How to Save Your Own Life: 15 Lessons on Finding Hope in Unexpected Places by Michael Gates Gill

Dec 31, 2009

Ben Campbell rated it

· review of another edition

Thank you to Jessica Chun with Gotham Books/Avery, she donated this awesome new book for me to read and critique.

Some of my readers have told me that my novels view life too seriously, others have tole me that my books are chunks of abstract art. I welcome all criticisms.

For effort I gave How to Save Your Own Life 2 stars, however weak and tiresome it is. I was hoping to like it, but...

Capitulate and retreat...

This is not a Hawthorne, Melville or a...moreThank you to Jessica Chun with Gotham Books/Avery, she donated this awesome new book for me to read and critique.

Some of my readers have told me that my novels view life too seriously, others have tole me that my books are chunks of abstract art. I welcome all criticisms.

For effort I gave How to Save Your Own Life 2 stars, however weak and tiresome it is. I was hoping to like it, but...

Capitulate and retreat...

This is not a Hawthorne, Melville or any other piece of great literature, but, it is somewhat of a How to Save Your Own Life lessons, a type of self-help book without preaching or advertising a product. Boring. It's more like a Tony Danza character or a rusty trombone, the repetition is insufferable. It's also an echo chamber of unearned excuses, with Gill realizing he can't recreate his inherited wealthy past through his untalented present, so he makes due with plastic chairs in his attic-studio apartment, and recognizing the beauty of nature and people's personalities. I think it's called brown-nosing? Oh my!

Gill's writing style is less stellar than it is mediocre, yet his common insight on living during his older age has a guise all its own. He has to be somewhere and it might as well be Starbucks, and of course with his wealthy buddies he'd collected during his advertising career.

This book is a wheelbarrow full of ideas on how to lighten your seriousness and listen to your own heart. Gill brings sunrise and sunset colors to your eyes and coffee flavors to your palate about how to enjoy the moments of living, even if it's just to hug your mother, watching a child laugh, making eye contact with a dog, or feeling the cool breeze and raindrops on your face during a storm.

This author brings his life's experiences to the reader, no matter how simplistic they are, or how non-conversational, when he was ignoring the gifts of living before he was fired from his profession and afterward when he was faltering as a human being in search future exploits, he wrote this polite Tony Danza epic. It's a player's game to recognizing how much you have lived life without going anywhere.

All of us have lessons to be learned through life's experiences. Some of us can express them and others suppress them. Most of the ideas Michael Gates Gill writes about are common sense, whether you recognize them or not, all of us have had similar ideals and aspirations we needed to follow, it's just that some of us have yet to acknowledge the path we'd taken was shallow, that the lofty ideals we'd held were insignificant in the big picture of living, and Gill's life was shallow and insignificant.

Perhaps reading this Liza Minnelli hoopla will help you find an exciting and enjoyable piece of reality in your heart, a place like Gill's present that will make you understand his lifestyle isn't for you, and help make living your life more enjoyable not having to work at Starbucks brown nosing friends for the celebrity and wealth.(less)

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Dec 28, 2009

Joy rated it

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Shelves: read-2009, first-reads

As someone who weathered a life-altering crises a few years ago I really wanted to like this book. I purposefully changed the course of my life and am happier than I've ever been, so given the description of this book I really wanted to like it and was delighted to win a copy from Goodreads. Unfortunately I found reading it akin to listening to a 'recovered' alcoholic talk about how 'happy' he is not to be drinking when in fact he'd be back at the bar in a heartbeat given half a chance.
...more

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Jan 29, 2010

Doris rated it

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I went through a life changing experience (I barely survived an invasive brain tumor) and during that time had to deal with a series of managers who felt that my inability to focus or to give 110% during my recovery was due to some character flaw, so I was very willing to read about someone else's trials and how they overcame then.

