How to Live Your Life

You might think it's weird for me to read a book like this, but I've always thought it's best to be agnostic about approaching these kinds of books: that way, you can take from them what you feel is of value, and not go too deeply into whether it's possible or not, whether you actually believe it or not. Whether the source of it is genuine or just some author thinking it up, it doesn't matter - what matters is the message, and whether you'll be able to take from it something positive, something that will influence your life for the better. It is for that reason that I'll always gladly have a go at books like this.

So yeah, there is certainly some "woo woo" in this one, but overall, the recommendations are sober-minded and quite positive. There were a few things that I minded, like how it kind of promotes being extroverted and meeting more people, while not everyone can do that - at least half of us naturally come as introverts - so I felt it might be a little unfair to promote that. There were a couple of other things like that too, but I don't think they're really all that important to mention.

Some things that were more annoying was the repetition and how oversimplified some things were. Problems usually hurt when you're having them, and I feel you can only simplify them as much when you're NOT having them - so... Not very helpful. As for the repetition... A lot of times things were repeated two, three or even five times - in fact, everything that will be said in the book is covered in the first half, and then rehashed again and again (and again!!) The author often even says stuff like "I've said this before, but..." Perhaps that's done intentionally, as with any kind of teaching, repetition is necessary. But it does get dull after a while. Especially because repetition won't necessarily make something clearer - a problem this book suffers a little bit as well, as I think many things would have been a lot easier to understand if some examples were given, instead of repeating it three times in roughly the same words.

That said, the book does cover some hard truths, especially about taking responsibility of your life, which we are not often ready to face. It may have its shortcomings, but if you were to ask me whether it affected me in a positive way, what would I say? Yes, it definitely did. Which is why I'm giving it 4 stars. I don't know if it would affect you the same way - that's for everyone to decide on their own. But for me, it was a positive experience. These things are always very personal.

Another thing to note though... This book is probably intended to be read by those somewhat privileged (in terms of financial freedom or struggle, being in a safe and non-abusive environment and having at least some time for yourself), and it doesn't claim to be otherwise. It even says so - the book has been pitched for those who do not struggle too much daily, because these people have a very different set of problems and it wouldn't be right to suggest the same kinds of solutions to what they're going through (for example, if you're literally starving, your set of problems is probably very different from someone who is middle class, but heavily depressed). So keep that in mind if you choose to read this book.

I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.

I've read other channeled works and liked this. It's written in a very conversational, friendly way, and contains lots of helpful info. It dives right in, tackling death in the first chapter, and I think that's a great to address this so quickly since it's so scary to so many. There's lots of other info that readers unfamiliar with the concepts will find comforting, helpful and interesting. Recommended.

I really appreciate the copy for review!