Brief, blunt, and buoyant; offers a refreshing jolt of inspiration.
Braithwaite, who describes himself as “a working-class guy who just wouldn’t give up on his dreams,” debuts with a neatly constructed miniguide touching on some of life’s larger issues.
With short chapters that incorporate salient quotes, anecdotes, and personal reflections, this handbook tackles such far-reaching topics as one’s own uniqueness, choosing to make change, the impact of luck, setting goals, and finding a mentor. None of the material is markedly different from the raft of other inspirational books; in fact, the author references some of these titles in his own book. Rather, this work is distinct because of Braithwaite’s down-to-earth, chatty style combined with his effervescent optimism. Perhaps it’s exaggeration to promise the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee is all that’s required to radically transform, but the author’s point is to quell any fears the reader may have about the scary subject of change. Braithwaite’s observations are smart and insightful, albeit often short on specifics. About originality, he writes, “The most artistic and open-minded people on the planet are our children before they start their formal education cycles. Once in school, our education systems strip away their differences and create a group of ‘normal’ children.” On self-worth: “Understand what your unique quality is and price yourself in the market based on the value that you believe your unique quality is worth.” The author outlines equally perceptive thoughts about resiliency, self-doubt, and one’s personal brand. Braithwaite’s counsel on mentoring is particularly poignant since he relates it to life rather than business. “If you’re missing reassurance and support,” writes the author, “find a mentor who will provide that.” He’s unapologetically bullish on grit and determination and has been inspired by people who faced challenges in their lives. His own life is a testament to overcoming such hardships as divorce, job loss, and homelessness.
Brief, blunt, and buoyant; offers a refreshing jolt of inspiration.Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-77370-407-4
Page Count: 112
Publisher: CreateSpace
Review Posted Online: March 13, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2018
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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