Let's Talk About Hard Things

By: Anna Sale

Narrated by: Anna Sale

From the host of the popular WNYC podcast Death, Sex, & Money, Let’s Talk About Hard Things is “like a good conversation with a friend” (The New Yorker) where “no topic is off-limits when it comes to creating meaningful connection” (Lori Gottlieb, author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone).

Anna Sale wants you to have that conversation. You know the one. The one that you’ve been avoiding or putting off, maybe for years. The one that you’ve thought “they’ll never understand” or “do I really want to bring that up?” or “it’s not going to go well, so why even try?”

Sale is the founder and host of WNYC’s popular, award-winning podcast Death, Sex, & Money or as the New York Times dubbed her “a therapist at happy hour.” She and her guests have direct and thought-provoking conversations, discussing topics that most of us are too squeamish, polite, or nervous to bring up. But Sale argues that we all experience these hard things, and by not talking to one another, we cut ourselves off, leading us to feel isolated and disconnected from people who can help us most.

In Let’s Talk About Hard Things, Sale uses the best of what she’s learned from her podcast to reveal that when we dare to talk about hard things, we learn about ourselves, others, and the world that we make together. Diving into five of the most fraught conversation topics—death, sex, money, family, and identity—she moves between memoir, fascinating snapshots of a variety of Americans opening up about their lives, and expert opinions to show why having tough conversations is important and how to do them in a thoughtful and generous way. She uncovers that listening may be the most important part of a tough conversation, that the end goal should be understanding without the pressure of reconciliation, and that there are some things that words can’t fix (and why that’s actually okay).

Every day, in every possible way

When you read a book that will change every conversation you ever have, or have ever had… that’s one worth sharing as far and wide as possible. Work, home, friends, community… there’s nowhere you won’t be thinking back to passages and people in this book as you ponder and explore how to listen, nurture belonging, and honor the dignity of those closest to you in space and in your networks of relationship. Grateful for the book!

Inspiration to start having conversations you're

Rethink your conversations and inspire you to start having deeper conversations or stop avoiding.

Not bad, not great

She presents some interesting ideas and anecdotes. Not a lot of substance. I found the sections on death and family to be excellent and thorough, whereas the sections on sex, money, and identity felt thin and somewhat contrived.

Incredible

Anna is my favorite narrator. This is one of the best books I’ve read in years! I stayed up late listening because I just couldn’t turn off Anna’s voice. Her voice is calm and soothing and makes me feel at ease. Write more books Anna!

Anna Sale is a treasure

This book is so good, and it’s even better being read by Anna. Her voice is soothing and calm, and the reading is pitch perfect.