This was quite insightful and full of practical wisdom and ideas that really make you think.
I like that it's short and easy to read, though to be honeThis was quite insightful and full of practical wisdom and ideas that really make you think.
I like that it's short and easy to read, though to be honest it does seem to repeat itself a fair bit. I think that's intentional to kind of help the message sink in, but it had the opposite effect for me and made me want to skim.
It's an accessible kind of book that is a nice easy introduction to opening the mind. It essentially teaches strategies for looking beyond the material world so that one can feel happiness no matter what situation they find themselves in. I like that idea. I appreciate what this book is trying to teach.
Like many spirituality books, however, I was a little put off by the overuse of God. I think that it kinda makes me pull away a bit because everyone has different religious interpretations and beliefs so when a book tells me I have to be thankful to God I feel slightly resentful. Can't I just be generally thankful to whomever deserves the thanks?
Also, the end section seemed a little tacked on to me, like it was just trying to make up the page count. It was still interesting information, but once you finish the section on the fourth agreement you're really just ready for the conclusion.
Overall, though, I enjoyed it; I think there is a lot of wisdom here and it's short and practical enough that even those who may not be as spiritually inclined should get something out of it....more
'Acknowledging limits, and learning to negotiate them, is one of the primary goals of psychotherapy.'
What a brilliant book this turned out to be!
Th'Acknowledging limits, and learning to negotiate them, is one of the primary goals of psychotherapy.'
What a brilliant book this turned out to be!
The workings of the mind absolutely fascinate me, and this book delves into the realm from two sides - not only do we see through the case stories how problematic behaviours can stem from unacknowledged history, we also learn the process of the therapist in unravelling the issues.
The cases themselves are fictional accounts built from numerous similar, real life accounts, lending credibility to the problems that arise and how these are addressed. It's quite interesting to consider that, while every person's problems may be unique, the similar manifesting behaviour is an expression of similar pain. It makes the cases easy to relate to, and there's likely to be times during reading that you'll discover greater insight into some of your own behaviours.
The format is this: an overview of a problematic thought pattern or behaviour is given, then the case story that represents it is summarised. We learn the scenario, and a little more about the specific issue that the client hopes to resolve through therapy. Then we are given the therapist's insight, where she discusses her own thoughts and feelings, and how these help her gain greater understanding of the client. They allow for deeper exploration of the issue, and the case turns towards productive strategies to help negotiate the issues. Concluding each case story is further information and a checklist to help readers identify these issues in themselves or others.
I really enjoyed reading the process, and I appreciate that there's no quick fix for these stories. The workings of the mind are complex, so it's naive to think a handful of sessions with a therapist is going to 'fix' you. I also appreciated that there is never actually the suggestion that someone needs to be 'fixed'; it's simply about addressing troublesome thoughts and behaviours and attempting to understand these to relieve some of the pressure they may cause.
'This whole book ... is about how we can accept that our actions are often driven by factors beyond our conscious control and yet strive to expand our choices so that we are always in the process of becoming.'
I think therapy is often demonised in popular culture, meaning that so many people are afraid to seek help because of the fear that seeing a therapist means admitting there's something 'wrong' with them. This book works hard to demonstrate the value of talking through one's problems, and provides logic for choosing a trained professional as the sounding board. Seeing a therapist doesn't mean you're 'messed up' or 'broken' or any of the ridiculous ideas that seem to be associated with the clientele of this profession. Seeing a therapist demonstrates a desire to better understand the workings of your own mind so that you can better negotiate the world around you. That sounds pretty intelligent to me.
I have so much respect for people who can unravel the mysteries of the mind as comprehensively as these authors. What an asset to society they are, and we are fools not to take greater advantage of their skill.
This is such a fantastic, accessible book for people to develop a greater appreciation for the power of talking. For professionals, for carers, for people who just want greater insight into how the mind works - this book is an incredible tool. I highly recommend it and hope it achieves its goal of helping more people to appreciate the benefits of therapy....more
Not gonna lie, I mostly wanted to read it because I fell in love with that cover. So pretty.
The story is random, and at timesThis is a strange book!
Not gonna lie, I mostly wanted to read it because I fell in love with that cover. So pretty.
The story is random, and at times hard to follow, but I kind of enjoyed being swept up and along? I really enjoyed the unpredictability of it; that there wasn't really a plot other than kind of watching at the window of these lives as they progressed.
