ABRACADABRA

Barbaria’s first book is a lively motivational resource, which asks readers to think outside the box while reevaluating their definitions of success.

The book opens as “a commentary…that goes against the grain of most of what you’ve ever learned.” It is, by its own account, “about unlearning,” rejecting the mundane of the everyday world, and casting off the traditional definitions of success—like power, wealth, position or fame. Barbaria posits that this can be achieved by injecting more “magic” into a person’s day-to-day life, not in a supernatural sense, but by discarding established notions of what is safe and possible, thus allowing for more success through self-expression and actualization. The means to achieve this is laid out in a series of loose chapters, each of which follows the conventional but still effective formula that self-help books often employ, focusing on self-discovery and the eventual implementation of new ideas. The numerous examples from the author’s life, including those involving her family and business, are helpful, even though more attention could have been paid to how these techniques could be successfully applied by others. The language is often flowery, which buries some of Barbaria’s stronger points under hyperbole and metaphor. Still, the author’s passion for the material is strong, and the energetic way in which topics are presented is delightful.

Infectious in its enthusiasm and has a strong, optimistic outlook that is likely to charm even those not entirely won over by its message.