Book Reviews

* You can meet all of our book reviewers here.
 

Book Reviewed: Ninja Chick
Type of Book: Self-Help
Author: Mollie Culligan
Publisher: Penguin
Reviewer: Victoria May
Stars: 3 stars
Review:

 
Another interesting read… however I wouldn’t recommend this as the best read I’ve ever done. This book is dedicated to all the Ninja Chicks who are just brassy enough to say yes to a life of perpetual riot… and the lingo goes on throughout the whole book. I felt at times I was reading a guide on how to be a little bit of a tough b^&%h. Don’t know if its my sort of style however there are girls out there who would get a lot out of the weird talk on dojo, fighting to be the best and everything else martial arts that can help you get through life on top.

This book empowers you to take a moment to say good-bye to the fragility of your life because as a ninja chick you are finally able to take control. Your sensei on this journey is karma guru Mollie Culligan who has mastered the art of giving it to women straight, through the six secret teachings of the ancient masters. You will enter Mollie’s dojo where under her guidance you will improve all aspects of your life including love, creativity and self awareness, and you will emerge a dynamic, lovable and confident ninja chick that’s got it going on.

Mollie will teach you numerous ways to tango in the face of imperfection and love exactly who you are. You will discover the differences between you and the you everyone else wants you to be. You will take the oath of the Shinkansen, a vow to be a bullet train that blasts through all obstacles and doubts that stand in your way. You will soar into fearless acts of flight interspersed with soothing moments of pause. You will learn Seijaku (the power of silence), meditations and other rituals to keep your sanity unscathed during difficulties large and small. You will also learn to kick your karma up a notch and find out just why the best precept is saved for last.

To be honest I am not sure if I got a whole lot out of this. It's rather a simple explanation on how to Love, Defy, Expand and give. I think the Martial Arts talk or whatever you may call it was to much for me… however I think this would be a great read for those ninja chicks out there who do want a fun read with a different view to improving ones life.
 

Book Reviewed: An Hour to Live, an Hour to Love (The True Story of the Best Gift Ever Given)
Type of Book: Inspirational
Author: Richard Carlson and Kristine Carlson
Publisher: Hyperion
Reviewer: Dianne Davidson
Stars: 4
Review:

Richard Carlson was a well known author and public speaker. He is most famous for his many "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" books. I've read, loaned and traded many of them. There is a certain comfort with familiar authors. Their personalities jump off the pages. (yah that means you too Craig)

Part one was a love letter he wrote to his wife on their 18th Wedding anniversary. From a favorite quotation from author Stephen Levine...

"If you had an hour to live and could make just one phone call, who would it be to, what would you say... and why are you waiting?"

The short answer for him was Kristine his wife. He goes on to give us many good nuggets of info. Life lessons we may have heard before but due to circumstance are cemented through the emotion of the situation.

His wife Kris asked why he wrote the letter and he said...

"He was inspired by their love and the beauty of life. I had to say these things."

Tragically In December 06 he caught a plane on his way to a speaking engagement. He died in his sleep of a pulmonary embolism. This was only 3 years after he wrote this letter.

A couple of the things that stood out for me.....
The Best things in life aren't things!!!
And....We always teach best what we most need to learn.
And...Listen more.

Part 2 is "An Hour to Love" written by his wife Kris.
There is sooo much emotion when someone dies suddenly.
Her advice is to "LOVE FULLY AND LIVE PRESENTLY."
She says she learned so much in their lifetime and has learned just as much since his death.

This was a very short book. I read it for a second time this week in only a couple hours.
Last weekend we attended a funeral for our 18 year old niece.
For me it has brought a lot to the surface.
This book fit with my emotions.
 

Book Reviewed: Who Moved My Cheese –An Amazing Way to Deal with Change In Your Work and In Your Life
Type of Book: Self Help
Author: Dr Spencer Johnston
Reviewer: Jo Deeker
Stars: 4
Publisher: Vermilion
Review

I have to confess that I chose this book because it is short and it wouldn’t take me long to read. I’ve heard about it, I’ve seen it on lots of manager’s bookshelves, but I never got around to reading it. It’s so short, I read it last night on the train home after work. It’s a good book – and a great one to loan to others (the CEO of my company loaned it to me).

Spencer Johnston uses a fable to provide some insight into what happens when you are faced with change and how different people deal with change. He provides clear messages in simple language on approaches to change and what holds us back when we are faced with change. He wraps the fable in a story of a group of friends meeting regularly and discussing the fable.

I found the messages in the fable easy to understand and some of the messages were very applicable to me – even though I embrace change as a whole, I can be stubborn and resist change if I think I’m right – and I probably wouldn’t have admitted that without reading the book. Also I was reminded that fear is usually what drives you to resist change – it’s simple, but true.

The author of the foreword, Kenneth Blanchard, advises that some people just read the fable and some people read the story around the fable as well. I found the story around the fable irritating but am still glad I read it for one reason – those who believe they don’t resist change often still do (Hello Me!).

A book doesn’t need to have big words or be really complex to be useful. This book gets to the point with no fluff whatsoever. I now understand why I’ve seen it on so many manager’s bookshelves. It’s a very useful tool – gets you thinking, makes you take a look at who and how you are, and helps you understand where others are coming from. Read it, and pass it on.
 

Book Reviewed: The Diet Delusions (UK title) or Good Calorie Bad Calorie (USA title)
Type of Book: Scientific/Diet
Author: Gary Taubes
Publisher: Vermilion of Ebury Publishing (UK) and Alfred A. Knopf of Random House (USA)
Reviewer: Kris Rollag
Stars: 4

Review:

Has the epidemic of obesity in America and other Western countries been directly caused by the very people that were trying to help alleviate it? Have we been sold a host of falsehoods in the recommendation to eat less fat and more carbohydrates? Is it possible that the classic dietary pyramid is based on subjective rather than objective information? Is the alternative diet of low-carbohydrate eating a valid and healthy alternative? So many questions are asked and answered in The Diet Delusions/Good Calorie Bad Calorie.

Yes, I realize I am writing another review on a book that deals with diet. As my major focus over the last 6-9 months has been my health and fitness, it is inevitable that I am drawn to books that help to keep me motivated and moving forward toward weight loss and improved health. The Diet Delusions has been an absolute eye-opening read for me. As a chemist/pharmacist by profession, I am simply gobsmacked at the information contained in this book.

