Review by supraja_prasad -- The Mindset by Ace Bowers

[supraja_prasad]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Mindset" by Ace Bowers.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The book titled ‘The Mindset’ made me think that it would be a motivational read, a book of the self-help sort. But, when I read the description and found it categorised as a memoir, I was intrigued. And later, when I finished the book, I felt that this was one of the best motivational books that I have read. The Mindset by Ace Bowers is only the second memoir that I have read, the first being Agatha Christie’s. I usually think twice before picking autobiographies. I took a chance with this book, hoping that it would change my mind.

And change it did! The book was nothing short of an eye-opener. Don’t think I am waxing poetic about the book; this book, I believe, is quite literally, a dynamite. That age-old saying – ‘You cannot open a book without learning something’, is right! I cannot point you to a single takeaway, for each word, each page, each chapter, got me thinking. And then, I was left wanting. The book is a bare-it-all, modern-day rags-to-riches story that talks about how hard work, determination and the ‘overcomer’s mindset’.

The author recounts the time(s) when he was overweight, cigarette addict who felt that everything in life was working against him in these pages. With his childhood shattered by his parents’ fighting, his brother going to jail, to being embarrassed about his home life, all the while struggling against poverty; Ace puts things in perspective when he recounts how desperation led him to take up the job of a janitor. What makes it more relatable is that the author doesn’t mince words or shrink away when he recollects his darker memories. The memories that he says that he would rather forget all but get dredged up only for him to feel free of all that had weighed him down.

But it’s not all doom and gloom; this is a tale of hope, faith, family and love. He recounts what he believes to be a divine intervention(s). First, moving to from his parents’ home on his aunt’s nudging, then meeting the love of his life when he hit the lowest of lows, and finally, getting his wake-up call when he learnt that he would soon be a father. All of these, happening at the time they did changes him and helps him grow and aids in overcoming his demons. He also talks about things beyond professional and financial successes. Around every turn, Ace reiterates the importance of family and makes it a point to remind the reader to cherish theirs.

Ace Bowers says the process of writing this memoir felt like ‘Spring cleaning for his soul’. And the words come across as a breath of fresh air. The book is well-organised and has ten chapters. Every chapter talks about a crucial point that changed him and his outlook towards life. And Ace walks you through the five years of hard work with many glimpses of his past and recounts a tale of grit that made him a multi-millionaire. The book is also professionally edited, making it an easy read. What’s more, the narration gets you turning pages, and before you know it, you will have finished the book.

There was nothing that I did not like about this book. And, I would rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars for the wealth of knowledge and wisdom shared in all of its 92 pages and inspired me to keep trying to become a better version of myself. I feel that this is a book that everyone should read at least once. But, it would have been great if the author had shared ‘the how’ of his journey… Maybe that could well be the next book, in which case, I will be one of the first in line to get it!

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The Mindset
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[kalgaonkarsnehal]

I loved this book as well. Great job on the review! I liked the way he openly and honestly told his story, leaving upto the readers to derive meaning and message out of it.