What do you think?
Rate this book
The Liberty of Our Language Revealed: We Bring About What We Talk About.
Clem walked to the corner of the room and picked up a wooden box. From inside the box, he pulled out an old, worn-out book. Stuffed in the back of the binding were several pieces of paper filled with hand-written notes. He pulled out the notes and handed me the book. The book appeared to have been sitting in that box for many years. The title was carved into the dried-up leather cover by some sort of nail or perhaps a knife. I read the title: The Liberty of Our Language Revealed.
“You ever heard of it before?” Clem inquired.
“No, I haven’t,” I answered, opening its dusty pages. “Wait, these pages are blank, and there is no author!” I declared, as I flipped back to the front cover to see if any name was written.
Clem paused and made eye contact with me, “You are the author, Thomas; you are the author of The Liberty of Our Language Revealed.”
On the walls of the abandoned escape route someone had etched several phrases. I studied each one. “Change your language, change your life.” “Improve your results, create a better environment.” “Increase your productivity, transform your economy.” “Elevate your performance, and achieve higher standards.”
“You ever heard of it before?” Clem inquired.
“No, I haven’t,” I answered, opening its dusty pages. “Wait, these pages are blank, and there is no author!” I declared, as I flipped back to the front cover to see if any name was written.
Clem paused and made eye contact with me, “You are the author, Thomas; you are the author of The Liberty of Our Language Revealed.”
On the walls of the abandoned escape route someone had etched several phrases. I studied each one. “Change your language, change your life.” “Improve your results, create a better environment.” “Increase your productivity, transform your economy.” “Elevate your performance, and achieve higher standards.”
272 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2018
32 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Blackwell
1 book2 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 20, 2019
Yes, I marked this book both as fiction and non-fiction. The main concept is more of a self-help book about the power of the language we use, but it's couched in a really hokey story of a man who wins a speech contest and is given notes to write a book. The story was painful, but the ideas were interesting to think about. In the end I only got about 75% through before it was returned and I didn't bother to get it back.
I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone, though I would like to have a group discussion about some of the ideas.
I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone, though I would like to have a group discussion about some of the ideas.
May 26, 2023
This isn’t just a self-help book. It’s a story too. And so much more! This book is really a life-changer! I’ll definitely be re-reading this one.
Read
February 18, 2025Book 2 for 75 Hard
January 23, 2019
Great ideas in this book written into a fun story. Our words are powerful. Thomas is talented and inspired. If you want to be inspired to be more and better, and gain some tools to get there, this is a great read!
January 24, 2020
I loved the lessons in the book even though the story that weaves it together is a little cheesy.
October 19, 2021
This book provides insight to the power of positive thinking.
April 21, 2023
I shouldn't be a stranger to writing unorthodox reviews, but here we are, and I'm trying to come up with some opening line that's not stupid and redundant. I can't do it!!!... no, that's not right. As Mr. Blackwell tells us, I need to be verbally supportive of myself. So, on that note, I know that I can write this unorthodox review and not only that, but I can write it *well*.
I had never heard of Thomas Blackwell when I was gifted a signed edition of the trade paperback by my father. He saw Thomas speak at a business event and was inspired enough to pick up one of his books for himself and one for each of his children - especially my sister, who has a been a black hole where happiness goes to die as of late. Therefore, I read this book as a kind of family experiment (which my sister hasn't followed through with; shocker there). This is not my usual fare, but I will still have to judge it critically as well as consider the message. Please don't take offense to what I may say in this review because I am undoubtedly coming from a more critical and analytical point than most of my reviewing compatriots.
The book kicks off with our main character, Thomas Blackwell himself, as he wins a speaking contest and receives a mysterious rendezvous note. He follows the note's instructions and meets a man who gives him his World-War-II-vet-grandfather's notebook and asks him to write a book based on its contents. These contents include different directives such as "how to introduce yourself at a high vibration" (When someone asks how you're doing, don't say "not too bad," say "great!") or how to "set people around you up for success." He speaks at different conferences for a high school basketball team, an elitist banquet, and more; he even meets Rudy the sports-guy (validated by a photograph). There's also a strange force trying to stop him from the good word about how much power your words have. It's a short and fast book that can be interpreted in many ways.