Gary Taubes wrote an article in 2002 titled “What if it’s all been a big fat lie” which was published in the New York Times Magazine. This is what started his research into the possibility that we have been fed a huge mistruth that saturated fat is bad, that obesity is caused by overeating and sedentary behavior, how carbohydrates fit into the diet equation, the role of insulin in heart disease, diabetes and Syndrom X and that fat does not make us fat. This book traces the path of scientific research and exposes how personal and governmental agenda’s (rather than cold hard scientific facts) have shaped and influenced what we are told about a healthy way of eating.

This 600-page tome outlines the history and evolution of the diet we are now being sold as a ‘healthy diet’, the classic dietary pyramid. The Diet Delusions/Good Calorie Bad Calorie is an absolutely fascinating book that is surprisingly easy to understand in spite of its detailed nature. Taubes has researched the studies and trials, talked with the scientists, interpreted their findings and written a book that, although challenging at times, is written in a very readable manner. There are certainly portions of this book that are deeply scientific and may be more suited toward the medical professionals, but don’t let this stop you from tackling the book. I can’t imagine that after reading this book your view of the typical American (or Western) diet will remain unchanged.
 

Book Reviewed: Life’s to F%^king short
Type of Book: Self-Help
Author: Janet Street Porter
Publisher: Quadrille Publishing
Reviewer: Victoria May
Stars: 4.5 stars
Review:

Let me give you prior warning. This book is not for the faint hearted. It certainly stood out on the book shelves though!

Janet Street Porter would have to sound like one of the meanest, horrible people to know, however, I kid you not; she would certainly be an interesting lady to meet.

This book is a guide to getting what you want out of life without wasting time or money.

Janet delves into the important areas of our life including but not limited to beauty, health and fitness, fashion, men, relationships and family and friends. In each section Janet explains how we can maintain the best life possible without resorting down the same road everyman and his dog does.

For example, ladies, do you ever stare in the mirror and grab hold of the fat just wishing you could get liposuction to vacuum out the last bits of fat or pull your face up wishing you could get that $10,000 facelift in order to make “everything” better. Janet goes on to insult any woman who believes this will make you more successful, happier, beautiful etc. It certainly will not fix the underlying problems which have drawn you to get these sort of costly procedures in the first place.

Janet’s view on food is not quite something I agree on. She insists we should only live off 3 meals per day (yeah right) and only have a grape juice and black coffee for breakfast to kick start the metabolism (hrmmmm). Although I do agree with her constant referral to only consuming the freshest ingredients from the outer isles of the supermarkets i.e. Think your veggies and fruit, breads and wholegrain cereals.

As for a career, after having been through 3 marriages to reach the top, I am not sure whether or not it is worth being in a relationship if you cannot juggle all and be happy. Janet has no children which has made her journey to the top easier however others would disagree that maybe her attitude wouldn’t be so full on if she bought children up rather than living in the corporate world since day 1.

All in all, I really do recommend this as a great read, if you can handle a little bit of truth and attitude about life and getting what you want !

 

Book Reviewed: Now Opportunity Wasted (NOW) – 8 steps to getting the most out of life
Type of Book: Self Help
Author: Phil Keoghan with Warren Berger
Reviewer: Jo Deeker
Stars: 4.9
Publisher: Bantam
 

I loved this book and I encourage everyone in the entire world to read it. Get your hands on a copy however you can (it is hard to buy – I found it at Borders). On the back cover of the book is a quote from Oprah Winfrey “Phil’s determination to live life to the fullest is infectious”. I agree 100%. I started reading it on the train and within an hour was in the best mood ever, bubbling with possibility and options and plans and dreams and of course knowing I can actually achieve some of them.

Phil Keoghan is best known to Australian audiences as the host of the Amazing Race. He also hosts another show called No Opportunity Wasted (NOW) which hasn’t appeared on our TV screens, and this book complements the TV show. Phil is an adventurer and has lived an amazing life full of some very wonderful adventures. A near-death experience whilst diving at 19 led him to write a list of things he wanted to do before he died. Since then he’s done A LOT of things, and he still keeps a list which he revises from time to time.

Phil encourages you to get rid of your excuses and live your life to maximum potential. He suggests creating a life list with the following themes and then getting on with it – knock ‘em off one by one.

• Facing your fears

• Lose yourself in the experience

• Test your limits

• Take a leap of faith

• Rediscover your childhood

• Shed your inhibitions

• Break new ground

• Live out your dream by helping others

Each chapter of the book explores each theme in some detail - Phil shares his own philosophies and experiences and then the experiences of people who have been part of the NOW tv show. The stories in the book are inspiring and motivating and encouraged me to think much bigger than I normally do. Phil can be blunt from time to time (like our favourite motivational speaker) and he pushed a few of my own lazy, excuse – making buttons.

I encourage everyone to get this book, write their list (I stuck mine in the toilet so I see it every day) and then get on with getting more out of life.
 

Book Reviewed: The Amazing Adventures of Diet Girl
Type of Book: Memoir
Author: Shauna Reid
Publisher: Corgi
Reviewer: Kris Rollag
Stars: 5

“The true reward is finding peace and acceptance and embracing my own skin, with all its quirks and charms.” Shauna Reid.

My favorite genre of books is the memoir. Reading about someone overcoming adversity is very powerful. I also enjoy reading books on health and weight loss, having struggled with excess weight my entire life. A combination of memoir and weight loss is right up my alley so The Amazing Adventures of Diet Girl was a perfect read for me. Not to mention, it’s a hysterically funny and well-written book!

Shauna Reid is an Australian who started her weight loss journey in January 2001 at the age of 23. She weighed in at twenty-five stone and lost twelve and a half stone over 7 years. Although much of this book is focused on her weight loss journey, it is not exclusively a weight loss memoir. During this 7-year period, she embarked on an overseas adventure where she met the man of her dreams. The fear of her UK visa running out and facing deportation back to Australia is just one of the additional struggles she confronts.

This is a book about a courageous young woman learning to become the person she (perhaps) never dreamt she could become. Shauna’s transformation story is inspirational, incredibly honest and optimistic. Self-esteem, weight loss, family and relationship issues, lack of finances, going after what one wants and a myriad of other timely life issues are all dealt with: sometimes with humor and fun and other times with tears and angst. While I read this book, I was cheering her on and truly felt like I was on her journey with her. Reading her story left me with the thought that it is possible to achieve whatever you set your mind to.

