Review of Uplifted

[Liz McArthur]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Uplifted" by Susan Smith Jones, PhD.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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There is nothing wrong with this book, and it contains nothing new. The author's points are all generally acceptable - they're in the "think happy, move your body, eat nutritious food, forgive yourself and others" vein - and none of her arguments are offensive, obnoxious, or (in my opinion), particularly persuasive. The book seems to be written for a very particular kind of reader, one who won't be offended by the author's repetitive references to her privilege and innate advantages. I don't necessarily disagree with her main points, but the examples she uses of her (personally) doing "good things" - everything from providing medical assistance, to writing a weight loss plan for a stranger, to being assaulted while offering help - eventually become trite. Her example of visualization and how it allowed her to meet one of her favorite movie stars struck me as particularly insipid. There are also components to the book that are already outdated; she has a section dedicated to taking care of your cash by treating it respectfully in your wallet (no bent corners, no crumpled bills). In 2024, I don't think anyone carries enough cash, much less a wallet, to preserve it so carefully.

The book has distinct religious undertones, but I didn't find them overbearing. The author promotes a "reap what you sow" mentality when it comes to positivity, success, fulfillment, etc., which again, I don't necessarily disagree with, but the direction of her advice seems to exclude a huge number of individuals who can't quit jobs that make them miserable, who can't afford to purchase organic produce, who've hit their bottom and can't see the light. This book will not help them.

There are indeed nuggets of wisdom in this book, but most of them are not the author's own words; she quotes numerous writers, historical figures, scriptures, philosophers, etc. in every chapter, and I frankly found these quotes to be the most "uplifting" components of the entire book.

The author's entitled tone and out-of-touch mentality earns this book an average/fair (2/4 or 3/5) rating from me.

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Uplifted
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