Unfortunately, it began very quickly to sound like a repetitive explanation of a series of humdrum cliches. Stop and smell the roses. Take time to enjoy yo...more

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Dec 30, 2009

Emily Restifo rated it

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Thanks to an advance copy, I had an opportunity to preview Michael Gates Gill's How to Save Your Own Life. Written as a follow-up to How Starbucks Saved My Life, which was a riches to rags story if ever there was one, this newest book is likely to find a following among those down on their luck and looking for inspiration, or those who just feel buoyed by self-help books.

Offering advice on how you too can cope with diminished circumstances and come out the better for it, his latest ...moreThanks to an advance copy, I had an opportunity to preview Michael Gates Gill's How to Save Your Own Life. Written as a follow-up to How Starbucks Saved My Life, which was a riches to rags story if ever there was one, this newest book is likely to find a following among those down on their luck and looking for inspiration, or those who just feel buoyed by self-help books.

Offering advice on how you too can cope with diminished circumstances and come out the better for it, his latest work will be warmly welcomed by many of those whose lives need saving, although some might suspect he protests too much and national book tours may very well take the hum-drum out of the day to day grind of the Starbuck's experience. To be fair... I believe Michael Gates Gill is telling the truth as he sees it. He was lost, and now he's found... and fortunately he can tell a story and call to mind incidents with gentleness, and that speak well of him as a person. (A disclaimer here... in his first book he told the story of his long-time childhood friend Gordon Fairburn during his final days of illness. I knew Gordon Fairburn; he was a friend and neighbor and a man of great character and integrity, and the story rang completely true. And if Gordon had maintained a life-long friendship with Michael Gill it spoke volumes.)

However, as most people will recognize, it is not the circumstances that dictate the behavior. Humility and generosity of spirit are characteristics that are found in rich and poor alike. Arrogance isn't limited to the rich and powerful... and to suggest it is more characteristic of the "privileged elite" just isn't convincing. (No need to live with plastic picnic furniture to find nirvana... I'm with the reporter who thought he could use a couch.) Michael Gates Gill's change came with the recognition that there is intrinsic value in every individual (including himself) and that joy can be found in the smallest details. Satisfaction with a job well done, whatever the circumstance, and acceptance of oneself and others, are the qualities that matter. Mostly common sense advice but it never hurts to be reminded.

My advice, take the message in the spirit in which it was intended and find meaning where you will. If the book appeals you will know it immediately. If you enjoy it, keep reading. If it annoys you, put it down. It's not for everyone but I finished it, generally enjoyed it and would recommend it to some and not to others. You have to know your audience.(less)

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Apr 02, 2010

Cristina rated it

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Shelves: 2010-bookshelf, 2010-support-your-local-library-2-2, the-memorable-memoir-reading-challe

I came across this book at the Coral Gables Public Library while my daughter was auditioning at the Coral Gables Youth Center. The author came to Books and Books in Coral Gables not long ago but I was not able to go. I confess that I did not read this author's first book, How Starbucks Saved my Life but also have wanted to read it. Since I was not able to get the first book, I decided just to dive into the second. As I read the book, I couldn't help but wanting or dreaming about my favourite cof...more

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Dec 22, 2009

Rachel rated it

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Shelves: first-reads

I'm sorry to say that I did not enjoy How to Save Your Own Life: 15 Lessons on Finding Hope in Unexpected Places. While the premise sounded interesting, the writing turned out to be mediocre, and especially repetitive. The 15 lessons were all rather uninteresting as well, nothing you haven't heard before, mostly instructions to appreciate those around you more, and learn to balance your work with your family/social life.

