Someone needs to talk about this stuff.

It is completely unacceptable that no one talks about this stuff.

The stuff no one talks about is all I want to talk about.

Naked is a collection of coming-of-middle-age essays that traverse a path from self-neglect to self-honoring. There is a rhythmic, lyrical quality to SDG’s debut, which poured out of her with urgency after years of being stuck in life’s holding patterns. From the smallest of life’s moments– a ceramic cup, a hug, a bagel– to life’s inexhaustible journeys– change, growth, love– SDG holds them all equally, bringing a level of emotional introspection and deeper wisdom that holds no pretense. Readers who cannot abandon their lives for a year of rest, reflection, and renewal will find solace in SDG’s approachable take on doing that work within their daily lives. She teaches that within our stories are choices– to question, to grow, to be brave.

Sarah Dulany-Gring (SDG) is the author of Naked. She loves coffee, the ocean, and daffodils. She hates mosquitos, humidity, and olives. She lives in Central New York with her two fairly large mini-humans in a tiny house.