“I want someone, anyone, to look at my secrets and feel something.”
I found this book on the library’s mending shelves with a broken spine. As I flipped through, I began reading the thoughts, dreams, heartbreaks, sadness, and desires of strangers who felt compelled to share their secrets with the world. If you aren’t familiar with PostSecret books, they are the brainchild of Frank Warren. In November 2004, as a community art project, Warren printed 3,000 postcards and distributed them in subway stations, art galleries, and in library books. The postcards asked people to create cards of their own, sharing a secret that they had never revealed before to anyone. From millions of contributions, Warren has compiled five books and hosted art exhibits and campus events.
What is so extraordinary about PostSecret books? Open one and you will see. Each page is filled with pieces of art that will elicit some emotion. You will identify with some, feel true sorrow at the pain expressed by others, and laugh at the sheer honesty of people’s secrets:
“I’m too lazy to close the blinds when I pee and my apartment is on the ground floor.”
I encourage you to check out one of Warren’s books. I was especially affected by this one, but I am sure the other titles also hold a treasure trove of emotional candor.
Check the WRL catalog for A Lifetime of Secrets.
Blogging for a Good Book 
Leave a Reply