Smile Audiobook By Sarah Ruhl cover art

Smile

The Story of a Face

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Smile

By: Sarah Ruhl
Narrated by: Sarah Ruhl
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* A People Best Book of the Year * Time and The Washington Post’s Most Anticipated List * Longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence *

From the MacArthur genius, two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, and playwright, this “captivating, insightful memoir” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) is “a beautiful meditation on identity and how we see ourselves” (Real Simple).

With a play opening on Broadway, and every reason to smile, Sarah Ruhl has just survived a high-risk pregnancy when she discovers the left side of her face is completely paralyzed. She is assured that 90 percent of Bell’s palsy patients experience a full recovery—like Ruhl’s own mother. But Sarah is in the unlucky ten percent. And for a woman, wife, mother, and artist working in theater, the paralysis and the disconnect between the interior and exterior brings significant and specific challenges. So Ruhl begins an intense decade-long search for a cure while simultaneously grappling with the reality of her new face—one that, while recognizably her own—is incapable of accurately communicating feelings or intentions.

In a series of piercing, profound, and lucid meditations, Ruhl chronicles her journey as a patient, wife, mother, and artist. She explores the struggle of a body yearning to match its inner landscape, the pain of postpartum depression, the story of a marriage, being a playwright and working mom to three small children, and the desire for a resilient spiritual life in the face of illness.

An intimate and “stunning” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) examination of loss and reconciliation, “Ruhl reminds us that a smile is not just a smile but a vital form of communication, of bonding, of what makes us human” (The Washington Post). Brimming with insight, humility, and levity, Smile is a triumph by one of America’s leading playwrights. Mental Health Biographies & Memoirs Women Heartfelt Inspiring Health Theater Medical Professionals & Academics Marriage Witty Celebrity

Critic reviews

"Playwright Sarah Ruhl narrates her beautiful memoir with a sense of never-ending curiosity and wonder. Just after giving birth to twins, she develops Bell’s palsy, which paralyzes half her face. As she gets used to her new visage, she embarks on a journey of discovery, exploring topics such as the history of medicine and the ways that women are socialized to smile. In a series of thoughtful meditations, she examines motherhood, marriage, the creative process, loss, transformation, womanhood, and so much more. Her narration, like her prose, is flowing and lovely. She’s deeply interested in the world — not just in her small world, but also the larger human world — and it comes through as she narrates, her voice inviting readers to share her experiences with irresistible warmth."
Beautiful Storytelling • Moving Memoir • Inspiring Journey • Honest Vulnerability • Personal Growth • Genuine Narration

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The author has shared an incredibly moving, educational, and joyful story, with insight and revelation on every page. The story is well written and read. I found it hard to stop, and looked forward each day to hearing what was next! Thank you, to the author, for sharing your story and inspiring all of us to find the joy and purpose in our lives - even though they are imperfect.

Moving Educational Joyful!

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The writer and narrator, Sarah, had the same ailment that I've had. Mine came about three years ago. it's either the side effects or the disease yet, as I still have episodes of the left side of my face distorting. Not fun, but I can live with it. Just hope it's not for a long time yet.

Yes, I'll smile.

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Beautifully written, honest and somewhat meditative. I was curious (as I navigate my own BP diagnosis) and somewhat afraid. But it was a great pleasure to spend time in Sarah’s company and cheer on her recovery and personal growth. I wish her much happiness and for everyone to discover this little gem of a book

Beautiful poetic

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I really enjoyed the raw frustration that the author dives into. There are so many themes I found myself relating to in my own life. I could draw parallels with her version of the good enough mother, and self acceptance. Incredible story.

Impactful Memoir

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Sarah gave words to what many of us with BP are experiencing and the why behind it. Beautiful story.

Heartbreakingly relatable

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