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Shine: Rediscovering Your Energy, Happiness and Purpose
Start living the life you’ve always wanted It could be that you’ve figured everything out on your own and have ended up acing your career, meeting and marrying your perfect partner, producing three wonderful kids, owning a holiday home in Mustique and having a drop-dead gorgeous life. In which case, we applaud you. If, on the other hand, you need the cheat codes, then this book will give you a nudge. Redefining the genre of ‘self-help comedy,’ Shine is a book about the brevity of life. It contains adult themes of mortality, change, exhaustion and unrelenting pressure. Thankfully, the bleakness is done with humour and the solutions are entertaining, do-able and uplifting. Shine is the literary equivalent of ‘ctrl/alt/delete.’ All you have to do is read the book, keep an open mind, and apply the learning. You will experience a personal re-boot with new mental software installed, upgrading you to ‘best possible self.’ It’s a very simple process that also happens to be ‘not very easy.’ Because, of course, if being your best self was easy, everybody would be doing it. The average lifespan is 4000 weeks. Look around and you’ll see too many people having a ‘near life experience.’ They’re alive, but not living. Truth time: life’s a short and precious gift that’s hurtling by in a blur. If you want to make a dent in the universe, it’s time to wake up. We figure that if you’re going to rise, you may as well shine. Laugh and learn while you:
240 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2018
83 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 25, 2018
2.5 stars
It was funny and nice to read. Nothing new or groundbreaking, but a nice way of reminding people to focus on what is good not to sit and wait for life to be good. Most of all I'll take that "channel your inner Mary Poppins" attitude and try to make the best of it.
It was funny and nice to read. Nothing new or groundbreaking, but a nice way of reminding people to focus on what is good not to sit and wait for life to be good. Most of all I'll take that "channel your inner Mary Poppins" attitude and try to make the best of it.
February 8, 2019
I have a lot of thoughts.
This book definitely has some good points in it and I appreciated certain aspects of what it was saying... however, it read like it was written by two people who had never experienced mental health issues in their lives.
One part that has really stuck with me was the way they talked about medication. Now, these men aren't professionals - they say this themselves - so they don't dive into some things very deeply. What that does mean, however, is they make a statement without any facts or statistics that reads very much like they are saying taking medication is bad.
They talk about how taking meds makes you "numb" and "dull" and thus you can't ever learn how to deal with bad situations. Then they move on. There's nothing to explain that if your medication is making you feel that way, maybe you aren't on the right one for you. They don't talk about how for some people, the right medication actually makes them feel alive and able to cope and move on with things. It's just a very harmful message in the book that many people could take the wrong way. It could cause people to avoid meds without any further information and end up suffering far worse and for longer. I would highly implore the publisher to remove that part of the book or at the very least for there to be an updated edition where the authors talk a little more about meds and their benefits. It's fine to be anti-med for yourself and to suggest trying non-medication methods, but it's not okay to give false information, something that is true in only certain cases and treat it like fact.
There were a few other situations like this that i just can't bring myself to get past. Whilst I agree with some things, such as not holding grudges - put new loo roll on the holder instead of getting angry that someone left it empty - I don't agree at all with the discussion of a 22 year old vlogger with dissociative personality disorder and practically saying that "maybe she doesn't feel connected with the world because she's a vlogger". This is what set alarm bells ringing for me that perhaps they hadn't experienced mental health themselves, or maybe it's because they're white men and are more likely to be believed and taken seriously but no young woman can walk into a doctor's office and be diagnosed off the bat without a LOT of testing. I guarantee you she will have been told by medical professionals that social media is the problem and blah blah blah. But guess what, mental illness doesn't discriminate and it will affect bloggers, technophobes and everyone in-between.
So I guess what I'm saying is, whilst this book does have some great tips for getting your "shine" and finding your purpose etc etc, it's geared towards those who are neurotypical and are perhaps just plodding along. It disregards mental illness and for that, I honestly can't believe I'm even giving it three stars... I think I'm changing it to 2 now that I think about it.
If it had been published 5+ years ago then maybe I could understand, but it was published in 2018 and honestly, I know stigma and ignorance is still around but I truly thought we were somewhat more understanding by now.
This book definitely has some good points in it and I appreciated certain aspects of what it was saying... however, it read like it was written by two people who had never experienced mental health issues in their lives.
One part that has really stuck with me was the way they talked about medication. Now, these men aren't professionals - they say this themselves - so they don't dive into some things very deeply. What that does mean, however, is they make a statement without any facts or statistics that reads very much like they are saying taking medication is bad.
