Published Books

First Edition Book Awards
Literary Titan Gold Award
Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite/Psychology

Excerpts from literary reviews:

Literary Titan – Five Stars:

Kris Girrell takes the reader on an emotional journey through various stages of his life in Learning to Feel: One Man’s Path of Reconnecting to the Heart of Emotions. The author’s honesty about his personal struggles and triumphs engages the reader throughout the book. With personal experiences and insightful notes and questions, the author’s emotional connection with the reader is evident. Girrell’s passion for emotional intelligence and self-awareness is palpable throughout the book. He shares cherished moments with friends, family, and colleagues, making the reader feel like a part of the story. The affirmations in the book are particularly noteworthy, radiating positivity and showcasing the author’s intentionality with his words.

In addition to teaching readers how to deal with emotions, Girrell provides valuable lessons on molding young individuals into upright members of society. The author stresses the importance of being a role model and being deliberate with one’s lessons. The book also includes questions to ponder after each discussion, providing a reflective opportunity for the reader. Girrell’s use of tables and diagrams to illustrate his points is helpful and clarifies the text. By the end of the book, the reader gains a different perspective on life, human beings, and emotions. The book teaches readers how to connect with their inner selves, have better relationships with others, and communicate effectively.

The author’s inclusion of works cited and additional materials for further reading adds value to the book. Girrell’s phenomenal writing style and engaging storytelling make Learning to Feel: One Man’s Path of Reconnecting to the Heart of Emotions an exceptional read. This thought-provoking book is a combination of a memoir, a journey of self-discovery, and a self-help guide. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking personal growth and a deeper understanding of themselves.

Readers’ Favorites – Five Stars:

This interesting and introspective read asks us to examine whether we are truly accessing our feelings or not or simply going through the motions of life. Packed with deep questions to help the reader walk the same exploratory path as the author, this is a read which involves its audience in a truly interactive soul-searching mission. It is a combination of memoir, self-help, and motivational writing that is suitable for the general reading audience.
It is clear from the outset that Kris Girrell is passionate about the subject matter of this intense and well-presented self-help book. One of the most striking qualities of the read is the personality and honesty embedded in the narrative, gently coaxing readers to look at themselves from a more critical viewpoint. It also peels back many layers of the author’s own heart and mind to show us the true power of being vulnerable and honest with ourselves. I especially enjoyed the chapter likening the journey to the hero’s quest and how we might feel about concepts that are so firmly embedded into our minds that we might not even realize they are there. Learning to Feel is a work that is profoundly researched, well-written, and fascinating to read, and it will certainly help anyone looking to explore the nature of their innermost feelings for themselves.

US Review of Books:

“Reading a book authored by a psychologist is like getting free therapy sessions, with no appointment necessary. Such is the case reading Girrell’s book, as he goes deep, discussing emotions well beyond sad, mad, and glad. Girrell focuses on bringing awareness to one’s feelings, after making a strong case for why one needs them.

The author’s book is poignant because Girrell is a professional but also a superb writer. The writing is conversational and fluid. Girrell also uses humor and take-home questions as tools for self-help. His periodic table of emotions (for the more science types) is creative and funny. It lightens the mood. And the questions at the end of each chapter give readers personal food for thought. After reading this book, readers are guaranteed to come away feeling challenged but armed with the tools and paths forward in their own emotional journeys.”

Reviewer’s Bookwatch – Midwest Review of Books:

“Learning to Feel: One Man’s Path of Reconnecting to the Heart of Emotions” may be one person’s journey in emotional discovery, but it also well serves as a set of trail blazes through the dark forest of discovery for others to follow. Each individual chapter concludes with provocative questions for the reader’s own self-exploration.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, “Learning to Feel: One Man’s Path of Reconnecting to the Heart of Emotions” by Kris Girrell will prove of special and particular value to readers with an interest in emotional/mental health, interpersonal relations, and personality development. While also available for personal reading lists in a digital book format, “Learning to Feel” is especially and unreservedly recommended for professional, community and college/university library Popular Psychology collections and supplemental Psychology/Mental Health curriculum studies lists.