Although it’s not typical for me to read a memoir with a highlighter, I found myself relating to her writing in such a way that I had to mark certain passages because I knew I would want to return to them. Two of my favorite quotes from the book:

“There is no better feeling in the world than to take your mind and body to a place you thought it couldn’t go; a place you thought it didn’t belong.”

“You have to be your own superhero. I’d always been desperate for approval and validation from others but now I know that the real pleasure comes from impressing yourself.”

Do yourself a favor. Buy this book and settle in for a day or two of sheer enjoyment and entertainment. Whether battling the bulge is an issue for you or not really doesn’t matter. This is a heart-warming and humorous book about a young woman who transformed her life. I can’t imagine anyone not being moved by her story. And, all the better as she’s a fellow Australian!
 

Book Reviewed: Living IT up
Type of Book: Self-Help
Author: Bev Aisbett
Publisher: HarpersCollins Publishers
Reviewer: Victoria May
Stars: 3

As an on/off anxiety sufferer.. (not hardcore) but at times the usual bad thoughts and thinking negative rather than positive I found this book a very good and easy read… if you are going through a stage in your life where you cannot seem to get back up into the positive mindset. Have a read of this cutie which includes cartoons as well… sounds like a kiddies book but really its very handy to have at times when you need a kick in the backside.

'Living IT up' is a guide to surviving anxiety in its many forms – from overwhelming terror of Panic Disorder to the less intense but equally destructive daily stresses of modern life.

This book I found was a really great and easy read, not just due to the fact that a lot of the book is based around cartooning, a fun and easy read guide to the life skills required to transform anxiety into a valuable tool for growth and change.

This book offers hope and guidance for sufferers of anxiety disorders, and a valuable insight for those interested in personal development.
 

Book Reviewed: LOSING IT And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time
Type of Book: Autobiographical
Author: Valerie Bertinelli
Publisher: Free Press
Reviewer: Dianne Davidson
Stars: 4

This book is an inspiring look inside the life of Valerie Bertinelli.  At 47, she has had many ups and downs in both her career as an actress and her personal life, married to rocker Eddie Van Halen.  Her weight ended up being a reflection of the struggles and challenges she had along the way.

I loved watching her in 'One Day at a Time' over 30 years ago.  She admits to problems with drugs and alcohol although food was her true addiction.

How she "felt" was often linked to the number on the scale. She began her television career at 15 and for most of her years worried about what other people thought.  (Sound familiar??)

Her journey to positive self esteem and loving the skin she's in was an enjoyable read.  It was kinda like listening to a friend.  I definitely felt the connection.

Big Difference!!!  I didn't marry a rock star.

Book Reviewed: Natural Born Success
Type of Book:  self-help
Author: Paul Burgess
Publisher: Wiley & Sons Australia
Reviewer: Elle St James
Stars: 4
 
Do you know someone who constantly hands out advice and who ends every positive statement with “but…”? Are you living with someone who drives you crazy because of their literal interpretation of everything you say and who interrogates you like a terrorist if you come home five minutes later than you said you would? Are you irritated with yourself because no matter how many times you promise yourself you won’t, you leap to say yes when someone asks you to do something?
 
This book will open your eyes to an entirely new way of considering what makes people tick. The author, Paul Burgess, presents a system for understanding what motivates people’s behaviour that I found resonated very strongly. Paul developed his method of personality profiling, which he calls the ID system (abbreviated from Instinctive Drive), in 1991 after much research and has continued to evaluate it and refine it over the years until writing this book in 2007.
 
Paul has identified four major instinctive drives: to Verify; to Authenticate; to Complete; and to Improvise. Personalities are composed of these four drives in varying intensities, including the need to avoid a particular instinctive drive which has its own traits. So for instance, someone who seems overly critical could be driven by the instinct to verify which means they are motivated by improvement and the best way to become better is to find where you (or the other person!) went wrong and fix it. What to them is handing out helpful advice appears to other people as criticism.
 
For me, the light bulb flashed as I realized that people are driven to certain types of behaviour and these traits are not “flaws” to be changed. I felt like I had been given the secret to insider trading because reading this book immediately gave me a feeling of better understanding where my family and friends were “coming from” in terms of motivation. There was plenty of self-recognition as well and the appreciation of why certain issues inevitably result in arguments within our family.
 
Paul states that gaining an understanding of your underlying motivations allows you to consciously control how and when you use your strengths and minimise your so-called “flaws”. He is intensely interested in the “why” behind people’s actions and once you understand the “why” then you can become adept at influencing your own behaviour. Knowledge of our motivations can also improve our chances of happiness; of forming better relationships, both personal and professional; and even improve our health by removing a lot of stress from our lives because knowing what drives us allows for greater personal acceptance.
 
After revealing the traits of the instinctive drives, there are explanatory chapters on how these relate to your career choices, relationships, parenting, health and even wealth. I admit I was attracted to this book by the title, and after delving into it, I believe the book delivered a powerful tool that allows an incredible amount of insight into human behaviour. I did take half a star off the review because the actual questionnaire to determine your ID is not included (see Appendix C for where to get a copy), but that is the only disappointment.

Book Reviewed: Navigating Midlife – women becoming themselves
Type of Book: Self Help
Author: Robyn Vickers-Willis
Reviewer: Jo Deeker
Stars: 3
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, 2002
 

I first met Robyn Vickers-Willis when I was a baby consultant working at an engineering consulting firm. I was 25, and she provided some corporate training in personality typing and assertiveness skills. I still use her assertiveness skills now so it worked! I probably attended three courses run by Robyn, and have also seen her privately a couple of times to assist me make decisions. I have referred friends to her, particularly those who are wondering whether to make a big career change or not.

Robyn is a practicing psychologist, and has written this book as a response to her own journey through a midlife transition. The book heavily draws on Robyn’s own personal experience– she prefers to use the word transition rather than crisis, because a crisis implies a negative experience. The book is about finding your self, your TRUE self, and then creating the life you want based on what you want, not on what others want. It’s definitely not about menopause although the timing of menopause and midlife transition can coincide. She found that most research has focused on midlife transition for men, and that women have a different experience. Robyn has also written a book for men. Women like me, who have an active professional career as well as kids can do well by reading both books.

Robyn defines midlife transition as follows:
“During midlife it is natural for psychic energy to be redirected to our inner world to do reflective, inner work. Lethargy comes upon us for no apparent reason. Things that once interested us no longer hold our attention. These are inner taps on the shoulder for us to go within, to find our Self, and to search out new meaning to our life.”

