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EXIST NO MORE

Name: EXIST NO MORE
Author: Detavio Samuels
ISBN: 978-0615817583

THE ART OF SQUEEZING THE MOST OUT OF LIFE

by Detavio Samuels ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 16, 2013

Bighearted and energizing advice for being your best self, but it’s all a bit vague.

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In this readable, slightly spiritual volume, Samuels inspires readers to find and follow their true passions instead of simply functioning on autopilot.

Samuels believes that, eventually, people lose the natural creativity of childhood and settle for living less dynamic and engaging lives than they deserve. His book is divided into three main sections: “Unleash Your Magic,” which focuses on people’s inherent potentials; “Think Differently,” about learning new ways to perceive and act on desires and challenges; and “Make It Happen,” which imparts tips for turning dreams into realities. There’s also a short final section, “Parting Words,” with further resources, as well as the “Exist No More Manifesto,” which distills the advice of the book into a well-designed black-and-white text graphic. The book itself is full of such graphics, though most don’t contain any actionable advice or new information to better frame or explicate the text. The bulk of the book is passionate and well-meaning, packed with short chapters headed by inspirational quotes, but the exhortations can feel more like self-help slogans: For instance, operate “at a level where you are dangerously good and exceptionally creative” and “When we say someday, we trick ourselves into accepting that we are too busy today to do what our heart and mind are pleading for us to do.” The “Make It Happen” section has a few pieces of specific advice—e.g., set a date to begin pursuing a goal, take small steps, burn bridges that would allow you to compromise, and be willing to create work that isn’t great at first—but without a firm foundation, it may feel like too little, too late. Samuels’ passion and positivity are inspirational, and the book is certain to jump-start those who just need a bit of a boost, but readers looking for concrete actions might be disappointed.

Bighearted and energizing advice for being your best self, but it’s all a bit vague.

Pub Date: Oct. 16, 2013

ISBN: 978-0615817583

Page Count: 118

Publisher: Bare Group Inc

Review Posted Online: Jan. 6, 2014

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.