A Reader: “The Discomfort Zone” by Jonathan Franzen

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As always, this is not a book report. Rather, it is an opportunity to discuss some ideas that stuck with me while reading “The Discomfort Zone” by Jonathan Franzen.

A Personal History

 Looking back on your own life is more than a mere reflection. As you age, it is an opportunity to question major milestones and events. It is a chance to take stock of these experiences both good and bad in an effort to see how they shaped you. As you review, these moments interweave themselves together into the story of you. For those of us who choose creative endeavors, our art is an attempt to make meaning of these moments and share them with the world. They influence everything we write, paint, act, sculpt, sing, and express. By sharing them, we attempt to free ourselves while letting others in to experience our true selves. If we are really good, others will see they are not alone in the joy and moments of tumult in this world. “The Discomfort Zone” by Jonathan Franzen is an attempt to do this. In it, I found an author I could relate to on a personal level; one of my great hopes when consuming art in any form.

Be good to each other,

-Nathan

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Nathan Box
Hello! My name is Nathan. I've always believed I would meet that special someone in one of two places; either a record store or a book store. Maybe I need to amend? I moved to Seattle in February of 2011 from Oklahoma City (Try and not hold the Sonics/Thunder thing against me). I knew I wanted to work for a nonprofit and go to grad school. Within a couple of months, I was doing both. During the day, I work as a Fund Developer and Community Relations Manager for a nonprofit in Kent and at night I try to stay as busy as possible volunteering, trying new restaurants, finding hidden bars and exploring Seattle. The past few years has been both terrifying and exhilarating. I have done things on my own I didn’t think were within my capability. I love being outdoors. On any given weekend, I can be found hiking, on a road trip, volunteering, at a museum, seeing a movie (I see a lot of them). I am passionate about nonprofit work. I feel called to leave a mark on this world. Nothing against those who enjoy making tons of money, I just need to know I am making a difference.
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A Reader on a Journey: “Tracks” by Robyn Davidson