Robyn provides psychological theory, spiritual guidance and details of her own experience to describe the process of midlife transition, and then provides some exercises and strategies to work through it by discovering yourself and your priorities, then creating your new world. She recommends that you read the book once-through, and then go back to chapters that work for you.

On a personal note, I found the book took me a long time to read and some of the psych theory confused me greatly. This is the second time I have read the book - the first was when I was 35 and searching for many answers and I saw Robyn in person to get some career guidance. She recommended I read the book, and I passed it onto many people at the time. Since then I believe I’ve been through the toughest times of my own transition and have re-engineered my life completely so I don’t really need the book anymore. Maybe that’s why it didn’t grab me this time around – I’ve already done most of it. I did get some nice reminders though – particularly the MBTI personality typing reminded me that I’m an introvert (disguised as an extrovert) and that I am energized from within. It’s important to me to make time to be on my own and I’m glad that I re-read the book and did the review just for that one tip!

I do recommend this book as a useful tool for women in their mid to late thirties, particularly those with children. It’s a keeper – a good one to put on the bookshelf and refer to again and again.

Book Reviewed: Think Big and Kick Ass in Business and Life.
Type of Book: Business / Motivational
Author: Donald Trump and Bill Zanker
Publisher: Harper Collins, New York, 2007
Reviewer: Dee Britton
Stars: 4

I didn’t really know much about Donald Trump before reading this book. From what I had seen and read I believed him to be a ruthless rich businessman. But he, like many successful entrepreneurs, has always intrigued me. I wanted to know more about what makes a man like this tick and I was pleasantly surprised.

Donald Trump, as well as being a personality on “The Apprentice”, is a successful real estate buyer and developer and has spent many years buying, renovating and selling buildings, homes, golf courses and other large, expensive assets. This book shares the secrets of his successful climb to the top and offers tips for overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness in both business and life. Throughout the book Trump makes mention of some of the ups and downs in his life, making a special mention about his lowest point when he almost lost everything.

Bill Zanker started The Learning Annex with $5000 and with Donald Trump’s expertise and knowledge is now generating over $100 million a year in sales, and still growing. Zanker talks about how he grew his business and re-affirms all that Trump says at the end of each chapter.

This book begins with a quiz “Do you have what it takes?” Trump goes into detail about what it takes to achieve success and why so few people have the attitude necessary to achieve riches. He talks about the many celebrities, billionaire business people and superstar sports figures he has known and how these types of successful people all seem to possess traits that set them apart from the pack: their attitudes, actions, persistence and passion. From what I have read I believe he loves connecting with people, helping them and educating them. He is a professional; he is always prepared; he is extremely generous with his money and always over delivers.

Some of the tips that Trump gives to make it big are:

• Be honest with yourself, think large and be creative.

• Know your work.

• If you want to make it big you need to push yourself beyond your limits, get excited and pump yourself up. You have to do this yourself as nobody is going to do it for you.

• Never do it just for money – you need to be passionate about everything you do. You have to love what you do to be successful. All successful people are high energy people who are passionate about what they do.

• Don’t quit and don’t take no for an answer.

• Never rest, you can’t afford to be complacent.

• Be street wise; go with your gut feeling.

• Stay focused.

• Keep away from negative people.

• When you dream about something, that is what you’ll do. Keep your goals alive by taking action each day.

• Solve difficult problems and learn from your mistakes. Failure or setback is not a defeat. Defeat is a state of mind.

Trump also talks about coping with celebrity status and success, and knowing who to trust. He has had many people try to bring him down and believes that you are a ‘schmuck’ if you don’t get even. Another controversial chapter is on the importance of getting a pre-nuptial agreement. Trump feels that one’s success is too important to risk losing it all at the hands of an ex-spouse. I was a little taken back by these chapters but I have never been where Donald Trump stands. I can only imagine how people try to rip off successful people like him and although I don’t agree I can see his point of view.

Trump's attitude will inspire you to break through limits you have set for yourself. With so much success to offer, Trump seems anxious to share the secrets of his successful climb to the top, and that is exactly what he does in this book. Staying positive, maintaining focus, keeping a step ahead of the competition, aiming for the top, etc., are all pretty common pieces of advice that most authors would agree are important ingredients to success. Trump has his own unique way of saying things, but the basics of most of this advice are pretty clear, and pretty ordinary.

The best thing I got from this book is the power of passion. Donald Trump is so successful because he is passionate and loves what he does. Passion doesn’t have to relate to money, it has to relate to life. If we look beyond how he is portrayed in the media, we can learn a great deal from a man like this.

Practice to think big and you too will be successful in business and life.
 

Book Reviewed: Skinny Bitch
Type of Book: Self-help/Dietary Development
Authors: Rory Freedman & Kim Barnouin
Publisher: The Running Press
Reviewer: Tami Brinkley
Stars: 2

Catchy title, huh? I read the back of this book and was sold, it said… “If you can't take one more day of self-loathing, you're ready to hear the truth: You cannot keep shoveling the same crap into your mouth every day and expect to lose weight.” It was real; it was in your face… it was cool! So I bought it! I had about six hours with no cell phone and no kids… so I thought, isn’t this when opportunity meets preparation. Or something like that, anyway. So here goes…
 

In the beginning

This book really breaks down the basics with candor and bluntness that would make Craig blush. Authors Rory and Kim go right to the jugular of the seven “unhealthy” sins:

• Cigarettes

• Alcohol

• Sodas

• Diet sodas

• Coffee

• Junk food

• Medicine

The chapter entitled “Sugar is the Devil” was right out of one of my team lectures and right on the money! Truthful, factual, analytical and humorous. If sugar was a supermodel, this chapter strips her of all her make-up, hair extensions, airbrushing, and fashion couture to reveal a pasty, unattractive, somewhat addicted-looking sack of bones. Harsh, I know, but that is how “in your face” the tone of this book is about some of the ridiculous choices we make regarding the substances we will put into our bodies.

Usually, I like a story; some characters, maybe a situation metaphor. This doesn’t have any of that, unless you count the two authors, whose personalities shine through their words. They do have an ability to say what is what and I like that. They emphasize that life is a choice, and more importantly… your life is your choice. Skinny Bitch does deliver a keen message: If you want something, choose it and chase it, don’t wish and whine!
 

