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Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One

Raphaëlle Giordano

3.56 · Rating details · 12,304 ratings · 1,517 reviews

The feel-good #1 bestselling French novel about a woman whose mission to cure her "routine-itis" leads her to lasting joy and true fulfillment, for fans of The Alchemist and Hector and the Search for Happiness.

At thirty-eight and a quarter years old, Paris native Camille has everything she needs to be happy, or so it seems: a good job, a loving husband, a wonderful son. Wh ...more

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Kindle Edition, 256 pages

Published July 24th 2018 by G.P. Putnam's Sons (first published September 17th 2015)

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Aug 30, 2018 Jennifer rated it really liked it

Shelves: translated, rdn, self-help, read-2018, stand-alone-novel, listened-to-audiobook

"You can have lots of money and be really unhappy, or equally not have much but make your existence the sweetest there is. The capacity for being happy has to be worked on, built up day by day. All you have to do is take a good look at your system of values and re-educate the way you look at life and what's going on around you."
Camille isn't unhappy but she isn't especially happy either. She lacks enthusiasm for life and her days are passing her by with dissatisfaction. On a day whe
"You can have lots of money and be really unhappy, or equally not have much but make your existence the sweetest there is. The capacity for being happy has to be worked on, built up day by day. All you have to do is take a good look at your system of values and re-educate the way you look at life and what's going on around you."
Camille isn't unhappy but she isn't especially happy either. She lacks enthusiasm for life and her days are passing her by with dissatisfaction. On a day when everything seems to be going wrong, she meets Claude, a routinologist who diagnoses her with routinitis: "While not being clinically depressed, one could still have a feeling of emptiness and unease and suffer from the unpleasant sensation that although you had everything you needed to be happy, you didn't have the key to make the most of it." Thankfully for Camille, Claude can help her.

Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One is more self-help than entertainment, but once I made peace with the format, I found it to be enjoyable and incredibly useful. I am a firm believer that our thoughts are much more powerful than we can possibly imagine, and this concept is threaded throughout the book which I appreciated. Readers watch Claude take Camille step by step through regaining her life by unlearning negativity and re-learning how to think in a more positive and productive way. Each step is well-communicated, and I highlighted so many sections just for the life-coaching help. There's a "Pocket Dictionary of Routinology" at the end which may serve as a handy reference guide for interested readers.

Part fiction and part therapy, Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One is a book I'm glad I read. Check it out!

My favorite quote:
"To really listen, you have to be able to identify with what the other person is experiencing, to have empathy. You can't imagine how rare it is to find someone who truly knows how to listen. I often tell myself that whoever knows that will be the king of the world." ...more

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Oct 06, 2019 Victoria rated it it was ok · review of another edition

And the award for the world’s longest title with the least amount of pay off goes to…

This was a bestseller in France, but they are just going to have to excusez-moi, it just didn’t make my socks go up and down. I liked the idea of story as self help and even more so a chance to imbibe in a little French joi de vivre, but what started as a clever approach eventually became as routine as the imaginary malady it addressed--acute routinitis--and I skim read the last third of the book wishing only to ...more

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Jan 10, 2019 Sarah rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Your second life begins when you give yourself permission to abandon books that aren't working for you.
(I am apparently still at life #1.) ...more

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Sep 13, 2018 Brooke — brooklynnnnereads rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This was a different read for me. Although it's classified as Fiction, I felt that the story and the messages and lessons involved in this character's journey, made this novel hover the Fiction/Non-Fiction boundary line. In fact, that is one of the main reasons I loved this novel as much as I did.

The character of Camille, and her struggles, read like a reflection of myself (as well as many people that I know). Whether you have a case of "routinitis" now or later, it seems that particular ailmen This was a different read for me. Although it's classified as Fiction, I felt that the story and the messages and lessons involved in this character's journey, made this novel hover the Fiction/Non-Fiction boundary line. In fact, that is one of the main reasons I loved this novel as much as I did.

