During their conversation, as Daniel questions Tom’s routines and draws a diagram of the process of positive thinking, Tom realizes that the source of his stagnancy is his frame of mind. In the following months, Tom changes his life, his diet, and his business by focusing on Daniel’s lessons. “When you’re in a Positive-State-of-Mind you’re a believer and positive attracts positive,” Daniel says. “The same goes for negative.” Daniel’s crystal-clear message of enthusiasm shapes the narrative.
Despite some repetitive passages, Stop Drifting benefits from strong pacing and Ibarra’s appealing use of dialogue as a tool for imparting lessons. The book demands some suspension of belief during moments when Tom talks to himself, and a critique of college education for failing to teach the “power of theming and the science of success principles” detracts from the theme. Still, the work otherwise is persuasive in presenting the power of the mind to affect everyday reality and examining how we can train our brains to achieve. Grounded in self-help appeal for those seeking tips on how to change their approach to life, Ibarra’s compact novel zeroes in on positive thinking and transforming momentary changes into lifelong habits.
Takeaway: This inventive debut shares its motivational teachings in a fast-paced narrative about a businessman rediscovering his direction.
Great for fans of: Stephen Covey and Napoleon Hill.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