There's several stories and I don't think I could name a favourite, as there were fascinating happenings across the globe. Strange occurrences and intertwining fates and luck and un-luck. What a whirlwind.
It's vague and meaty all the same; it dances back and forth between people and places but endlessly moves forward, dragging these souls with it. There were some really fun adventures, and some gruesome details not for the faint of heart; there was love and tenderness and tragedy.
I don't think it's for everyone but I'm surprised at how much I loved the randomness of it. Worth a shot for people looking to taste something a little more unique....more
Blurb: Mysterious happenings throughout Bram Stoker's early years were the inspiration for Dracula, the greatesUm, guys?
I don't know what I just read.
Blurb: Mysterious happenings throughout Bram Stoker's early years were the inspiration for Dracula, the greatest vampire novel of all time. This is that origin story.
Story: Vampires, ghouls, zombies, apparitions, blood and gore, general impossibilities.
Author's Note: This all actually happened.
Me: 0.0
If we're calling this a true story it's a solid 5 stars just for its WTF level.
BUT!
If we're sticking with this being a vampire story inspired by the mystery of Stoker's inspiration for Dracula, I think we're dealing overall with a pretty mediocre offering.
But I am honestly SO CONFUSED.
I feel like this would have been better as a non-fiction exploration of Bram Stoker's madness, or reasons why he may have seemed mad when perfectly sane. Because apparently Stoker originally wanted to publish Dracula as non-fiction? Like he actually believed the vampire story he wrote was legit?
So that kinda fascinates me, and I would have loved to take a look at that, kinda muse over 'well there are weird people who call themselves vampires in today's society and drink each others blood' etc.
Instead, this is the supposed 102 missing pages from the start of the first edition of Dracula. So it's basically a prequel to the vampire story we know and love, featuring the author and his family as its main characters.
That's cool. Stephen King has written himself into works of fiction, no big. Clever, really.
But you want me to believe this happened for real?
I mean, if you're gonna convince me this was legit happenings I need more facts so I can get my science brain onto it please.
I'm actually really torn over whether to review it for the story itself or review based on 'am I convinced it was real?'
I guess both?
I mean, the story was decent. It was a bit of a slow start, but it started to get creepy about 100 pages in and then got nice and chaotic with violence and snakes (I love snakes) and obviously typical vampiric behaviours. The dynamic between the characters was fantastic, and I loved the relationship between the three siblings. Towards the end of the novel I found it really hard to put down. But with Dracula having been around for so long and having spawned so many other vampire novels, the formula is kind of tired. Slight creepiness of people not aging, appearing and disappearing, healing fast and heightened senses? Standard. Stalking the evil during daylight hours? Standard. Garlic and wooden stakes and silver crosses? Standard. As far as vampire stories go, there's really nothing all that new here.
The book's strongest appeal is in that possibility that there WERE mysterious, unexplained happenings. But there's no mystery here. It's all written out into a story, through journal entries and letters etc. But even there I struggled because there's mixed tenses. For example, one entry begins with (paraphrasing here) 'I am sitting here at this time writing these events' and then later says 'there is [something] (which I was later to discover was called [something] ...' and how can you write about later if later hasn't happened yet? So clearly this was a fabrication?
Honestly I just cannot wrap my head around this, but I find it very hard to believe this story to be an account of true events.
I think I'm just going to leave it be.
Overall, an interesting but average vampire story with great characters.
I recommend NOT reading the Author's Note.
And if anyone can shed more light on this for me or share theories or knowledge, PLEASE HELP....more
If you're looking for an inspiring story about overcoming the obstacles that life throws at you - and then turning that into fulfillment - look no fuIf you're looking for an inspiring story about overcoming the obstacles that life throws at you - and then turning that into fulfillment - look no further.
This is such an honest, open account from a person who has faced some incredible trials. Rape, addiction, prostitution, mental illnesses (TRIGGER WARNING, btw) - this girl has faced down some pretty fierce demons and come out victoriously on top.
Full disclosure: I know Sophie personally. But WOW. I had no idea that the woman I know had so much darkness in her past. She is a brave, kind individual and I feel so grateful to her for baring her soul to me. I never suspected just how much she's been through.
I guess that's a pretty big part of why I appreciated this story so much - you never know the stories of others, unless they are willing to share. Sophie has shared her story with the intention of helping others understand their own pain and trauma, and how it can be used to create a life of fulfillment and content.