They talk about how taking meds makes you "numb" and "dull" and thus you can't ever learn how to deal with bad situations. Then they move on. There's nothing to explain that if your medication is making you feel that way, maybe you aren't on the right one for you. They don't talk about how for some people, the right medication actually makes them feel alive and able to cope and move on with things. It's just a very harmful message in the book that many people could take the wrong way. It could cause people to avoid meds without any further information and end up suffering far worse and for longer. I would highly implore the publisher to remove that part of the book or at the very least for there to be an updated edition where the authors talk a little more about meds and their benefits. It's fine to be anti-med for yourself and to suggest trying non-medication methods, but it's not okay to give false information, something that is true in only certain cases and treat it like fact.
There were a few other situations like this that i just can't bring myself to get past. Whilst I agree with some things, such as not holding grudges - put new loo roll on the holder instead of getting angry that someone left it empty - I don't agree at all with the discussion of a 22 year old vlogger with dissociative personality disorder and practically saying that "maybe she doesn't feel connected with the world because she's a vlogger". This is what set alarm bells ringing for me that perhaps they hadn't experienced mental health themselves, or maybe it's because they're white men and are more likely to be believed and taken seriously but no young woman can walk into a doctor's office and be diagnosed off the bat without a LOT of testing. I guarantee you she will have been told by medical professionals that social media is the problem and blah blah blah. But guess what, mental illness doesn't discriminate and it will affect bloggers, technophobes and everyone in-between.
So I guess what I'm saying is, whilst this book does have some great tips for getting your "shine" and finding your purpose etc etc, it's geared towards those who are neurotypical and are perhaps just plodding along. It disregards mental illness and for that, I honestly can't believe I'm even giving it three stars... I think I'm changing it to 2 now that I think about it.
If it had been published 5+ years ago then maybe I could understand, but it was published in 2018 and honestly, I know stigma and ignorance is still around but I truly thought we were somewhat more understanding by now.
June 11, 2021
Motivational books are always my last choice. But once a while it is good to rejuvenate your mind with motivational spa experience. I choose to read Shine randomly without checking any recommendation (may be because I believe motivational books are overrated most of the time). So here is my take on this book: Not THAT BOOK experience I felt reading this (as the author mentioned in the book). At the same time, the book had captivating points and references that we all agree with and thought about. Overall, I felt as I’m sailing through the sea waves.
One remainder I placed on my mind after reading this book is to seriously think about the ‘opportunity cost’ of using social media – and yes, there was also a mind sparkler about the Monday Blues and TGIF trend.
There was mention of Spider diagram about workplace emotions from the author’s research. I completely agree with the mention of how we feel about mood hoovers around us. To reiterate the importance of having goals, author has precisely tagged a featured story of Tig/Tag/Dobby Game from a leading newspaper – Heart touching! ‘Goals transform a random walk into a chase' by Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi is apt mention here to relate.
Last few chapters talked about Ikigai and high-level concepts of quantum, genes and finally finishes with why it is important to love yourself. The crux is - you don’t drown from falling in the water. You drown from staying there.
We need to chip off the layers we built around us and keep SHINNING ON
One remainder I placed on my mind after reading this book is to seriously think about the ‘opportunity cost’ of using social media – and yes, there was also a mind sparkler about the Monday Blues and TGIF trend.
There was mention of Spider diagram about workplace emotions from the author’s research. I completely agree with the mention of how we feel about mood hoovers around us. To reiterate the importance of having goals, author has precisely tagged a featured story of Tig/Tag/Dobby Game from a leading newspaper – Heart touching! ‘Goals transform a random walk into a chase' by Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi is apt mention here to relate.
Last few chapters talked about Ikigai and high-level concepts of quantum, genes and finally finishes with why it is important to love yourself. The crux is - you don’t drown from falling in the water. You drown from staying there.
We need to chip off the layers we built around us and keep SHINNING ON
April 15, 2018
4.5*
In all honesty, the reason I didn't give this 5 stars is strictly because of the reading experience, definitely not the content, writing etc.
I was unable to read this in one sitting, as was initially planned, but I eventually finished it and oh boy, was it a good one!
Full review coming on the blog soon!
In all honesty, the reason I didn't give this 5 stars is strictly because of the reading experience, definitely not the content, writing etc.
I was unable to read this in one sitting, as was initially planned, but I eventually finished it and oh boy, was it a good one!
Full review coming on the blog soon!
May 5, 2018
From the very first chapter of SHINE, I was in love! As I mentioned above, this book is a little different from what I normally indulge in but it left me wanting more every chapter. It's crazy how much you relate to each chapter, SHINE speaks a lot about 'normal life moments', even helping you to push through the barrier to achieve. SHINE is very much Andy and Gavin speaking to you about common problems.
What I loved the most was how you're able to relate to most of the things that are spoken about, of course, we're all different so something I'm unsure of might leave you feeling completely different. For me, this is a good thing and one of my main loves, also this keeps you going and want to read until the end. Once I started reading I could not stop!