The character of Camille, and her struggles, read like a reflection of myself (as well as many people that I know). Whether you have a case of "routinitis" now or later, it seems that particular ailment is inevitable. It seems like this is a struggle everyone will encounter throughout different seasons of their life.

Now, the amazing part was that as I was reading this novel and following Camille's journey, it became obvious that the fictional lessons that she was participating in would be beneficial for many of the general public. This is where this novel hovered the Fiction/Non-Fiction border. Although there was a story, it also read like lessons from a self-help book were integrated within that story. It was done so naturally as well, that it didn't appear as if the author was preaching to the reader and instead flowed with the circumstances of the novel. Yet at the same time I was intrigued enough with the lessons on self-discovery that Camille was participating in, that I wouldn't have minded doing an experiment with my own answers.

I really liked following Camille's journey and found it both inspirational and motivating. I cannot help but praise the unique format of this novel because it read so different than what I have read before when it comes to a character's self-discovery and personal journey. For those that read, "The Wealthy Barber" by David Chilton, this novel's format reminded me a lot like that book (minus the lessons on financial planning). It's a novel with real life messages and lessons being told in a fictional manner which I found made it more thought provoking.

***Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review*** ...more

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Dec 28, 2018 Jenny rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: abandoned

Hahahaha holy shit this book is SO bad. The prose is sophomoric, the dialogue stilted and contrived, the characters unsympathetic and uninteresting, and the self-help stuff that this book seems to have been written to deliver is a weird dilettante-ish mix of The Secret, CBT, mindfulness, and stoicism that glosses over anything of substance while spouting Live Love Laugh level platitudes. I read the first half and decided I did not need to subject myself to the second half.

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Mar 06, 2019 Laura rated it it was ok

Perfectly good advice but summarized in a pile of drivel and insufferable cliches. Who am I to judge if that format works for people? It’s just not for me.
Other thoughts:
Yawn every time Camille feels validated because men admire her while walking down the street.
The lesson “be a cat” was charming.

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Aug 03, 2018 Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews rated it liked it

Shelves: book-bingo-2018, 2018-books

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One penned by French writer Raphaelle Giordano, is a delightful self-help book, dressed in the form of a heart-warming novel. It follows the journey of Camille, a thirty something French woman, who decides she has had enough of her mundane day-to-day existence and sets about to make a great change, with the help of Claude, a routinologist.

When and how do we find our happy place? These are the questions t *https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One penned by French writer Raphaelle Giordano, is a delightful self-help book, dressed in the form of a heart-warming novel. It follows the journey of Camille, a thirty something French woman, who decides she has had enough of her mundane day-to-day existence and sets about to make a great change, with the help of Claude, a routinologist.

When and how do we find our happy place? These are the questions that define Raphaelle Giordano’s worldwide bestseller, Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One. Camille is thirty eight, she has a husband, son and stable job. She has all the comforts that would make one happy. But lately Camille has felt the opposite of happy, she feels unfulfilled and dissatisfied with her current way of life. A car accident, followed by the chance encounter with a stranger named Claude, a routinologist, sets Camille off on a journey to make some changes in her life. Camille’s metamorphosis is marked by some surprising adventures, along with some valuable life lessons that will significantly alter Camille’s mindset, as well as tap in to her dreams.

My search for a translated book for my next round book bingo 2018 directed me in the pathway of a new release book with a lengthy but catchy title, Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One by Raphaelle Giordano. I was keen to read this book as although it is a new release, it was first published in 2015, in France. Since then it has been a worldwide success, with the front cover stating ‘bestselling French novel that made 2 million readers happier’. It now makes its Australian debut and with such a cheerful cover, I’m sure this one will capture Australian readers. Personally I adore anything related to France, so I was very enthusiastic about reading this particular translated novel.

Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One is a novel that reads much more like self-help guide, in fact, readers will find a list of techniques used by the lead and prescribed by Claude the routinologist at the close of the novel. Those who are inspired by the ideas explored in this novel will find this extra inclusion useful. However, using this self help guide wrapped up in a warm-hearted novel format, means that any great character exploration does not occur. I was a little frustrated by the lack of depth and potential to explore the reasons why Camille feels dissatisfied with her life.

