How to Hold a Cockroach
A book for those who are free and don't know it
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4.9 • 17 Ratings
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
How to Hold a Cockroach is about discovering and freeing ourselves from the beliefs that cause us to suffer. With a message both surprising and simple, it is a love letter to humankind, a book for those who are free and don't know it.
An Inspirational Tale with 42 Beautiful Illustrations
In this story for all ages, a struggling boy begins a life-changing journey when a disgusting guest disturbs his dinner. Continuing to encounter sources of suffering, the boy must investigate fundamental truths he has believed about himself, love, and life. He confronts some of life's most persistent questions:
What am I?What causes me to suffer?How can I be at peace with the traumas of the past and the uncertainty of the future?What determines how I experience life?
Described as "a children's book for adults," How to Hold a Cockroach was written for adults but is suitable for thoughtful teenagers and children.
For Readers Who Are...
✓ Looking for contemplative and inspirational books about philosophy, spirituality, or psychology.
✓ Facing challenging circumstances, heartbreak, low self-esteem, or resentment towards others.
✓ Finding it difficult to accept the past or fearing what the future will bring.
✓ Fans of the works of Paulo Coelho, Kobi Yamada, or Charlie Mackesy; books like The Alchemist, The Tao of Pooh, The Little Prince, and The Untethered Soul; or spiritual teachers like Tara Brach, Thich Nhat Hanh, Eckhart Tolle, and Cheri Huber.
Regardless of your birthplace, background, or spiritual beliefs -- Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, atheist, Muslim, Jewish, Latter-day Saint, or anything else - this book invites you to explore how you see yourself and the world, re-examine your perspectives, and free yourself to experience more joy, peace, and love.
Choose Your Edition
The hardcover edition is 7x10 inches and contains full-color illustrations.
The paperback edition is 6x9 inches and contains black-and-white illustrations.
The electronic edition contains full-color illustrations (or black-and-white if your device does not support color).
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Leadership coach Maxwell debuts with a wide-eyed allegory about a boy who considers how what he feels and believes about cockroaches may reflect what others have taught him to feel, rather than his own perspective. After seeing a cockroach at dinner, the nameless boy later sees himself as a cockroach in a mirror—an image that sparks his philosophical rumination. Through stories of him becoming overwhelmed with the effort of his chores, errands, and assignments, or stressed by others who cross his path, Maxwell teases out a message that "whatever truth there may be, you can choose how to hold it... maybe cockroaches aren't that different from me." Despite a cyclical structure that has each chapter follow a repetitive pattern—the boy comes to a question or problem, feels insecure, and eventually realizes he is fine the way he is—Maxwell effectively uses these vignettes to reflect on self-criticism, love, overcoming one's past, and embracing unknowns. Always the boy returns to how his understanding of himself is much like his understanding of the cockroach—influenced primarily by others. Focusing on philosophical concepts from a childlike perspective, this sunny rumination on self-worth will primarily appeal to new adult readers. (Self-published)
Customer Reviews
Perfect book
Life as an adult can be taken too seriously most of the time so I loved reading this book every night with my hot tea. So simple a child could read it, but so wise a 60 yr old could relate & learn from it. This book brought me peace, subtle tears, childhood memories & most importantly an amazing take on how to hold a cockroach. May Matthew be blessed forevermore ! Thank you!
Insightful
Very easy quick read, teared up near the end because it really gives you a different way to maybe view things in your life. I would definitely give it a read if you haven’t yet!