Yes, she tells her story, but each aspect of her story is connected to the point she's trying to make - how to identify childhood pain that may have impacted you, how a person's pain can manifest, and the extent of control past pain can have on present thoughts and actions. It is structurally sound and sensible in its approach to harnessing pain to create potential.
There are a modest amount of self-help activities (something I'm notoriously bad at completing) but they involve a lot of consideration so I found that, even though I didn't write anything down, I was still developing a better sense of my own behaviours. I see a lot of sense in the ideas she proposes, so I'll likely go back and do the exercises properly when I'm a little more open.
It was also such a fast read for me - less than 24 hours - because I just latched on to everything she was saying. I know this book and its methods won't work for everyone, but this is going to be a game changer for people who want to give; people who feel like they have a greater purpose but aren't sure how to realise it. It'll be tough work, facing your truth so unconditionally, but it seems like the reward is worth it.
Sophie is now encouraging people to share their own stories and become empowered through The Introvert Project and if you're interested, you can order this book off her website.
Highly recommend for the self-help readers who need something a little grittier and more tangible. Also a fascinating and inspiring read for anyone interested in an honest account of how one girl overcame immense obstacles to become a successful businesswoman changing the world one story at a time....more
I mean, I really enjoyed the way things wrapped up in the second book, but I felt like there was unfinished busineDang, the third book had me worried.
I mean, I really enjoyed the way things wrapped up in the second book, but I felt like there was unfinished business with McClaren and even Josh a little bit so was keen to see what kinda drama was gonna play out in this one, and how Kavinsky would again triumph over all.
But it was all about boring wedding stuff???
I don't care about boring wedding stuff! I don't even like Ms Rothschild! I'm kinda with Margot on that - she just kinda slotted herself into this story and it felt invasive and I did not like it. So naturally I wasn't pleased to spend half of this book reading about her and wedding plans etc.
Then again, my parents have been going solid for 37 years so I wonder if maybe people with lovable step-parents will appreciate it more?
Anyhoo.
The point is that I needed more fun and obnoxious Kavinsky and what I got was Boring Wedding Stuff and Mopey Kavinksy and it just did not do it for me.
But!
There were still some really cute scenes. And Lara Jean is still happy and positive and just as lovable as ever.
I feel like maybe some of the stuff here was added for closure but it felt messy and unauthentic so honestly we probably could have done without this book. It was way less satisfying.
It was still an easy read, and nice and fluffy, and Kavinsky still made me AW out loud, but it was just underwhelming compared to the first two. I'd probably recommend that people who are in love with the first two maybe forget this book was ever written. The heartwarming Kavinsky moments are kind of too little too late, in my opinion....more
HOW DID I END UP LOVING THIS STINKIN FLUFF SO MUCH???
Not kidding. This is such a basic, easy read. It's light-hearted and fluffy and normally I wouldHOW DID I END UP LOVING THIS STINKIN FLUFF SO MUCH???
Not kidding. This is such a basic, easy read. It's light-hearted and fluffy and normally I would be underwhelmed by this kinda thing but it's just so freaking cute.
Lara Jean is such a fun character. I love that she's optimistic and young-minded and so damn true to who she is. She can be totally awkward but she just kinda rolls with it anyway and it's so endearing. Bless her. I'm really glad Margot wasn't around to bring her down in this one. And I love how Kitty is kind of a pain but Lara Jean still goes out of her way for her constantly. That sibling bond is beautiful.
Warning: The following will contain spoilers for the first book in the series.
So there was a lot of tension at the end of the last book, with LJ firmly hooked on Kavinsky with a side of Josh drama to make things interesting. But now that we're kinda settling into how PERFECT Kavinsky is, Josh has kinda melted into the background a little.
I lOVE LJ and Peter together. They're so cute and honest and I just love all the weird stuff they talk about. It's annoying that Gen hangs around like a bad smell, but what are you gonna do. I also really appreciate that Lucas and LJ have become BFFs since The Letter Incident. But OF COURSE there's now got to be a kink in the perfect love story of LJ and Kavinsky.
I was worried that this was going to not be as good as the first book but I still had so many laugh out loud moments. And moments where I was like, 'OMG LARA JEAN!' actually out loud. She's so funny! And people just love that! Man, when I'm awkward like her people just give me a weird look, laugh politely and then remember they have somewhere else to be.
In conclusion, my heart is still relatively in tact but I still had to rush out and get the third book because hey, turns out I also cannot resist the Kavinsky charm.
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