Perhaps I'm at the wrong point in my life to be reading this, o...more

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Jan 11, 2010

Cathy rated it

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Shelves: first-reads, non-fiction

Have you stopped to smell the roses lately? Well, according to Michael Gates Gill, author of "How to Save Your Own Life", you should. His circumstances would give most people pause. He was let go from a prestigious New York advertising firm in mid-life, had a marriage end (albeit due to his affair) and found out he had a benign brain tumor after he no longer had insurance. Gill picked himself up by working at a nearby Starbucks and he apparently learned enough lessons to create no...moreHave you stopped to smell the roses lately? Well, according to Michael Gates Gill, author of "How to Save Your Own Life", you should. His circumstances would give most people pause. He was let go from a prestigious New York advertising firm in mid-life, had a marriage end (albeit due to his affair) and found out he had a benign brain tumor after he no longer had insurance. Gill picked himself up by working at a nearby Starbucks and he apparently learned enough lessons to create not just one but two books about the experience. His previous, "How Starbucks Saved My Life", was a New York Times bestseller although I will admit I haven’t read that one. It’s not a necessary prequel as Gill gives the appropriate background in the second book.

Several of the sections, which Gill titles “lessons”, of How to Save Your Own Life have resonance. After the recent death of my father, I especially related to the lesson about learning from your father. I also enjoyed many of the vignettes with which illustrates his points. Still, I found it unbearably sad that a man of almost 70 is just now writing a book about lessons that many of us learn as we go along. It seems a bit simplistic to preach that the best thing that could happen (as it did for him) was to get a part time job at Starbucks and live in a minimalist apartment with only plastic furnishings. It goes unsaid but presumably his five children were either old enough to be self supporting or, in the case of the youngest, a product of the affair, mostly supported by someone else. I would have preferred a more complete disclosure of the downside of his circumstances but I admit that would dilute his message of giving up stuff in order to find true happiness.

Another aspect of Gill’s book which I found distressing was the fact that he clearly hasn’t let go of the past. If the past and his wealthy upbringing, attendance at Yale, knowing the right people and having a high-powered advertising position were no longer an important part of his life then, it seems to me, he wouldn’t have to mention Yale almost constantly, point out that his father and grandfather were both very important wealthy people and that the Marine Corps slogan “a few good men” was his creation, among many others.

A name dropper to the end, Gill is happy to point out that Tom Hanks is involved in a movie deal on his first book and he is friendly with Michael J. Fox as a result of that publication. Clearly, the majority of his current success is as a writer so it’s a bit disingenuous of Gill to pretend that by working part-time at Starbucks, as he has, we’ll unlock the secret to true happiness. While there were many entertaining aspects of this book, I think many of us already know Gill's secrets of "saving your own life".
(less)

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Dec 29, 2009

Nandi Crawford rated it

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Shelves: motivational-self-help

First of all, let me say that this is my very first book by Mr Gill; I have heard of his first book, but just haven't read it yet, but after reading this book, I believe I will; I was one of those who was fortunate to get a free copy of this book,and though I am surprised to see the low ratings here, personally, and even though I have read just about every self help book out there that there is, I personally liked and appreciated reading Mr Gill's 15 lessons. I understand how it is to have so mu...more

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Dec 21, 2009

Chris rated it

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I won this book, which was exciting! I was hoping to like it as much as "How Starbucks Saved My Life," but Michael Gates Gill is just boring as he drones on and on about his "priveleged" past and his previous life of "status" and "power." Just the fact that any of that was ever important to him sort of discredits him as a role model or as a relevant or sincere inspiration to people.

His ideas are nice in theory, but they don't ring true. Instead...more

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Jan 17, 2012

Agnes J is currently reading it · review of another edition

I'm not finished reading this, but I'm better than half way. I am delighted when I read about someone who is in the process of finding out what is really important in life. It fits in well with "A New Earth", which I am rereading now. Michael Gates Gill has learned to live in the present moment and take time to enjoy the real world around him in the present and each person with whom he is interacting right now. He gives a testimony to shedding so much material wealth, only to find ...more

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Apr 28, 2010

Becky Cosner rated it

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I listened to this one on audio. It was read by the author and, believe me, he is no Jim Dale. Basic content was fine, nothing new or earth-shaking. But the audio was horrible.....mainly because he paused slightly every few words......whether the sentence structure required it....or not.....which I found very annoying. His pronunciation of certain words was very sloppy/mumbly. And my number one pet peeve of all pronunciation errors was committed several times--pronouncing the word "pict...more

