I have read quite a bit on the enneagram, and this is a new way that is informative but not bogged down in technical speak. It's more like poetry that encapsulates the feelings behind each number, but specifically to that number. As well as introspection essays around each number. She covers all nine parts of the enneagram, so there's something for everyone within these pages., starting with the core fear, introduction, a little bit about that number, and how they typically interact with the world around them. Not as indepth as other enneagram resources, but not one to pass up either.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

I’m not usually one for poetry and essays. Something about the enneagram is so perfectly expressed this way, though. Maybe it’s easier to express deep emotions through imagery. Maybe essays are good because they personally demonstrate aspects of each enneagram type.

Either way, after listening to this audiobook, I feel a deeper connection and understanding of several enneagram types.

I don’t think this would be a good introduction to the enneagram: the book specifically mentions that “The Honest Enneagram” will go into more detail about discerning factors of each type. Instead, I think this book is for those looking to find more empathy for other types and maybe find a price of those types inside yourself.

Thanks to NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

#TheEnneagramLetters#NetGalley
By: Sarajane Case
Review by: I Love to Read
The Enneagram Letters is a treatment of the nine types of people. Each basic type is examined and explained why the type behaves as it does. This audiobook is pleasing to the ear and informative as the author focuses on each type in depth with insightful probes of how to expect each type to respond to grief, pain, tears, emotional growth, and how to reserve personal time for allowing oneself to examine their emotional developmental journey. An excellent read. I recommend this book.
Thank you #NetGalley# and publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

“Through her poetry and personal essays, Enneagram expert Sarajane Case encourages her readers to embrace all nine personality types within themselves in The Enneagram Letters.“

Husband (E1W9) and I (E7W6) listened to sections of this together, and spent most of the time poking each other in the ribs.

“Did you hear what she said to YOU?”

We’re children.

***

I have a love/hate relationship to the Enneagram.

I love that it has helped me know my favourite people more deeply.

I love that it gives me vocabulary for some of my weirdness and a path to balance.

I do NOT love the idea of being laid bare for all to see.

I had the same feelings with this book.

Mirrors are helpful.

And hurtful.

“Happiness isn’t the only special thing. That sometimes grief holds magic for you just the same. We find ourselves in some of these darker moments. When we fight for happiness above all, we lose the truth of who we are. For me, I believe my seeking of happiness was even the source of much of my suffering. In the pursuit of happiness, I sacrificed things too early out of fear they would bring me down. I made reckless choices, all for the temporary feeling at the expense of long-term stability.”

Ouch, Sarajane. Ouch.

The unique thing about this particular Enneagram book involves Sarajane’s encouragement to ‘live outside your number’.

Less, “Meh, it’s just who I am.” More, “Is this serving me?”

7.5/10

Thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing and Audio for this revealing ARC.

ENNEAGRAM LETTERS audiobook feels like sipping tea under a weighted blanket with a loved one hugging you and the good feeling after journaling without having to journal.
.
.
I’m a 3 with 6. for 3 the achiever, I learned to stop moving my goal posts for the sake of moving them. for 6 the loyalist I learned that I don’t wanna be the boss but that I wanna choose the boss so it’s someone I respect and can work to impress. correct x2.
.
.
probably recommend reading HONEST ENNEAGRAM prior to ENNEAGRAM LETTERS. either way, SJ Case is a wonderful writer & audiobook narrator.