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THE 4 KEYS

Name: THE 4 KEYS
Author: Andrew Sillitoe
ISBN: 978-1-5445-1219-8

HOW TO WIN IN YOUR BUSINESS, BODY, RELATIONSHIPS, AND MINDSET

by Andrew Sillitoe ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 8, 2019

An enthusiastic and concise guide to making measurable life changes.

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A consultant explains a strategy for rebooting one’s business and personal life in 90 days.

In this business book, Sillitoe (Managing the Mist, 2013) draws heavily on his own experiences, opening with stories of his consulting-work challenges, the breakup of his marriage, and his chronic health problems. His book focuses on the titular “4 Keys” self-improvement program, which he developed at a speaking engagement. The Keys refer to “business, body, relationships and mindset,” and, in these pages, he lays out the self-help elements of his plan—from developing a clear vision to establishing measurable goals to making lasting behavioral changes. The author encourages readers to come up with a big-picture understanding of their ambitions; for instance, he presents the idea that one should exercise not to develop a six-pack, but to be able to do outdoor activities with the family. The book includes examples of various 90-day plans that Sillitoe and his program’s participants have developed, as well as exercises to help readers create their own. The author’s prose is moderate and straightforward: “if you always do the work, make no excuses, are always ready and completely honest about how you feel and what you want in life, the people around you will come to know you as a person they can rely on.” Much of the terminology will be familiar to business-book aficionados, but Sillitoe manages not to get bogged down by buzzwords (and he reminds readers about his TEDx presentation only three times). His background as a hockey player and coach brings some variety to his frequent sports metaphors. Although the idea of a “90-Day Reset” isn’t entirely unique, Sillitoe’s vision is well-executed and will provide a robust framework for readers who may want to customize it to their own needs. Those who enjoy the author’s can-do approach (“Write your story. Find your superpower. Then share your superpower by telling your story to others”) will find the book to be a useful addition.

An enthusiastic and concise guide to making measurable life changes.

Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-5445-1219-8

Page Count: 258

Publisher: Lioncrest Publishing

Review Posted Online: Jan. 31, 2019

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.