Also, I've never met or heard about Andy and Gavin until coming across this book, but now I feel like we're friends and that I've known them for a while. The way they speak to you is like you're on the same stage as them and not higher or lower like some books. It does remind me a little of how Deadpool speaks, breaking that fourth wall which makes you feel so much more a part of it.
SHINE looks at some common problems in our world, I love this as it opens your eyes to what could happen but also how you can change your life to be that little bit happier. Throughout the book, you're instructed to do different things, like writing your own list of bad stuff, completing a Huge Unbelievably Great Goals pyramid and drawing your wild thing.
These little things, help to make you feel that bit more connected and understanding of what both Andy and Gavin are speaking about. I also love how they introduce one another, it's just like you're a fly on the wall and listening to their conversations. Also, the introduction is great, it leaves you wanting more and to continue to see how the rest of the book pans out.
SHINE is a great read and will leave you wanting more each chapter. I'm sad that it's over but I'm very glad I read SHINE and opened up to a new genre.
What I loved the most was how you're able to relate to most of the things that are spoken about, of course, we're all different so something I'm unsure of might leave you feeling completely different. For me, this is a good thing and one of my main loves, also this keeps you going and want to read until the end. Once I started reading I could not stop!
Also, I've never met or heard about Andy and Gavin until coming across this book, but now I feel like we're friends and that I've known them for a while. The way they speak to you is like you're on the same stage as them and not higher or lower like some books. It does remind me a little of how Deadpool speaks, breaking that fourth wall which makes you feel so much more a part of it.
SHINE looks at some common problems in our world, I love this as it opens your eyes to what could happen but also how you can change your life to be that little bit happier. Throughout the book, you're instructed to do different things, like writing your own list of bad stuff, completing a Huge Unbelievably Great Goals pyramid and drawing your wild thing.
These little things, help to make you feel that bit more connected and understanding of what both Andy and Gavin are speaking about. I also love how they introduce one another, it's just like you're a fly on the wall and listening to their conversations. Also, the introduction is great, it leaves you wanting more and to continue to see how the rest of the book pans out.
SHINE is a great read and will leave you wanting more each chapter. I'm sad that it's over but I'm very glad I read SHINE and opened up to a new genre.
January 19, 2020
This is quite a unique book in self development category. It touches on personal development, in a ways that I haven't found in any other books e.g. it tells you to be happy about things that didn't happen - drove safely to work? Be happy that the accident didn't happen. You drive? Then be happy that you own the car etc. etc.
It does it also in humorous way.
It's worth if...
- you haven't read any books about self-help
- you've read many of them, as it takes a different approach, yet it can still ship a lot of new content/views from the different angle.
It's just a good book, to which I'll return at some point.
My favourite quote: "You die only once, but you live every single day".
It does it also in humorous way.
It's worth if...
- you haven't read any books about self-help
- you've read many of them, as it takes a different approach, yet it can still ship a lot of new content/views from the different angle.
It's just a good book, to which I'll return at some point.
My favourite quote: "You die only once, but you live every single day".
July 23, 2023
I love the title because inner shine is important. Some people may have never accessed inner shine and this book may help.
I personally didn't enjoy the very casual, chatty style it is presented in, that seemed unstructured to me. Whilst that does make it easy reading, there is still a lot of text and few pictures. More pictures would have gone well with the chatty style.
I think this is a book that someone down in the dumps could read, and feel as if they have a friend there with them, chatting about life and happiness.
This makes sense because the authors are both motivational speakers.
If you need a feel good pep talk , this is it.
I personally didn't enjoy the very casual, chatty style it is presented in, that seemed unstructured to me. Whilst that does make it easy reading, there is still a lot of text and few pictures. More pictures would have gone well with the chatty style.
I think this is a book that someone down in the dumps could read, and feel as if they have a friend there with them, chatting about life and happiness.
This makes sense because the authors are both motivational speakers.
If you need a feel good pep talk , this is it.
April 10, 2018
I’m a big fan of Andy Cope’s work and his How to be a Brilliant ... series of books are in our school CPD library. I think this book actually tells us what we already know but aren’t able to put into practice. I rarely highlight notes on my Kindle but have lots of notes from this book including do less, be more, the importance of engagement etc.. It’s presented as a funny, light read but makes serious points and uses research well. A really good read if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and trying to work out how to shine in life.
September 23, 2020
If you want a fun approach to "Rediscovering Your Energy, Happiness and Purpose" as stated in the title, you might try this book. I found things I loved, including stories, quotes, and a Danish word "Hygge" which, the authors tell me, means "Enjoying life's simple pleasures." I nibbled at this book for a month or two, then finished it off in a few long sittings. It's a good book to nibble at though.
February 24, 2022
I was gifted this book in a conference.
For some context, I'm a cynical idiot. When I read the first few pages of this book, I wanted to roll my eyes.. it felt too cheery.
