EXIST NO MORE

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.