Somewhere in the middle
 

So far, I am onboard with the girls (authors Rory and Kim); I am reading and nodding like Grandma during Sunday morning services. Then I get to page 44. If I was on a “diet” I would refer to page 44-49 every time I had a desire to… well… eat. Honestly, I had to put away the book for a while, the graphic imagery was more than I could stomach.
 

As it turns out, Skinny Bitch subscribes to being true blue vegetarian is the only way to be healthy philosophy. And in order to bring this message home, I was subjected to details upon details of slaughter house procedures and scenarios. Not quite the situational metaphors I had hoped for. After abandoning the book for more two hours to allow my stomach instability to subside, I rejoined the pages to then stumble across an entire Chapter on “Pooping”. Please, I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried! So if the horrific descriptions of the slaughtering of animals weren’t enough, I was now reading about defecation in a New York Times Best Seller. I did not sign up for this! I suppose it didn’t help that I was on the first day of a rather nasty battle with the stomach flu, but give me a break, two ex-models talking about “poop” for an entire chapter?
 

By the end
 

The text and tone at the start of the book was funny and realistic like having a conversation with someone. By the middle section of the book, the use of profane words (I know, I sound eighty) seemed forced and inappropriate, almost like an afterthought. Like the authors said, “Hey, we haven’t used shit in a while, write a smart comment with the word shit in it.” It just failed to flow.
 

The SB is against all seven of the items previously mentioned and: all meat, milk, eggs, all animal products, headache medicine, cold medicine, any medicine, grocery store vegetables, flour, fish, sugar substitutes, etc… It’s easier to tell you what they are for; organically grown vegetables and organic wheat products, all of which is food in its healthiest forms. I get that. But most of us live in the real world, where we cannot afford or have access to an endless supply of crops from the Garden of Eden.

I’ll admit, I got defensive when they said that fish was not a healthy food (if you want to be a Skinny Bitch) because our waters are polluted. Well, so is the air we breathe, so why can’t I put salmon in my own polluted body and still consider myself healthy/fit? And once I got defensive, I got to wondering, questioning and challenging their sincerity. Wondering what kinds of cars the authors drive and what kind of carbon footprint are they leaving on this earth that maybe attributing to the pollution in the air and water. And with the proceeds of this book, how many pairs of Italian leather shoes did they purchase? Not that I am against Italian leather pumps, no sir, but I am not making millions of dollars from a book that makes farmers out to be murders. I don’t know what shoes they have or if they drive a hybrid or if they refuse to fly to conserve fuel and reduce pollution… but I do wonder or maybe I’m still mad about the salmon.
 

While I believe there is a lot of merit to many of its chapters and their point of view, some things left me feeling a little defensive and skeptical about the book as a whole. Usually, I will read a book and find some tools that apply to me that I can learn from and improve “me” with. Sadly, I didn’t walk away from this book feeling enriched in any form. And I didn’t feel that for the normal everyday person, such as myself, this book was realistic and practical. But then, it’s just my opinion.
 

I gave it two stars because the beginning was good, they just lost me somewhere in the middle and chased me away by the end!

Book Reviewed: How Starbucks Saved My Life
Type of Book: Memoir/Inspirational
Author: Michael Gates Gill
Publisher: Bantam
Reviewer: Kris Rollag
Stars: 3 & 1/2

Review: This is an interesting story, a true story, of how a middle-aged man lost his job, his family and his affluent life and in return found an increased level of peace, contentment, confidence and self-esteem.

Filled with self-pity as his life crumbled around him, Michael Gates Gill found himself frequently visiting the local Starbucks. His journey to a new life hinged on a chance meeting with a young African-American, a Starbuck’s manager. The cultural difference between the two, his from the Upper East Side of Manhattan and hers from the poverty of the Brooklyn projects, add to this tale.

A relationship that began with a random meeting and simple question of “Would you like a job” resulted in an admirable change from a pompous Brooks Brothers suit-wearing businessman to a kind, humble and genuinely happy man.

Gill’s transformation story is an easy read, perfect for taking on your next holiday or for a relaxing weekend diversion. The book held my attention and I found it intriguing to observe his emotional reactions, especially to tasks he’d never done before like sweeping floors, cleaning toilets, making small talk and cash register change. Stories of his privileged past, which the average reader may have difficulty relating to, only emphasized the enormity of change that he underwent. While reading, I truly felt the internal changes that the author was experiencing.

How Starbucks Saved My Life also gives us some indication into how and why Starbucks has become one of the world’s fastest growing coffee franchises. After learning more about how the company operates and treats its employees, it does not surprise me that they have such a good reputation as an employer.

I recommend this book as a light, pleasant feel-good read. It’s a book that gives insight into human nature and the lessons that can be learned if you remain open to change, no matter what your age or background.

Book Reviewed: Journey of Souls
Type of Book: Spiritual
Author: Michael Newton Ph.D
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide
Reviewer: Victoria May
Stars: 4
 

Review: Freaky?? A little. Worth Reading?? Totally. Not into spiritual, weird stuff?? I’m not either but it was recommended that I read this book by a friend and I was pleasantly surprised. Very surprised actually! This book will once and for all give you no reason to be afraid to live your life to the fullest as it gives a brave and exciting view on “Life After Death”. In no way do I want to sound grim however, “Journey to the Souls” gives a whole new meaning to Rest in Peace. The book describes numerous case studies of people whose souls have visited death and come back to life and are here to describe what happens.

If you have ever wanted to know why you are on earth, where you will go after death, what will happen to you when you get there, then this is the book for you. This book is sensational in giving meaning to rebirth and is a look through the eyes of the spirit world through the mind’s eye of subjects who are in a hypnotized or superconscious state. In this altered state the clients are able to tell Michael Newton what their soul was doing between lives on Earth.

Are you freaked out enough yet... don’t be… I promise this book is very much worth the read!

"Journey of Souls" helps you understand the purpose behind your life choices and how and why your soul and the souls of those you love live eternally.

I give the book four stars, I took off one star as there were parts which did freak me out a tinsy winsy bit, however not enough to stop me reading the whole book (276 pages, 29 case studies) within a fortnight.

Book Reviewed: 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN
Type of Book: A true story of Death and Life - an autobiographical, spiritual journey full of life lessons
Author: Don Piper with Cecil Murphey
Publisher: Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group
Reviewer: Dianne Davidson
Stars: 4

Review: First of all, I read this book in only a few days. Taking Dons' journey of recovery was heart warming and really broke down what it is to be a human being. I found myself routing for him to survive and thrive.