A note in the introduction says that this book is a work of fiction based upon real events. What exactly is real and what is not is left to your imagination, but I rather strongly suspect the resoundingly YA-ish plot around the secret of language's liberty is made up... but that's neither here nor there.
The principle argument is that if you say good things, good things will happen to you. I agree and disagree at the same time. I don't believe in some of the pseudoscientific evidence Blackwell brings up, specifically that water that you say nice things to will freeze in a smoother way than water in a jar talked to meanly. The postulation is that since the majority of our bodies are made up of water, people who are talked to nicely will end up better than people who are talked to meanly (In general, of course, because absolutes aren't worth the paper they're printed on). I do agree with the whole talk-to-people-in-a-self-fulfilling-way thing and all of its implications because of people I examined in my own life, but not because of these water experiments. I also believe that positive self-talk and positive mindsets are good ways to be successful in life, just not that good things will happen to you because you say good things. For example, Thomas Blackwell's family experienced the loss of their 13-day-old baby and then lost several friends/family members throughout the chronicles of this book. Your language is not a shield against the world's demons, but instead a way to put yourself in a better mindset to handle said demons. Is this merely a semantical argument? Possibly, but I think it's one worth having.
Now it's time for me to get critical. This is not a well-written book. It's written by a man who is a much better speaker than he is prose stylist, and the copy-editing looks abysmal compared to anything done professionally. There are a lot of grammatical issues and the dialogue is, while well-meaning, painfully cheesy and thematic and doesn't make for a convincing read. I'm sure that with a different editor, Blackwell could've written dialogue that was just as peppy without being dripping with the kind of sugar that rips you right out of a narrative.
As I've implied, I don't know how I rate this according to my guidelines along with Thomas' and Goodreads'. I think I'm doing three stars, 6/10. On some levels, this was a poor read - mainly the way it was written. And on others, it was very thought-provoking and made me reconsider some things about my life and how I use language, for Blackwell's fundamental beliefs definitely do have merit in my book. Therefore, 6/10. I hope I'm not ruffling too many feathers with this, and I'd still like to hear the author speak and get the full experience of what I believe to be his true passion. Until then, that's all from Mr. Leadburger. We'll see what kind of impact these lessons have on my review-writing vocab. Until those reviews, though, it's time to stay goodbye, and good luck - not that you'll need it, of course, if you unlock the liberty of your language.
I had never heard of Thomas Blackwell when I was gifted a signed edition of the trade paperback by my father. He saw Thomas speak at a business event and was inspired enough to pick up one of his books for himself and one for each of his children - especially my sister, who has a been a black hole where happiness goes to die as of late. Therefore, I read this book as a kind of family experiment (which my sister hasn't followed through with; shocker there). This is not my usual fare, but I will still have to judge it critically as well as consider the message. Please don't take offense to what I may say in this review because I am undoubtedly coming from a more critical and analytical point than most of my reviewing compatriots.
The book kicks off with our main character, Thomas Blackwell himself, as he wins a speaking contest and receives a mysterious rendezvous note. He follows the note's instructions and meets a man who gives him his World-War-II-vet-grandfather's notebook and asks him to write a book based on its contents. These contents include different directives such as "how to introduce yourself at a high vibration" (When someone asks how you're doing, don't say "not too bad," say "great!") or how to "set people around you up for success." He speaks at different conferences for a high school basketball team, an elitist banquet, and more; he even meets Rudy the sports-guy (validated by a photograph). There's also a strange force trying to stop him from the good word about how much power your words have. It's a short and fast book that can be interpreted in many ways.
