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    Smile by Raina Telgemeier Summary

    Smile
    Raina Telgemeier
    4.23 (302511 Reviews)
    Health
    Self-growth
    Education
    Overview
    Key Takeaways
    Author
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    Overview of Smile

    In "Smile," Raina Telgemeier's Eisner-winning graphic memoir chronicles her dental drama and middle school mayhem. Can braces really change your life? This relatable coming-of-age story has educators, celebrities, and millions of readers grinning through tears at its authentic portrayal of adolescent struggles.

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    Explore Your Way of Learning
    Quick Summary7min

    Feel the book through the author's voice

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    Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way

    Explore Your Way of Learning
    Smile isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Health. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

    Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to Smile Summary in 7 Minutes

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    Smile Summary in 7 Minutes

    Break down key ideas from Smile into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.

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    Flash Card Mode - Top 8 Insights from Smile in a Nutshell

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    Distill Smile into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight key principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

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    Fun Mode - Smile Lessons Told Through 23-Min Stories

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    Smile Lessons Told Through 23-Min Stories

    Experience Smile through vivid storytelling that turns innovation lessons into moments you'll remember and apply.

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    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

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    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
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    Celebrities' reading list
    Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
    Award winning collection
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    ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
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    Key Takeaways

    1

    When a Smile Becomes a Journey

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    Imagine losing your two front teeth in a single traumatic moment as a sixth-grader. How would you face school the next day? How would this change your relationship with your own reflection? "Smile" takes us on a journey that's simultaneously specific in its dental drama and universally relatable in its exploration of self-image during the turbulent middle school years. It begins with a single misstep-literally. Sixth-grader Raina trips and falls after a Girl Scout meeting, causing a horrific dental injury. Her two front teeth are knocked out, blood everywhere, pain searing through her face. The scene unfolds in real-time, with friends frozen in horror and the evening's peaceful routine shattered by screams. What makes this moment so poignant is how it captures the intersection of physical and emotional trauma. Raina isn't just dealing with pain; she's confronting a changed appearance during those developmentally crucial years when self-image becomes everything.

    2

    The Dental Chair Chronicles

    3

    Behind the Braces

    4

    Friendship Earthquakes

    5

    Family: The Unshakable Foundation

    6

    Finding Voice Through Art

    7

    The Genuine Smile