A stirring narrative with plenty of positive energy.
One woman’s midlife crisis becomes a catalyst for personal change in this memoir and self-help book.
Debut author Nikutowski remembers her early years, growing up in Argentina to cautious parents who lived through World War II, as being filled with fear of the unknown. After she traveled to Egypt in her 20s, it became clear to her that the world wasn’t quite as scary as her parents made it out to be. According to Nikutowski, the way one looks at life is the key to contentment: “Everything is possible. See yourself in all the details as the person you want to become.” But this knowledge was hard-won; she went through an emotionally draining time at the age of 40, as she grappled with such questions as “Was I living the life I had always dreamed about?” Here, she shares the techniques and exercises that helped her to renew her zest for life, in the hope that they’ll help to guide readers who may be experiencing their own crises. Each chapter includes thoughtful exercises called “Action Steps” that aim to put readers into a proactive state of mind, such as “Make a list of ten goals that you have already accomplished.” Chapter summaries offer key takeaway points, making it easy to skip around the book, if one desires. The author shares several stories from her own life to illustrate her concepts; some are sad or shocking, while others are more reassuring. It’s clear that Nikutowski has done her research, citing international studies, with endnotes, to back up her claims, such as “it takes an average of 66 days to change a habit.” Some habits hold us back, she asserts, and these need to change if one is to live a richer, more fulfilling life. Throughout this book, her tone is insistent, but never demanding; like a trusted friend, she asks readers to face some tough questions about themselves, and not all of the answers will be flattering. But for those willing to do the work, Nikutowski asserts, the rewards outweigh the challenges.
A stirring narrative with plenty of positive energy.Pub Date: Sept. 23, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-73260-900-6
Page Count: 196
Publisher: Spring Rain Publishing
Review Posted Online: May 14, 2019
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis...
Privately published by Strunk of Cornell in 1918 and revised by his student E. B. White in 1959, that "little book" is back again with more White updatings.
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis (whoops — "A bankrupt expression") a unique guide (which means "without like or equal").Pub Date: May 15, 1972
ISBN: 0205632645
Page Count: 105
Publisher: Macmillan
Review Posted Online: Oct. 28, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1972
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
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