Gisele is an amazing woman and has been incredible to the communities she’s touched, especially in Pennsylvania. Radical Tenderness is a self-help meets autobiography that reminds us all that it’s better to love and put positive energy out into the world.

I was fortunate to receive an early copy of Radical Tenderness through NetGalley, and I’m so glad I did. This book reads more like a memoir than a traditional autobiography—intimate, emotional, and centered around key experiences that shaped the author’s identity and worldview.

Gisele Baretto Fetterman's story is deeply moving. She offers a powerful narrative about her family’s immigration journey to the United States, sharing the circumstances that brought them here and the challenges they faced along the way. Her reflections are honest and vulnerable, and they offer a vital perspective for readers who may not have personal experience with immigration.

What stood out most to me was the way Gisele explores both the beauty of her culture and the pain of navigating a new world as a young person. She writes with a clarity that’s at once heartwarming and eye-opening. Through her stories, she gently invites readers to consider what it means to stay soft and tender in a world that often demands hardness.

Radical Tenderness is not just a personal account—it’s a reminder of our shared humanity. Gisele's voice is a welcome one, and I’m grateful to have read her work. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate memoirs that weave cultural reflection, emotional depth, and a touch of poetic resilience.

An invitation to see the value of empathetic living, a message we all need.

(I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

In Radical Tenderness, Gisele Barreto Fetterman invites readers into a deeply personal and transformative exploration of vulnerability, compassion, and the power of human connection. With a voice that is both heartfelt and candid, Fetterman opens up about the importance of embracing vulnerability in a world that often feels harsh and indifferent. Drawing from her own experiences, including her work in social justice and her personal journey, she shows how radical tenderness can be a powerful tool for healing and change.

Fetterman argues that embracing tenderness doesn’t equate to weakness but is instead a revolutionary act of strength. Her perspective is a timely reminder that in an age marked by division and discord, vulnerability can create bridges where walls once stood. Through poignant stories and insightful reflections, she weaves together the complexities of tenderness—acknowledging its capacity to heal, to open hearts, and to foster a deep sense of connection and empathy.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. Fetterman’s prose is warm and inviting, allowing readers to feel as though they are in conversation with a friend. She challenges us to rethink societal norms around strength and toughness, offering vulnerability as an antidote to the burnout and emotional exhaustion many of us face. Her call to be tender with ourselves and others resonates, especially in today’s world where acts of kindness often seem too rare.

At the heart of Radical Tenderness is a plea for empathy—a call to meet people where they are, not just with kindness, but with understanding. Fetterman encourages us to embrace the discomfort of vulnerability, to show up for ourselves and others with authenticity, and to lead lives marked by empathy rather than fear.

Ultimately, Radical Tenderness is a celebration of the transformative power of tenderness in a world that too often prioritizes toughness over empathy. It is an essential read for anyone looking to cultivate deeper connections, heal old wounds, and make the world a kinder, more compassionate place. This book is not just a guide for personal growth, but a manifesto for social change that reminds us all of the profound impact of being tender with one another.