Despite these misgivings with the book. I liked the process Camille went through to change her life. The tasks Claude issues Camille with range from small-scale to large-scale. On the whole they were believable and entertaining. I did enjoy witnessing Camille’s growth and development into the person she wanted to be. Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One could be taken as a reflective tool and a catalyst for change in your own life. I know, as a thirty something like Camille, there have been moments where I have felt the same sorts of feelings Camille experiences. My only problem with Camille’s particular situation was that I couldn’t fathom why a woman living in my favourite part of the world would feel unhappy, but it happens!

Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One is a light and refreshing read. It is has a great contemplative tone, which makes it quite the little crowd pleaser. If you enjoy self-help style novels in the same vein as Eat Pray Love, this one should appeal.

...more

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Jul 17, 2018 angelareadsbooks rated it it was ok

Lately I have been loving the trend of bestselling books from other countries being sold in the US. Books like A Man Called Ove and The Lido. So when I saw Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One by Raphaëlle Giordano was a French bestseller, I was really excited to have a chance to read it.

Your Second Life is the story of Camille, a middle aged woman looking for happiness. It seems she has everything and yet she feels something missing. Through a series of events she comes i ...more

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Feb 05, 2019 Nicole Liu rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I thought this book would be fun to read and possibly enlightening. However, I really didn't enjoy this book. I would describe this book as a self-help book disguised as fiction. It was predictable and cheesy and I can't believe I finished it! There were take aways if you are stuck in a rut, but the overall message was clear. You, and only you, are in charge of your own happiness.

...more

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Jul 11, 2018 Carol - Reading Writing and Riesling rated it really liked it · review of another edition

My View:
Clever, life affirming, at times humorous, thought provoking.

This is a charming, entertaining read that has many lessons to share. I enjoyed the journey that Camille embarks on and the clever twist at the conclusion.

flag 9 likes · Like · see review

Nov 02, 2018 Dawnny rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is so more than you think it is going in. It is a self help but it is written like a novel. The character is so relatable. If you feel like you are stuck in the same routine this book is for you. If you think you're
Not suffering from the same routine you will find out that yes, you are. A great story. Engaging. ...more

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Jul 30, 2018 Sharon rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: did-not-finish

A selfself-help book thinly plotted to mimic a novel. The best thing about it is the title.

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Oct 17, 2019 Cher rated it did not like it

Shelves: contemporary, audiobook, cultural, abandoned-dnf

1.5 stars - I didn't like it.

DNF’d at 35% through. It is a self-help book being marketed as a novel. I do not believe I am the target audience as I actually love my life which makes the reading of a nonapplicable self-help book toilsome.

I do love fiction and I love France, but those two things were not enough to make this one worthwhile for me. Perhaps it all turns around and becomes wonderful in the back half but I cannot endure the pain it would take to reach the end to know.
----------------- ...more

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Jul 30, 2018 Tiffany Spitzer rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book reads like a novel but with a self-help theme. It’s fantastic with awesome ideas for improving the way you view yourself and life. I will definitely go back to it for a refresher thanks to the awesome idea dictionary in the back of the book. I recommend anyone in a rut or needing help with reinforcing positive self-image/worth read this book.
It’s a very quick read!

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Jun 12, 2019 Sakinah rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: my-arabic-books, i-own, purchased-2019, read-2019

2/5
First half was really good and motivating
Second half was boring to death.
And I don’t like overly enthusiastic and optimistic books. They frustrates me.

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May 09, 2020 Alice (Married To Books) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: alice-reads-adult-fiction, read-in-2020, eurovisionathon-2020

Read as part of Eurovisionathon 2020 for the France challenge!