However, it won me over. Big time. This book and its words have done wonders for me. Particularly the last few chapters. It asks you to reimagine your worries and recode your thinking. And do it in a very light hearted way.
Because, gosh darn, we only live once. Live and let someone else worry about all the worrying.
For some context, I'm a cynical idiot. When I read the first few pages of this book, I wanted to roll my eyes.. it felt too cheery.
However, it won me over. Big time. This book and its words have done wonders for me. Particularly the last few chapters. It asks you to reimagine your worries and recode your thinking. And do it in a very light hearted way.
Because, gosh darn, we only live once. Live and let someone else worry about all the worrying.
November 16, 2021
Some lovely bits in this book but then I got to chapter 6 which is nothing short of judgmental, fat shaming, ignorant and completely unhelpful. Showed a complete lack of understanding of body image, what a healthy body can look like, the importance of use of language, how addiction works and the impact of trauma and mental health difficulties.
February 22, 2022
Very interesting and light hearted for the most part self help type book. I really enjoyed reading it and felt the shine a little as I did.
Thank you for making a serious subject light hearted and for the way the two authors bounced off each other cleverly throughout the book like a dance routine.
Thank you for making a serious subject light hearted and for the way the two authors bounced off each other cleverly throughout the book like a dance routine.
May 8, 2022
The first six or so chapters are good, easy reading. It doesn't break any new ground, but it does present familiar ideas in an accessible and readable way. The writing style is much less dogmatic than others in the genre. Sadly, the last few chapters are extremely convoluted and totally lost me. Had they continued the theme, this would've been as easy 4 stars.
May 6, 2019
Just brilliant
Brilliantly written personal development book worthy of all the write ups and shout outs. This book has made me question a few things in my own life and want to change for the better to #Shine
Brilliantly written personal development book worthy of all the write ups and shout outs. This book has made me question a few things in my own life and want to change for the better to #Shine
September 19, 2019
Bereft it's all over
Loved this book. It talks simply (for the most part) about how human brains, thoughts, feelings and action\inaction hang together. My best tool takeaway from the book - recognising fake stress and calling it out and moving on. Thank you 🙂
Loved this book. It talks simply (for the most part) about how human brains, thoughts, feelings and action\inaction hang together. My best tool takeaway from the book - recognising fake stress and calling it out and moving on. Thank you 🙂
July 13, 2020
This was a fantastic perspective on how to package life conditions. I laughed and I cried reading this, but more than that I thought a bunch about what their ideas meant in the context of my life. I highly recommend this shiny dose of perspective!
May 2, 2021
I don't usually read this type of genre but i actually enjoyed this book. Most generally have more of a factual nature but this book held plenty of humour and small stories. Both authors compliment eachother really well.
March 18, 2024
An honest, positive, fun and quirky little book, jam packed full of quotes, references, tips and tricks to boost your positivity and encourage you to 'Shine!'
I'd definitely encourage a read.
Some lovely takeaway phrases and tips.
I'd definitely encourage a read.
Some lovely takeaway phrases and tips.
May 15, 2025
Channel your inner Mary Poppins, be one of the 2%rs shining a bright light into the world and just outsource that worry! Want to know what I am saying? Go read this absorbing book right now and shine bright.
August 2, 2018
Good read
Wasn’t sure about this book but it’s a Good read.
thought provoking.
Will recommend this book to friends and colleagues.
Life is short!
Wasn’t sure about this book but it’s a Good read.
thought provoking.
Will recommend this book to friends and colleagues.
Life is short!
July 30, 2019
Should be compulsory reading for everyone alive!
Lots of stuff I already know but can never be reminded of too much. Great to read straight through and to dip into often.
Lots of stuff I already know but can never be reminded of too much. Great to read straight through and to dip into often.
December 24, 2019
Brilliant!
January 10, 2020
Funny in places. Easy to read. Nothing new but nicely written. Dipped in and out while reading other books.
January 22, 2020
Cringey but has a few gems here and there
It's good if you like quirky slightly too upbeat stuff. It gets the job done. Worth a read if you're a little lost.
It's good if you like quirky slightly too upbeat stuff. It gets the job done. Worth a read if you're a little lost.
October 12, 2020
A pleasant read but nothing groundbreaking.
October 17, 2020
So funny and full of practical examples!
Deep truths laid on the paper in the funniest of ways...
Deep truths laid on the paper in the funniest of ways...
December 31, 2020
It was funny and a lovely easy read.
January 27, 2021
Really loved this book, gave me a new perspective!
July 13, 2022
Love this - potentially life changing, very funny and challenging. However maybe a tad simplistic but maybe life needs to be a bit simpler?!Xx
December 29, 2020
Quite good as these self-help-y books go. The cutesy writing style is just barely tolerable. Some good things to say about ANTs (auotmatic negative thoughts) and such.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews