Self-Help / Relationships
Plot: Yvon Milien tries to answer the question every human heart asks — how to be happy and protect that happiness in a world full of sorrow. Milien tenaciously tries to steer readers toward the path of self-development with the goal of sustainable joy.
Prose: In a tone similar to that of a supportive life coach, Milien prompts readers to do the hard work of self-actualization without making them feel disconnected from their own personal journeys. He keeps the anecdotes simple, memorable, and to the point.
Originality: While the premise here is inspiring, it borrows heavily from the cookie-cutter advice often found in other self-help books.
Character/Execution: Milien organizes the thesis in a structure that is easy to follow and grasp. It makes the points in the book feel approachable instead of sterile and distanced from the realities facing many readers seeking self-help.
Plot: The Last Stop is the author's narrative of her late son, David's, downward spiral into drug addiction, crime, and early death at 39 years old.
Prose: The author is a clear, concise writer, though there is a certain amount of jumping around, especially in the first chapter—covering the early years of David's life—that can prove confusing for readers.
Originality: The author's tragic story of having to watch her son disappear into the life of an addict is heartbreaking, but there's no question it's also an important narrative to share with the world. Sections that focus mainly on David's many run-ins with the law and stints in jail are essential to the story, but they grow repetitive at times and fall in the vein of other addiction narratives.
Character/Execution: David's story is a heartrending cautionary tale that the author bravely shares. Initially the book hints at help for others who are dealing with these issues, but in actuality the narrative focuses exclusively on David's story, though there are a few isolated moments when the author gestures toward research/addiction more generally. The many letters, emails, and social media posts by David are interesting and give the narrative a more personal feel.
Box Lunch Lifestyle: Using Your Lunch Break to Win Back the Life You Deserve
by Cheryl K. JohnsonRating: 6.50
Plot/Idea: The underlying argument -- that setting boundaries and giving one's self a 30-minute lunch break to eat healthy food and embrace personal time during a workday -- is a solid one. In execution, however, the work doesn't entirely convince readers of the merits of its arguments.
Prose: The book is written in clear prose, but is somewhat repetitive and drawn out. That is, the author makes many central claims in the introduction and subsequent chapters somewhat reiterate what was already written. Additionally, the boxing analogy often feels forced and the many bolded, underlined words detract from the professional tone.
Originality: Encouraging people to set boundaries on their own time is an important, though not novel, argument. While there is a nice simplicity in the author's advice, there are some holes in the book's logic. For instance, though the author includes a "this book is for you if..." section, what is left unsaid is that this advice only works under certain conditions.
Character/Execution: While there is certainly something to the author's claim that we could all benefit from guarding our time and eating better, the way this book addresses these matters leaves a number of concerns and questions unaddressed and unanswered.
Plot/Idea: Strelow offers insightful learning, combined with a novel take on moral philosophy. The guide explores well-known constructs in a new light, and Strelow skillfully calls forth weighty reflections that will challenge readers’ beliefs.
Prose: Strelow’s prose is formal and rich with imagery, contributing to the narrative’s philosophical nature. Although fitting, this type of prose also interferes with reader understanding—particularly for those who may not have a solid grasp of the topic.
Originality: The author dives into some intriguing concepts that will prompt deeper exploration for readers, and the sheer scope of material combined under one umbrella lends this work distinction.Character/Execution: Despite Strelow’s exhaustive efforts to both provoke insight and increase understanding, the text is challenging to follow and lacking in well-defined goals. The information Strelow presents often comes across as vague and disconnected, likely impacted by the guide’s loose structure.
