Why you should read Fragments: Essays and Philosophies by deaf writer Elizabeth A. Ward

By Rebecca-Anne Withey

Elizabeth A. Ward, a deaf writer, activist and feminist has released her first book in which the reader is treated to a variety of essays on a wide range of subjects. Aptly titled, Fragments: Essays and Philosophies is – as the author states – “all about what it means to live, think, feel and love in the twenty first century.”

The book has five sections; the body, the heart, thinking and dreaming, writing and creating and society and identity. Ward has written extensively as a blogger and journalist, and it is this experience of writing short essays that inspired her to publish her book in such a compartmentalised way.

As a reader you do wonder, how is it all going to come together?

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the format of the book actually allowed me to dip in and out of it effortlessly, pausing for thought or for rest (as the author encourages) whenever I wished. It also meant I could flick through and allow synchronicity to guide me to whatever I needed to read at that moment. For Fragments is indeed an inspiring book full of insightful gems.

Ward’s writing style is warm and honest, as though she is speaking directly to you and nobody else. She bares her soul throughout the essays, enabling us to see that just as she has her own quirks and insecurities, so too do we.

Ward looks at topics including feminism, overcoming fear, animals, being a geek, cats and the Danish term of Hygge. Yet the underlying theme throughout all of her pieces is that of hope; hope in overcoming life’s challenges whilst being kind to ourselves. She reinforces repeatedly how important it is to look after ourselves, to seek life’s pleasures and to quieten the voices within us that say we aren’t good enough. Some snippets of her phrases that I particularly loved are…

“The biggest fight for us is to be unafraid… Sometimes I grieve but I don’t regret… Be all that you are and try to let go of the hurts.”

On a personal level I found so many similarities between myself and the writer. We both have a deaf sister. A shared love of books and writing. The fact that we are both Highly Sensitive People (as explained in one of her essays!) and that despite our best efforts to connect with others, at heart we are introverts who restore ourselves best when we are alone.

By reading Fragments I found myself reassured that I am not alone in my worries about the political world and the impact it has on our lives. I also found myself encouraged that there are others out there trying to make a positive difference to our world.

But why should you read Fragments?

1. If you’re deaf or want to understand deafness and the social implications it has. Ward explains how her deafness affects friendships, her school life experience and the secret guilty pleasure deaf people have for getting new hearing aid moulds.

2. If your mental health has ever suffered. This book is written to encourage readers to assess whether their lives are balanced, and to take time out to enjoy the art of doing nothing – guiltlessly! She speaks of her own mental health struggles and offers heartfelt advice to those who may be struggling.

3. If you want to be informed and educated on a wide range of topics. Learn about feminism, Jane Austen novels, conservation efforts, the use of social media and more!

4. If you want to be a writer. Ward tells us how she came to be a writer, how she feeds her writing passions and overcome writing procrastination! She speaks of the importance of reading and having your own writing mentors to inspire your craft.

5. If you need to take some time out for self reflection. The style of this book is so thoughtful that it naturally allows you to press Pause on your own life and reflect on matters that mean the most to you.

As Ward puts it herself, we are “all fragments – pieces that come together in a jumble of experiences.” By reading Ward’s fragmented experiences, you will be inspired to consider what your own pieces are that make up the wonderful, crazy whole that is you.

You can purchase Fragments: Essays and Philosophies on Amazon and follow the author at www.catsandchocolate.com