Listening in the Dark by Amber Tamblyn (Review by Stephanie Rowitz)

Rating: 4.5/5

We’ve all heard that little voice inside us that says, “Don’t go down that alley,” or “There’s something off about that guy…” Often that voice is warning us against something, but it can also guide us towards something that’s good for us, too. “This move to a new city feels right,” or “Maybe I should go back to school…”

Our intuition speaks to us in many different ways. We may feel a pull in our gut, a vibration in our heart, or a flutter in our solar plexus. The feeling is as unique as the individual experiencing it, but one of its most common features is that it rarely comes from our brain. It usually comes from somewhere much deeper…

My intuition has always been strong. For example, I often know whether or not someone is a decent person within seconds of meeting them, or if I’m taking a step towards something positive in my life. There’s a feeling in my gut that whispers, “yes.” It rarely offers more than a one-word answer, but really, what more do you need when making a decision? What’s harder for me to discern is whether the “no” I sometimes feel in my gut means that something truly is bad for me, or if it’s just a manifestation of my anxiety which is why this book appealed to me. I wanted to know how to better listen to my intuition, and this book offers great advice on how to do just that.

Listening in the Dark is a collection of essays from the inspiring minds of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Amy Poehler, and Samantha Irby who share their personal journeys about learning how to follow their intuition. There are also essays from Dr. Nicole Apelian and Amber Tamblyn on how to develop your own intuition and make that tiny voice louder and more self-assured. Between the personal anecdotes and practical How-Tos, you’ll walk away from this book feeling more connected to yourself and your inner voice. A must-read for anyone who’s ever been curious about the power of intuition and how to harness it.