A note in the introduction says that this book is a work of fiction based upon real events. What exactly is real and what is not is left to your imagination, but I rather strongly suspect the resoundingly YA-ish plot around the secret of language's liberty is made up... but that's neither here nor there.
The principle argument is that if you say good things, good things will happen to you. I agree and disagree at the same time. I don't believe in some of the pseudoscientific evidence Blackwell brings up, specifically that water that you say nice things to will freeze in a smoother way than water in a jar talked to meanly. The postulation is that since the majority of our bodies are made up of water, people who are talked to nicely will end up better than people who are talked to meanly (In general, of course, because absolutes aren't worth the paper they're printed on). I do agree with the whole talk-to-people-in-a-self-fulfilling-way thing and all of its implications because of people I examined in my own life, but not because of these water experiments. I also believe that positive self-talk and positive mindsets are good ways to be successful in life, just not that good things will happen to you because you say good things. For example, Thomas Blackwell's family experienced the loss of their 13-day-old baby and then lost several friends/family members throughout the chronicles of this book. Your language is not a shield against the world's demons, but instead a way to put yourself in a better mindset to handle said demons. Is this merely a semantical argument? Possibly, but I think it's one worth having.
Now it's time for me to get critical. This is not a well-written book. It's written by a man who is a much better speaker than he is prose stylist, and the copy-editing looks abysmal compared to anything done professionally. There are a lot of grammatical issues and the dialogue is, while well-meaning, painfully cheesy and thematic and doesn't make for a convincing read. I'm sure that with a different editor, Blackwell could've written dialogue that was just as peppy without being dripping with the kind of sugar that rips you right out of a narrative.
As I've implied, I don't know how I rate this according to my guidelines along with Thomas' and Goodreads'. I think I'm doing three stars, 6/10. On some levels, this was a poor read - mainly the way it was written. And on others, it was very thought-provoking and made me reconsider some things about my life and how I use language, for Blackwell's fundamental beliefs definitely do have merit in my book. Therefore, 6/10. I hope I'm not ruffling too many feathers with this, and I'd still like to hear the author speak and get the full experience of what I believe to be his true passion. Until then, that's all from Mr. Leadburger. We'll see what kind of impact these lessons have on my review-writing vocab. Until those reviews, though, it's time to stay goodbye, and good luck - not that you'll need it, of course, if you unlock the liberty of your language.
May 14, 2025
I have conflicting feelings about this book. Let’s start with the bad. It was poorly written, for one thing. The language was awkward, some details felt unnecessary and distracting, and the story felt disjointed at times. I’m not a fan of the allegorical self-help book format in general - books like this feel disingenuous and contrived. There were a couple of moments in the narrative that gave me the impression of someone who wanted to appear as if he had overcome cultural prejudices (“I’m talking about this person of another nationality as if he is my equal—isn’t that great?”), and the random insertions of Spanish made me cringe. While many of the author’s lessons rang true to me, he had a startling lack of evidence to back himself up that did not have undertones of pseudoscience. And as the final blow, the author immediately lost a measure of my respect when he legitimized multi-level marketing.
On the other hand, this book has legitimately helped me somewhat. It is a good reminder of the power of positivity to change my outlook and therefore be more open to opportunities to accomplish my goals and attract goodness. There was some helpful advice that I imagine will help me flush out negativity in my daily life. I neither loved it nor hated it, but overall, reading this book has had a net positive effect for me.
On the other hand, this book has legitimately helped me somewhat. It is a good reminder of the power of positivity to change my outlook and therefore be more open to opportunities to accomplish my goals and attract goodness. There was some helpful advice that I imagine will help me flush out negativity in my daily life. I neither loved it nor hated it, but overall, reading this book has had a net positive effect for me.
December 10, 2020
I have proven the premise of this book in my own life—that our words help create our reality. But there was more here that I hadn’t learned before.
This book uses a story form to illustrate. I enjoyed it, and I think younger person might like this format. The story was little hokey, but the points were well-written. And since we tend to remember stories, I recommend this book, especially to someone who has never learned this concept.