I'm going to be honest. This was one of the books that I had selected for the readathon that I put towards the bottom of my predicted enjoyment list. This four-star review proves that predictions can totally and utterly be incorrect. I really enjoyed this! One of my biggest fears was how the French to English translation would come across since I've read translated books in the past where the pacing and writing have been very choppy i ...more

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Jun 21, 2017 Amandine Thomas rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I would have given 3.5 stars but rounded at 4 because I am in a good mood.

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Jan 10, 2019 Rawan Sadiq rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

In a nutshell
I recommend this book to everyone

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Aug 11, 2019 Karin Pearson rated it liked it · review of another edition

A quick schmaltzy read. Mostly a "self help" book disguised as a novel. Lots of food for thought and tips to make the most of your life to break out of a rut or "routine". ...more

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Jul 23, 2018 Lisa rated it liked it · review of another edition

My French friend adores this book and got me the Italian version for my birthday (no english yet, but soon). Its a sweet story, with great intentions, but I found it either just a hair too predictable or in other parts a hair too perfect. But, I guess that's also the type of book it is - meant to prove that optimism guarantees success - meant to teach you how make things eventually go your way after a couple stumbles if you do XY and Z. Doubt its really that easy in the real world, but its a nob ...more

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Aug 06, 2018 Ashley rated it did not like it

I agree with Giordano's principles and tricks to hitting the reset button on one's life, but it's not necessary to conceal them within a poorly written novel. It certainly doesn't do justice to the brave folks in professional circles of psychology and counseling, who know very well that there isn't a person on the planet who could solve such deep issues (children, marriage, career, mending fences) as quickly as this narrator.

In short, a book for people who would rather chomp on a stick of cotto ...more

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Aug 01, 2020 Asma-Mekki-Daouadji rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

What an amazing book 🧡 Picked on the right time !

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Aug 08, 2018 Kelly rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Whimsical, sweet, fictional almost-self-help novel.

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Nov 03, 2018 Katharine Coggeshall rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is a book to read and re-read over your lifetime. It is filled with excellent advice that you just can't hear enough.
This is a work of fiction, but the characters are so real and the situations so relatable, it comes across as an autobiography. The style of writing eludes French/British origins in the sayings, attitudes, etc. and isn't really my favorite, but the plot and lessons more than make up for it. ...more

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Jun 21, 2020 Teenie*Currently Distracted With Life* rated it liked it · review of another edition

I randomly came across this book at the bookstore and I was intrigued by the name and cute cover. I never heard of this book and I thought it looked interesting. This was a quick fun read. It was a little repetitive at times and I wished that there was better character development, but overall it was a cute story and I enjoyed it.

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Nov 26, 2018 Zahra MiresmaIli rated it really liked it · review of another edition

So much inspiring and mentioned some good techniques for problem solving.

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Dec 22, 2018 Kristy Holland rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Quick and easy read maybe veering toward 3.5 ⭐️. Part fiction, chick-lit, part self-help. Sometimes predictable, sometime slightly repetitive, but overall, Good message.

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Jul 20, 2019 Mary Mccallister rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: women

It's fiction but it's not because you become the main character. Warning: Self reflection ...more

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Jan 13, 2021 Jessica rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: adult-fiction, book-club, library

So I suspected this wasn't a Jessica book before I started reading it, but some of my friends are doing a Zoom book club and this was the book that was picked. Occasionally a book I don't think is for me can surprise me, but this was not one. I mostly felt like I seeing a character read a self-help book and apply it to their life. (Funnily when I first read the title I thought it was a self-help book). So clearly there are people this book is for (it's an international success) but I'm not one o ...more

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Nov 20, 2020 Sara Warren rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This was a cute story and definitely makes you change your perspective on how you should deal with life. It was a quick and simple read.

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About Raphaëlle Giordano

Raphaëlle Giordano

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Raphäelle Giordano is a group coach and a qualified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator consultant. Founder of Emotone, she collaborates with creativity/innovation, communication, team cohesion, and stress management companies. A graduate from the Ecole Estienne en Art et techniques de communication, her creative mark can be found not only in her pedagogic approach but also in her books. She is the author ...more