Quarter Finalist
Assessment:
Plot: Christian de la Huerta's Awakening the Soul of Power asks readers to aspire to a unique form of heroism of his own invention: By understanding and exercising control over our egos, he argues, we can liberate ourselves from "self-made prisons of fear and limitation," change our relationship to power, upend our backwards ideas of masculinity, and learn to practice gratitude, trust, vulnerability, and other virtues. De la Huerta's book, the first in a projected trilogy on the topic of contemporary heroism, stands out from other self-improvement titles in its thoroughness, clarity, originality, and its challenges to traditional ideas of success or heroism. Here, heroism is not defined in terms of masculine strength or market success. Instead, it is about healing, soulfulness, and an interest in the collective good. De la Huerta breaks down, in detailed but accessible chapters, novel approaches to thinking about our egos, our relationships to power, and the limitations of misogyny or homophobia. With witty maps, illustrations, and references, he links his coaching to Joseph Campbell's idea of a hero's journey, and to fantasy epics like The Lord of the Rings or Avatar; his own anecdotes tend to be illuminating and compelling.
Prose/Style: De la Huerta's prose is clear, engaging, and sincere, with memorable examples illustrating his ideas and precepts. His "Power Practices" sections at the end of each chapter offer provocative exercises to guide readers' thinking. Sometimes he wanders down rabbit holes without making clear to readers that it would be edifying for them to follow, such as his occasional plot summaries of recent Star Wars movies. Passages of reminiscence or of political opining are written with a welcome passion that makes some other passages feel flat by comparison.
Originality: While it inevitably shares some ideas with other books in its crowded field, De la Huerta's text bursts with original thinking. The author eschews received wisdom and instead offers unique definitions, precepts, challenges, and hope to his readers. His emphasis on a greater good beyond the self is stirring – a welcome break with the fundamental self-centeredness of much of this genre.
Character Development/Execution: Well-written, public-spirited, original in its thinking and examples, and progressive in its arguments, this book stands as a welcome addition to any self-improvement library, despite its occasional overreliance on Star Wars plot summaries.
Blurb: Christian de la Huerta's Awakening the Soul of Power challenges readers to strive to embody a new type of heroism in their lives, a selflessness that begins by targeting the destructive force of the ego. De la Huerta's program is humane and heartening and laid out in clear, practical steps. Here's a work of self-improvement that dares look beyond the self to our impacts on each other, on society, and on our planet.
Date Submitted: October 08, 2020
“It is a rare occurrence indeed when a book not only delivers on its message but also gives you practical, straightforward and incredibly wise ways in which to apply the teachings put forth in Awakening the Soul of Power. I found it to be an introspective work that is a balm for the soul of anyone searching for truth and answers to life’s difficult questions, and truly look forward to the rest of Christian de la Huerta’s amazing Calling All Heroes series. It inspired me to purchase his previous book, Coming Out Spiritually: The Next Step.” —Gloria Estefan, Singer, Songwriter, Multiple Grammy Award–Winner