Quotes from the book:
The best way to have a bit of Heaven in your home is by having someone in heaven
My life is better than expected, and my expectations are pretty high.
When you lose your excuses you’ll find your results.
Humility is not thinking less of yourself it’s thinking of yourself less. CS Lewis.
Words of integrity—the danger of non-committal language. (I’ll try. I think I can. I hope I can. I’ll do my best). The body treated those words just the same as I can’t. Where did this non-committal language come from? “I think I can.” Instead of trying, why not decide to get it done? People say I’ll try as a disclaimer just in case the desired result is not produced. If we say, “I’ll do my best,” there is hesitation and a lack of confidence.
Let your communication be yea, yea, and Nay, nay.
This book uses a story form to illustrate. I enjoyed it, and I think younger person might like this format. The story was little hokey, but the points were well-written. And since we tend to remember stories, I recommend this book, especially to someone who has never learned this concept.
Quotes from the book:
The best way to have a bit of Heaven in your home is by having someone in heaven
My life is better than expected, and my expectations are pretty high.
When you lose your excuses you’ll find your results.
Humility is not thinking less of yourself it’s thinking of yourself less. CS Lewis.
Words of integrity—the danger of non-committal language. (I’ll try. I think I can. I hope I can. I’ll do my best). The body treated those words just the same as I can’t. Where did this non-committal language come from? “I think I can.” Instead of trying, why not decide to get it done? People say I’ll try as a disclaimer just in case the desired result is not produced. If we say, “I’ll do my best,” there is hesitation and a lack of confidence.
Let your communication be yea, yea, and Nay, nay.
January 20, 2020
Really terrific book about changing our language and really our thought process which can change the world! This is a story within a story of sorts. I'm a bit partial because the author is my nephew. He is an amazing person and wonderful motivational speaker. The book makes you want to be a better person he teaches you how you can do it. Plus it's easy! I listened to the audio book and enjoyed hearing Thomas do the reading himself. Fun to hear him to accents too! Highly recommend this one.
July 28, 2025
I have a conflicted view of this book. On the one hand the themes throughout the book are positive and relevant to living a life full of gratitude. Gratitude being a well researched source of happiness. On the other hand, the allegorical approach to sharing this message is poorly written and distracts from the power of the message. Some of the exerts from the authors speeches make it clear to me that their strength as a public speaker far outweighs their strength as a writer. I think I would have enjoyed a collection of full speeches given around each concept rather the allegory.
September 9, 2024
Definitely filled with positive messages. I found it slow at first and it didn’t have my total interest but as I got further through it I started to see the benefits he was trying to say you get from positive words in your every day language. I will take some of this to heart and use better words when greeting people and telling myself positive affirmations. I have read other similar books I enjoyed more but I found this worth the read.
September 25, 2019
Words are powerful!!
Our language and word choice is so powerful. The author lays out the principles in an easy to read, fun story! I am
Grateful for this book and am already implementing the learnings - thank you!!
Our language and word choice is so powerful. The author lays out the principles in an easy to read, fun story! I am
Grateful for this book and am already implementing the learnings - thank you!!
August 12, 2022
Very inspiring.
February 28, 2023
He should have hired a professional reader...that would have helped a lot
Want to read
July 9, 2023Heidi Hess
February 27, 2024
Love this book. Amazing story.
Read
August 20, 2024Ive seen Thomas Blackwell speak twice and now reading this book I am finally able to change the way I see and say things
November 23, 2025
Great concept. Not fully on board with the way this book was written, but the message is a good one.
December 17, 2025
Good book to remind yourself on adjusting your outlook on life by what words you speak.
February 19, 2025
I rated this a 3, only because I had already heard Thomas’s speech (which was so amazing in person)! Would’ve rated it higher if I hadn’t heard him in person already and had not heard the stories that were written in the book
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews