Review of How 2 Live Life by John Vorhaus

Read for: Requested Review

 

Synopsis: "Life is a problem? Sure, sometimes. But guess what? Life is a problem you can solve! All you need are some simple, insightful ways of looking at yourself, your world, your philosophy, your feelings and goals. Using the same plain-spoken, exercise-driven approach of his many successful writing books, including The Comic Toolbox and Creativity Rules! John Vorhaus gives you no magic, no mystic wisdom, just practical methods for advancing your self-awareness, acquiring self-acceptance and closing the gap between the person you are and the person you want to be. If spiritual matters are of interest to you, if you want to make your life rise, and if you wish to gain a better grasp of the questions that daunt us all, this little book will have a big impact on you."

My Review: This one is quite outside my normal comfort genres, but when John contact me regarding a review, it struck me a just the right time (not to mention I have enjoyed the previous books I have read by him). This was really a unique read and experience, it is meant to be read as an interactive book to guide you into some understanding of yourself and the way you go through life. I participated as best I could and found it actually very useful and inspiring (of course it also helped that he spoke to my list making obsession). One of the first lists he asks you to make is of the things you would not do any longer if you had less than 6 months to live, I found this interesting since so often people think about the things you would try to fit into that time. One of the things I wouldn't do any more is drive, I hate driving, I get horrible road rage and my frustration and stress rises every time I get behind the wheel. He then takes those items and dives further into why you wouldn't do those things and ways to either eliminate them or make them not so hated. Granted there are many more elements to this book but that is just an example of what I gained and used throughout the book. It was a great book to pick through and use as you see fit in your own life and it would be interesting to revisit a few years down the road to see how it has changed in accordance to your life. I really enjoyed how he used personal examples with his own findings, it made it a less clinical book. It did ramble a little much some times and I would find myself zoning out but then there would be a quote or a question that brought me right back.

My Rating: This was an unusual read, it wasn't quite what I was expecting but it was good. I have definitely taken pieces of the book and applied it to my own life and gained a little perspective.  I give it a rating of Three Paws.

Favorite Quote: "Writer’s block, I have discovered, takes place
at the intersection of too much fear and not
enough information. Whenever I find myself
that malfunction junction, I never try to
write. Instead, I go gather new information.
Once I’ve tipped the balance back in
information’s favor, I find that my fear goes
to sleep and I can go back to work."

 

 

How to Live Life was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

If you would like to learn more about John Vorhaus and his work please visit his Goodreads Page or Website.

 

You can also obtain your own copy of How to Live Life in both digital or print formats from his website or Amazon.