What was his purpose??? Don Piper was a father, husband, son and minister. He thought he had it figured out. He was at a religious conference with the intention to go home and start a new Church.

It is his belief that God stepped in and ultimately changed his life forever. He was in a horrendous car crash and pronounced dead when the Emergency Medical People arrived. For 90 minutes his body remained covered up with a tarp, twisted and mangled in his car. In that 1.5 hours his spirit soared and he visited HEAVEN! Whether or not you believe, this is one mans' glimpse into what lies beyond.

He had trouble describing Heaven. The sounds and sights, were beyond anything he had ever experienced. Many times he wished he had not survived but instead stayed in Heaven. Don went through 2 weeks in ICU, a year in a hospital bed, and 34 operations. The pain and depression were a constant struggle.

Lessons learned for him and the reader are many. Don believes The Power of Prayer is the reason he is alive today. That and his belief that God has more planned for him.

On a personal note. A few years back I would never have bought or read this kind of book. Life changes you. This book changed me.
 

Book Reviewed: He’ll be OK – Growing Gorgeous Boys into Good Men
Type of Book: Self Help
Author: Celia Lashlie
Reviewer: Jo Deeker
Stars: 4
Publisher: Harper Collins, Australian Edition, 2007
 

Review  The Good Man Project was run by a woman called Celia Lashlie- a former prison guard (and the first female to take on the job) in New Zealand. Lashlie has a degree in anthropology and Maori, and has also authored a book about why men go into prison. The Good Man project was completed in December 2004 and involved conversations and discussions with students, teachers, principals and parents at 25 boys schools across New Zealand.

The primary aim of the project was to examine what made a “Good Man” in the 21st Century. Throughout the study Lashlie discovered that the definition of a “Good Man” was fluid and varied and could not be easily defined. That said – there were three overriding qualities that defined a good man according to the students she talked to: Trust, Loyalty and a Good Sense of Humour. Interestingly, Lashlie disregarded humour as a worthwhile trait but it consistently came up as one of the most important qualities a man can have. And when my partner and I asked our 16 year old son what made a good man, sense of humour came out on top.

The book follows the journey of boys through adolescence and describes their journey from Year 7 to Year 12. It covers school, sports, sex, drugs, rock n roll, and relationships with girls and their families. Lashlie, via the students, provides remarkable insights into how boys think and operate, and what is really going on for them. She contrasts it with what her expectations as a woman and mother have been, and acknowledges that if she had have done this study before raising her own boy, she would have done it differently.

Some key findings that rang true for me include:

• Real, close positive male role models are more important to boys than popular figures, sports stars etc

• Boys need their fathers. If their father isn’t there then they need to know about their father. They need some time from their fathers, 5 minutes a day is better than none, and they need to know that they are loved

• Mothers need to lighten up and change their expectations. There are some clear guidelines in the book that can be followed to help us do this

• Men and boys do not need to speak to communicate. There are other means of communication

• Boys don’t plan.

The book is written in a very easy to understand style, and has bullet points at the end of each chapter summarizing key findings. The book has primarily been written for women, although there is a section for fathers too. There are some tough messages for women in the book, and some women may not like it (after all we don’t always like being told what to do or how to do it, particularly with our kids).

As one of two mothers to a 16 year old boy, I had many “a-ha” moments as I was reading the book, and realized that my step-son is extremely normal. Since reading the book we have stopped nagging and browbeating him quite so much, particularly about homework, but instead make sure he spends time with us regularly. We are arguing less in our household, and find we are not locking heads anywhere near as much.

My only criticism of the book is that it is very anecdotal and does not represent a scientific study, or survey. It was never intended to, and that is my own scientific snobbery coming out.

I highly recommend this book to any mother of a teenage boy, and recommend you show it to your partner as well.

Book Reviewed: Being Happy! A handbook to greater confidence and security
Type of Book: Self help/developmental
Author: Andrew Matthews
Publisher: IN Books
Reviewer: Elle St James
Stars: 3.5
 
Review Craig’s post from Fiji reminded me that sometimes on our way to finding or becoming the best we can be, we take ourselves too seriously and forget to enjoy life. Being Happy! reminds us what our life’s journey is really about: enjoying the moment we are now experiencing and relishing exactly how wonderful our lives are.
 
When I first met my husband he also had this book so I knew we were both on the same wavelength. Of course the book is a classic so it is bound to be on many bookshelves. (If you haven’t reread it in a while dig it out – we can’t all be in Fiji with Craig but we can all be happy!)
 
One of the biggest advantages of Being Happy! over other books written on this enduring and elusive topic, is that it is short so you can reread it often or just dip into it when your spirits need a lift. There are many gold nuggets of information hidden in Andrew’s humorous writing and quirky cartoons. The book is simple, covering some concepts we’ve heard before, but not simplistic, as it groups and explains these concepts with plain speaking that is not condescending. The chapters are laid out in logical order making it easy to follow and understand.
 
Chapter one offers the premise that we unconsciously pursue patterns of either negative or positive behaviour, and with effort negative patterns can be changed. It also reminds us of the importance of our own self-image as a blueprint for our lives and how others treat us and the beneficial effect of positive thinking on improving our health and prosperity.
 
Chapter two explains why we need to focus more on living in the present. Life is not perfect and we might as well get used to it.  It’s too easy to blame being unhappy on our circumstances.  We tell ourselves I’ll be happy “when I get the job of my dreams,” or “when I meet the perfect person,” or “when I win Lotto and have enough money.” For control freaks like me, the message here is exciting– happiness is our decision and under our control and the next two chapters detail actions we can take to make it happen.
 
Finally, Andrew explains that if we live our lives within natural laws we will feel less frustrated and have more understanding of how to achieve what we want from life, thus leading to greater happiness. Being the mother of a toddler, I particularly love the section on learning from children – it is so full of truisms.
 
Overall I find Being Happy! a useful little guide on following a path towards becoming happier, with the nutshells after each section providing helpful breadcrumbs to keep you on track. The more you read this book the more you pull out of it. It has helped me approach some ‘problems’ from a different angle and in a less destructive/obstructive way. I find that when I’m feeling down or overwhelmed it’s also a great book to make me feel better and quickly reminds me how to put life into perspective.

