Open Me Carefully

Synopsis

For the first time, selections from Emily Dickinson's thirty-six year correspondence with her childhood friend, neighbor, and sister-in-law, Susan Huntington Dickinson, are compiled in a single volume. Open Me Carefully invites a dramatic new understanding of Emily Dickinson's life and work, overcoming a century of censorship and misinterpretation. For the millions of readers who love Emily Dickinson's poetry, Open Me Carefully brings new light to the meaning of the poet's life and work. Gone is Emily as lonely spinster; here is Dickinson in her own words, passionate and fully alive. "With spare commentary, Smith... and Hart... let these letters speak for themselves. Most important, unlike previous editors who altered line breaks to fit their sense of what is poetry or prose, Hart and Smith offer faithful reproductions of the letters' genre-defying form as the words unravel spectacularly down the original page." Renee Tursi, THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

Summary

Chapter 1: The Women in My Life

* Summary: Explores the relationships between the protagonist, Ann, and the women in her life, including her mother, grandmother, and friends.
* Real Example: Ann recalls a childhood incident where her mother saved her from a dangerous fall, demonstrating her unwavering love and protection.

Chapter 2: The Men in My Life

* Summary: Discusses Ann's interactions with men, from her father to romantic partners. She reflects on the complexities of gender dynamics and the search for love.
* Real Example: Ann shares a story about a failed relationship with a man who initially seemed perfect but later revealed his true colors.

Chapter 3: The Past That Shaped Me

* Summary: Examines Ann's childhood and upbringing, exploring how it has influenced her present relationships and experiences.
* Real Example: Ann vividly describes a pivotal moment in her adolescence when she witnessed her parents' divorce, which left an enduring scar on her psyche.

Chapter 4: The Present That I'm Living

* Summary: Chronicles Ann's current life as a single woman in her thirties, navigating the challenges and triumphs of her career, friendships, and personal growth.
* Real Example: Ann shares her struggles with loneliness and the pressures of societal expectations, but also celebrates her accomplishments and the resilience she has developed.

Chapter 5: The Future That I'm Creating

* Summary: Explores Ann's hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the future. She reflects on lessons learned from the past and envisions a life filled with purpose and meaning.
* Real Example: Ann describes her newfound passion for pottery, which has become an outlet for her creativity and a source of inner fulfillment.

Chapter 6: The Lessons I've Learned

* Summary: Reflects on Ann's experiences and offers insights into the lessons she has gleaned about relationships, love, and resilience.
* Real Example: Ann shares a story about a time she confronted a toxic friend, demonstrating the importance of setting boundaries and protecting her well-being.

Chapter 7: The Woman I'm Becoming

* Summary: Celebrates Ann's journey of self-discovery and growth. She embraces her flaws, cherishes her strengths, and looks forward to the future with a sense of empowerment.
* Real Example: Ann reflects on a recent solo trip that allowed her to reconnect with herself, gain independence, and embrace her true identity.