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Feb 14, 2010

Deanna rated it

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For anyone who is facing stressful changes or sorrow in their lives, this book will force you to take a new look at what makes life worth living. The author encourages reader to embrace change and to look at it as an opportunity for true happiness. Often we live our lives unhappy but unwilling to change due to fear or economics. Instead do what you want to do and accept a lower salary, spend more time with your family and find pleasure in the little things in life. Live life now not waiting ...more

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May 30, 2010

Amanda rated it

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Shelves: arc, asked, own, non-fiction

Michael Gates Gill had been working for over twenty-five years as an ad agency director. He was born into a life of privilege and being in the Yale crowd, pretty much given his job and that was that. In one fail swoop -- he loses his job, his marriage, has a child outside of his marriage, and is diagnosed with a brain tumor. I mean...wow. And sometimes I think I have it hard! Down and out, he manages to get a job at Starbucks and his eyes are opened to a world where deadlines and blackberries ar...moreMichael Gates Gill had been working for over twenty-five years as an ad agency director. He was born into a life of privilege and being in the Yale crowd, pretty much given his job and that was that. In one fail swoop -- he loses his job, his marriage, has a child outside of his marriage, and is diagnosed with a brain tumor. I mean...wow. And sometimes I think I have it hard! Down and out, he manages to get a job at Starbucks and his eyes are opened to a world where deadlines and blackberries are out, and being happy and helpful are in.

Honestly, the first two chapters were the best ones for me. For some strange reason, this book fell into my lap at the best time. Right now, my husband and I are contemplating a lot of changes. My husband has a master's degree in mechanical engineering and after working in the field for some years, he just has never enjoyed it and usually just plain hates it. So he's thinking about going back to school for something he actually wants to do. How scary but exciting! Actually, yesterday he put in his two weeks at work.

We are also in the middle of trying to move out of our apartment, even though our lease isn't up until this next summer. I've been pretty sick for about a year now with allergies and eczema. My doctor thought it was a food allergy but I am convinced now that it is due to a ton of mold in our apartment. I didn't have proof though until I pulled our Christmas tree box down from our closet and it was stuck to a ton of mold on the wall. Yeah. That is disgusting. So we are changing it. Getting out so we can get healthy and happy.

So when Gill wrote that if you are less than thrilled about what you are doing...change it!! -- well, that just spoke right to me. Don't wait until something drastic, like a brain tumor, makes you change how you live. We decided that while it's extremely scary to change our life to be happy, it's definitely more scary to stay where we are. One of his chapters or "lessons" is "Leap...With Faith", and that is just what we are going to do.

The rest of the book was, I thought, a nice memoir-ish about what Michael Gates Gill has been through and what he's learned. I especially enjoyed the sections on learning from your father and mother. His father was a writer for The New Yorker and just seemed like such a character. Even though his father passed away a few years ago, he is still continuing to learn from his example. I loved that. My husband and I both lost our fathers to cancer but I still think my father was an amazing example of what a husband and father should be. And our moms, well, they are just amazing ladies.

I don't know what I would have thought about this book had I not been in this place in my life. All I know is that I am glad I read it when I did.(less)

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Apr 07, 2011

Carol Rich rated it

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Shelves: non-fiction

The little book contains many of the life lessons Michael Gill learned after losing a high-powered advertising job, his marriage and his pala palatial home and ending up working at Starbucks. Since I live a fairly simple life, I did not find the book helpful, but for anyone who lives beyond their means, is more concerned about appearances than relationships, or who feels their job and social status define him or her, this would be a valuable read.