Book Reviewed: The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate
Type of Book: Self-help/Relationship development
Author: Gary Chapman
Publisher: Northfield Publishing
Reviewer: Tami Brinkley
Stars: 4

Review In light of Valentine's Day, I thought this book was a timely piece and its versatility also a plus as it comes in various versions targeting singles, men, and children. So odds have it, there's one for you too. Luckily, they all bring home a similar message; if you are in a relationship with another person, you want it to succeed, you must learn to "speak" their love language.

Gary Chapman begins the book with a personal experience on a flight that eludes to just how common it is for relationships to self-destruct and that the destruction is doomed to repeat itself without some change occurring. That change occurs when we learn that each person loves and reacts to love differently. Understanding that life experiences, define how we expect and recognize love is a big piece of the relationship puzzle. The author goes on to explain that the love language that was in our home as children is usually the love language we speak as adults. Interesting, huh?

For example, if a woman grew up in a home where the family did everything together; meals, vacations, etc. then more than likely she values quality time. Let’s say, one day she meets a fantastic man, and they begin to see each other. He is a lawyer from a very affluent family and he has attended private, Ivy League schools most of his life but his parents have always rewarded his accomplishments and milestones with lavish gifts. It stands to reason that he attributes showing his affection by giving lavish gifts. Ten years later, they are married; he works long hours and misses most of their daughter's soccer games. She is a stay-at-home mom with a Mercedes, a six bedroom home, and three carat diamond ring. But they're not happy, why? She wants him beside her at the games, she complains. He works very hard for his family and her, so he buys her a trinket to show how he feels about her before the next game, she cries, and he is frustrated!

They don't understand each other's love language. Chapman refers to getting love in the manner in which you feel it is "filling your tank." In the above example, they are both empty and yet they are not purposely neglecting each other. Sometimes the old adage “treat others as you want to be treated” is not always the best, sometimes we need to treat others as they want to be treated. And other times we need to see the efforts others are making even if it is not in “our” language.

The author defines the basic love languages as:

• Words of affirmation- Use words, positive, loving words!

• Quality time- Togetherness, and focused attention (not forced)!

• Receiving gifts- Symbols of thought, gift of self!

• Acts of service- Doing acts of kindness for your loved one!

• Physical touch- Handholding, caressing, hair away from her face moves!

I love the situational scenarios Chapman puts in the chapters to further personify the love language traits. It's like being a fly on the wall in a counseling session. But you can see yourself or someone (past or present) you know immediately, it’s all very relatable. Chapman also gives numerous examples of how to begin to show love in your significant other's love language.

He challenges the reader to first learn their own primary love language and actually tells you how. I have always had issues with speakers and writers that give the ambiguous "get your life together" line but never give you the steps to make it happen; maybe if I knew how, I could and would! Chapman gives suggestions (steps) on recognizing your own love language. Then he also gives examples of people who may have a hard time deciphering their love language even with the three steps and why that can happen. I like that he takes the time to do that. So many times if your situation does not fit the mold, you can finish a book feeling like an even worse failure than before.
 

All in all, this book is like a manual for anyone who deals closely with people and needs/wants to build long-lasting relationships. It has opened my eyes to the differences in people at the core of their being. I really like the fact that it has taught me about me, why some things are so important to me and how I am not so good at the things that are not important to me. I think I am fluent in most languages and need all of them to have my “tank full”. Unfortunately, that makes me feel that maybe I am high-maintenance or I am looking for someone operating on all cylinders (probably both).
 

The reading is easy, short, and entertaining with the specific scenarios. The book also has two quizzes in the back for profiling your significant other, interactive and entertaining. It is a fun and educational book with plenty of insight to the human experience. It will inspire the reader to borrow the perspective of the people they are closest to and deal with each day. It also helps you to remember, you can’t change others, and you can only change how you relate to others. And in many cases, understanding their love language is the first step in putting you on the right path to better relationships!
 

Book Reviewed: Confessions of a Reformed Dieter – How I dropped eight dress sizes and took my life back.
Type of Book: Autobiography, motivation, education
Author: A J Rochester
Reviewer: Dee Britton
Stars: 4 ½

Only a few years ago AJ Rochester, the host of Australia’s Biggest Loser, was struggling through her own battle with obesity, seemingly beaten by her snowballing weight problem. In Confessions of a Reformed Dieter she shares her incredible journey, including her encounters with her personal trainer (crusher), her psychologist (Dr Nutcase) and her nutritionist (Beansprout).

AJ volunteers to be a human guinea pig and record her weekly progress in front of the camera for a television program on body image and obesity. With a starting weight of 110kg (242lbs) , AJ describes a typical meal as a large BBQ meat lovers pizza, six deep fried chicken wings and a bottle of soft drink with a garlic bread chaser.

After years of fighting a losing battle with her weight, she vows to change her ways and lose the weight, not because she yearns to become a ‘pretzel’, but so that she can keep up with her young son and turn her life around at last. She explains how she didn’t love herself and worked with her psychologist to deal with all the head stuff that was making her fat.

Confessions of a Reformed Dieter details specific eating episodes, including binges and the thought processes that accompanied them. AJ recalls and shares her childhood experiences such as being adopted, abused and unloved, and how these contributed to her low self esteem and comfort eating behaviours. The book includes tips from her personal trainer on types, intensity and duration of exercise and pays special attention to how she overcame plateaus and moved to increase her metabolic rate.

It is a funny, insightful and inspiring account of how she lost more than half of her body weight and discovered a whole new life, whilst still maintaining her sense of humour. It details the highs and lows of her journey including falling off the wagon and waking up in hospital with a broken leg after drinking cocktails on an empty stomach, and the triumph of shedding every kilo.

AJ now believes that diet is an “absolutely filthy word” and that you just need to nurture yourself and learn to love yourself. She explains how Yo-Yo diets, pills, shakes and pre-packaged home delivered food programs made her fatter and how changing her style of living, making healthy choices and dealing with her demons has given her and her son a whole new lease on life.

Many of us may never know how it feels to lose 50kg (110lbs) and AJ’s book gives us an accurate insight to the daily psychological and emotional challenges faced when taking up this challenge. You will laugh and you will cry, and it will help you learn about yourself and your motivation to keep gaining or to lose weight. It gives a shining example of how to succeed, not just professionally and physically, but personally and emotionally.

