lot of them.

Another great aspect of the book is how it yet again encourages self-reflection other than the statements of wisdom. Hughes doesn’t just point out the problems in the world—he also asks us to look inward and think about how we might be contributing to these problems. For instance, he challenges us to consider whether we are kind to ourselves and others. By showing that the "enemy" is often within us, the book shows hope that we can change ourselves and, in turn, the world. Hughes writes in a way that makes me feel both challenged and motivated to do better. I don't dislike any aspect of this book. I didn't notice any errors while reading this book, which shows that it was exceptionally well edited.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars for the reasons I mentioned above. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thoughtful, meaningful discussions about life and how to make it better for everyone.

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In It Together
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Melvis Okoye
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Post by Melvis Okoye »

Thank you for this thorough review! I like how you highlighted the book's universal message of unity through shared struggles. I also appreciate your enlightening explanation of Hughes' perspective on the false self versus the real self. Your mention of the thought-provoking questions the book poses is relevant too.
Uchenna Precious
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Post by Uchenna Precious »

I totally agree that everyone suffers in the same way and the challenges faced by humans is what unites everyone. This book is relatable and inspiring.
Good job!
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