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May 30, 2010

Alisa rated it

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Some nuggets of wisdom in this book by a guy who used to be a big muckety-muck in advertising and then got canned. Now he works at Starbucks and couldn't be happier. He definitely had some great experiences to pass along but at the same time I kept wondering if he would be so happy if he had to actually support himself/his family on his Starbucks wages. He mentions (frequently) that he came from money and made a ton of money when working in advertising. While he did sacrifice a lot of "st...more

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Mar 27, 2011

Kim Utech rated it

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After being fired from his corporate high paying job, then finding out he has a brain tumor, the author gets a job at Starbucks and finds happiness in the simple things in life. Quick read, with 15 meaningful lessons like "look with respect at every individual you see" and "lose your watch, and cell phone, and PDA". I dogeared alot of pages in this book!

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Feb 03, 2011

Rena Jane rated it

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This was a fast and entertaining memoir of Gill's life-changing experience. He was let go from a job he'd had for over 20 years, had his wife leave him and then his doctor diagnose him with a brain tumor, all in a short period of time.

But Gill's outlook is very positive and his faith in God and ability to see God's guiding hand in his future is truly inspirational. He finds a new job, new friends, and a new way to look at life. This life is much less stressful and he learns vital s...more

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Jan 19, 2010

Anne rated it

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A follow up to Gill's "How Starbucks Saved My Life"- his family stories were the best and most interesting parts of his tale. A fascinating pair of parents for sure. His life lessons were pretty straightforward retellings of his prior book's lessons. All in all, a good message but not a particularly deep read.

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Oct 25, 2010

Laura rated it

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I got this book as a "freebie" advance copy from GoodReads. I hadn't read his previous book "How Starbucks Saved My Life" and I think I might have enjoyed this book more if I had. It was OK, not great or inspiring as I expected a self-help book to be. It took me about 8 months to finish reading this.

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Jun 29, 2010

pianogal rated it

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Shelves: non-fiction

If I had to rely on this book and only this book to save my life...oy, would I be dead right now. I will say that the chapter on Leaping with Faith was useful, but the rest of them struggled. I'm already depressed, I don't need to read about how this guy's parents died, or that he got divorced. I'm glad he made it through all that and has found a much better life, but I'm still processing everything, and these parts were less than helpful...

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Jun 19, 2011

Gerianne Hannibal rated it

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wow this guy thinks like i do: fired at 54 from a high level professional job he reinvented his life by downsizing and learning how to make "serving others" the focus of his life. will try to follow his example....

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Mar 01, 2010

Sean Hopkins rated it

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I really enjoyed this book. It is filled with common sense advice that makes you remember what is important in life with consistent reminders of what is not important relying on the life story of Michael Gates Gill.

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Dec 28, 2009

Cate rated it

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Shelves: first-read, first-reads

In a dark period of history, it's refreshing to have Gill's easy-going, encouraging voice to remind readers to not sweat the big stuff, but to make the small stuff the real focus of life. Spend time with family and nurture the common human bond over the simple things in life and all will be well. A positive read, and good New Year's Resolution reminder as well.

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Jan 10, 2011

Jody Phillips rated it

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For some reason, Michael Gates Gill's writing makes me hopeful and happy--even the hard stuff he relates. This is a tiny book but lots of big thoughts

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Oct 18, 2011

Mohd. Nazmi rated it

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Shelves: self-help

Inspiring, brought me to tears, make me laughed and always excited me when i read his every sentences in this book.

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Nov 13, 2011

Joyce Tay rated it

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Another easy read. Wanted to like this book but it didn't make much of an impression on me

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Aug 23, 2010

Elizabeth Payne rated it

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I found this book in the office - thought it may be fate! Decently inspirational.

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Mar 26, 2010

Ogreart Art rated it

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Shelves: autobio-bio-memoir, inspirational, nonfiction

While there is nothing earth-shattering in this book, there are a lot of good stories and good advice. Gill has led a fascinating life and he reveals some of his gained wisdom. There is something to be said to listening to our elders (he is almost 70--that makes him my elder at least). It was a good, quick, easy read.

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Dec 05, 2011

Tan rated it

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A short, quick reminder of the important things in life.

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Jul 11, 2011

Todd rated it

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Shelves: life-management, memoirs, spirituality

Please see my essay on How Starbucks Saved My Life.

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