I really think that this book inspires people to better themselves, lose weight and lead a more healthy and active life. It offers stacks of encouragement and support to help you reach your healthiest weight. I highly recommend this book, especially if you have struggled with your weight and many diets throughout your life. You will be able to recognize so much of yourself and your friends on every page and ride the roller coaster of challenges and triumphs whilst reading about AJ’s brutally honest weight loss journey.

Good health and happiness begins within.

Book Reviewed: Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy India and Indonesia.
Type of Book: Memoir/Spiritual
Author: Elizabeth Gilbert
Reviewer: Sue Nyoni
Stars: 4

Review: “I don’t want to be married anymore. I don’t want to live in this big house. I don’t want to have a baby. “

These are the words Elizabeth Gilbert was saying to herself one cold November night as she crouched on the bathroom floor of her suburban Connecticut home. Here was a woman who seemingly had it all, a great career, beautiful home, and a wonderful husband. As she sat in the dark, miserable and confused, she finally admitted to herself that in spite of the fact that she had “actively participated in every moment of the creation of this life”, she didn’t want it.

So she walked away from it all. Divorced her husband, sold her belongings and went off to spend a year in search of the life she did want, and ultimately in search of herself.

When I first read Eat, Pray, Love I was amazed by the courage it must have taken to end her marriage. I spent several years in a relationship that I didn’t want to be in. I was unhappy, but I stayed because it was safe and familiar. Ending that relationship was terrifying for me. We weren’t married. We didn’t even live together yet somehow it still felt like I was jumping out of a plane without a parachute. How much harder it must be then to end a marriage. To disassemble a life that you’ve built together from the ground up. Elizabeth did this. As scary as it must have been she did it because she knew that in many ways her life depended on it.

The divorce that followed was long and bitter. As her marriage ended, she began another relationship, which also ended painfully. She was left reeling, depressed and unhappy, having reached “a state of hopeless and life-threatening despair”.

So she set of on a year of traveling, spending four months respectively in Italy, India and Indonesia. The idea being to seek pleasure in Italy, devotion in India and in Bali, balance between the two. For many of us pleasure and devotion seem to be mutually exclusive. When I was younger I was terrified of becoming more spiritual because I was convinced I’d stop being fun. You know, like I’d have to start wearing long skirts and sensible shoes. Yet somehow it didn’t seem strange to me that one moment Elizabeth was gorging herself on sumptuous food and then in the next sitting in meditation for hours on end. It all seemed to fit together. Anything goes. Make your own rules. There are no rules. Create your own spiritual practice.

This book really tells the story of two journeys, the physical journey to three very different countries, and the inner spiritual journey to healing herself. There’s plenty to amuse and entertain as she tells of her travels. Taking in copious amounts of cheese and pasta, chocolate and wine in Italy. Trying to still her frenetic mind in a meditation room in India and being hit by a bus while riding her bicycle on a winding Balinese road. Elizabeth is not someone who could ever be accused of taking herself too seriously and there are plenty of chuckle-worthy moments.

What really got me was the intimate look into her mind, regardless of what state it was in. There are moments when I felt as if I’d gone to someone’s house only to have them reveal to me the contents of their scary closet – you know - the one you shove all your mess into when guests are coming over. The one that’s full of all your unwashed smelly clothes and dirty dishes. I’ve fallen apart plenty in my life, but I can’t imagine sharing the hysterical, whimpering, howling pain of it all with other people. Elizabeth shares these moments and how comforting to know that other people fall apart too. Even more comforting is the fact that she came out of the misery better, stronger and happier.

The most important lesson from this book for me is that of getting clear about what you want for your life and acting on it, no matter how terrifying it feels. Sometimes that has to begin with getting clear about what you don’t want. Far too many people stay in unhappy marriages or mediocre jobs because it’s safe, and because that’s what they think they’re “supposed” to do. Consumed by a sense of duty, we follow the conventionally accepted path, never once asking ourselves in our heart of hearts if that’s what we truly want.

After reading this book I was left wondering what situations in my life I was tolerating because they are safe and familiar and because somewhere along the way I got the notion in my head that it was the right thing to do.

Whether or not you completely identify with Elizabeth’s particular experience it seems to me that it would be hard to walk away from this book without a sense that sometimes the greatest gifts in life come when we dive face first into what terrifies us. This opens up the kind of limitless possibilities for ourselves that most of us just can’t possibly imagine from where we stand. And while you may not want to spend 4 months scrubbing floors in an ashram in India (or maybe you do), it’s worth thinking about what journey you need to take to find your own way to pleasure, devotion and ultimately balance.
 

Book Reviewed: The War of Art–Seize the potential of your life in three inspirational steps
Type of Book: Self-help/Motivational
Author: Steven Pressfield;
Publisher: Orion Books LTD
Reviewer: Kris Rollag
Stars: 4

Review: I love this book. I pull it off my bookshelf and re-read it at least every 6 months. The message in this book, although slanted toward writing and artistic pursuits, is appropriate for anything that we are attempting to achieve in our lives. The book is divided into 3 books: RESISTANCE (Defining the Enemy), COMBATING RESISTANCE (Turning Pro) and BEYOND RESISTANCE (The Higher Realm).

“Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance.” “Are you a writer who doesn’t write, a painter who doesn’t paint, an entrepreneur who never starts a venture? Then you know what Resistance is.” Those two quotes sum up this book. Resistance is what keeps us from pursuing that which we know we need to pursue, whether it is career change, an artistic expression, a diet or a total change of life.

In Book One, the author outlines the characteristics of Resistance. He talks of how it is invisible, internal, insidious, implacable and impersonal. How Resistance is fueled by fear, linked with procrastination, and can present us with rational justifications for why we shouldn’t do what we know we need to do. One of my favorite lines in this book is: “Rule of thumb: The more important a call or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more Resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.”

In Book Two, Steven gives us the key to defeat Resistance. He gives us a very simple and direct solution to overcome the clutches of Resistance-specifically, turning pro. He talks of the difference between the amateur and the professional and how that impacts our ability and tenacity to get things done.

I must admit that in Book Three, he loses me a bit. The writing and message gets a bit airy-fairy and I personally struggle to connect with talk of the muse and Jungian ego/self/authentic-self discussions. Not that this third section is not interesting, it’s just that it is a bit more cerebral than the first two sections of the book.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. It is great if you are stuck in a rut or perhaps even a bit paralyzed to advance a project or dream. “Never forget: This very moment, we can change our lives. There never was a moment, and never will be, when we are without the power to alter our destiny.”