Review by Zoegirl17 -- The Secrets of Living A Fantastic...
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Zoegirl17
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Review by Zoegirl17 -- The Secrets of Living A Fantastic...
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Secrets of Living A Fantastic Life" by Dr Allen Lycka, Harriet Tinka.]
The Secrets of Living A Fantastic Life by Dr Allen Lycka and Harriet Tinka provides an inspirational and important look into what should "make us tick". After both authors suffered through significant health problems due to various situations, they team up and share their pearls of wisdom on how to live the most fantastic life. The pages are filled with helpful quotations and inspirational ideas from Allen and Harriet. They share historical information, personal stories and recommendations.
There is a trusted friendship between the authors which brings warmth, comedy and kindness to the overall tone of the book. While I was reading however, there was so much more that I wanted out of the book. I wanted a deeper background story to both Allen and Harriet's stories. It's the beginning of the book, the beginning of a journey, and I felt rushed through some of the most important details. The raw emotions exposed with their initial handicap and diagnosis' should be revealed to give a deeper insight into their struggles.
Organizing this seemingly simple "how to" book with golden pearls, instead of step by step instructions, turned it into a significant spiritual odyssey. The book does not encourage individual actions, instead it connects your actions with your soul. While I think this structure is fantastic, the layout was confusing. At the beginning of each pearl is a short moral story, followed by a conversation between Allen and Harriet on the topic. Scattered in between these dialogues are inspirational and thoughtful quotations on these virtues. The format is unique, which can make it engaging at moments. But it seemed more like reading a transcript to a podcast than a book. The layout was neither good or bad, just unique and unexpected. I think deeper clarity would be provided if the pearls like "victory" and "vulnerability" connected deeper to the morals. For instance, the pearl of "victory" was tied to the moral that struggles end in victories. While that sounds inspiring, the practical advice which follows focused on "staying organized" and focusing on "seeds". There was background regarding the first marathon runner Pheidippides. Unfortunately, he died after he delivers his news post-marathon. What was his victory? I thought his background was fascinating but ultimately, there was no direct tie in. These sorts of intuitive connections are found in many other pearls and morals. Virtues are mentioned, background details are shared, their conversation occurs and the reader is left with some interesting tidbits.
I think the organization of the pearls was also poor. "Vulnerability" came after "Victory" and they spent the first paragraph talking about how they don't contradict. Since they defined victory as relating to vulnerabilities and strengths, it felt as though they were backtracking.
There occasionally can also be a lack of clarity in the language. For instance, Harriet mentions that she always focuses on "seeds". Presumably, seeds are items in your life that are positive and will bring about hope. Allen and her carry on a brief exchange about seeds and their positive impacts in our lives. Unfortunately, this shared knowledge is uncertain to the reader. This causes the reader to feel like an outsider intruding on a conversation of close friends.
I deeply wanted to hear more about Allen and Harriet's journeys and personal lives. I wish they would share more details and emotion on their physical and mental developments through the years. There are plenty of half-hearted, win-over-inspiration books which leave you with more advice than insight. I give this book two out of four stars. The book is forward thinking and synthesizes some extraordinary information. If the structure and clarity of language was changed, it could receive a higher rating.
******
The Secrets of Living A Fantastic Life
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Secrets of Living A Fantastic Life by Dr Allen Lycka and Harriet Tinka provides an inspirational and important look into what should "make us tick". After both authors suffered through significant health problems due to various situations, they team up and share their pearls of wisdom on how to live the most fantastic life. The pages are filled with helpful quotations and inspirational ideas from Allen and Harriet. They share historical information, personal stories and recommendations.
There is a trusted friendship between the authors which brings warmth, comedy and kindness to the overall tone of the book. While I was reading however, there was so much more that I wanted out of the book. I wanted a deeper background story to both Allen and Harriet's stories. It's the beginning of the book, the beginning of a journey, and I felt rushed through some of the most important details. The raw emotions exposed with their initial handicap and diagnosis' should be revealed to give a deeper insight into their struggles.
Organizing this seemingly simple "how to" book with golden pearls, instead of step by step instructions, turned it into a significant spiritual odyssey. The book does not encourage individual actions, instead it connects your actions with your soul. While I think this structure is fantastic, the layout was confusing. At the beginning of each pearl is a short moral story, followed by a conversation between Allen and Harriet on the topic. Scattered in between these dialogues are inspirational and thoughtful quotations on these virtues. The format is unique, which can make it engaging at moments. But it seemed more like reading a transcript to a podcast than a book. The layout was neither good or bad, just unique and unexpected. I think deeper clarity would be provided if the pearls like "victory" and "vulnerability" connected deeper to the morals. For instance, the pearl of "victory" was tied to the moral that struggles end in victories. While that sounds inspiring, the practical advice which follows focused on "staying organized" and focusing on "seeds". There was background regarding the first marathon runner Pheidippides. Unfortunately, he died after he delivers his news post-marathon. What was his victory? I thought his background was fascinating but ultimately, there was no direct tie in. These sorts of intuitive connections are found in many other pearls and morals. Virtues are mentioned, background details are shared, their conversation occurs and the reader is left with some interesting tidbits.
I think the organization of the pearls was also poor. "Vulnerability" came after "Victory" and they spent the first paragraph talking about how they don't contradict. Since they defined victory as relating to vulnerabilities and strengths, it felt as though they were backtracking.
There occasionally can also be a lack of clarity in the language. For instance, Harriet mentions that she always focuses on "seeds". Presumably, seeds are items in your life that are positive and will bring about hope. Allen and her carry on a brief exchange about seeds and their positive impacts in our lives. Unfortunately, this shared knowledge is uncertain to the reader. This causes the reader to feel like an outsider intruding on a conversation of close friends.
I deeply wanted to hear more about Allen and Harriet's journeys and personal lives. I wish they would share more details and emotion on their physical and mental developments through the years. There are plenty of half-hearted, win-over-inspiration books which leave you with more advice than insight. I give this book two out of four stars. The book is forward thinking and synthesizes some extraordinary information. If the structure and clarity of language was changed, it could receive a higher rating.
******
The Secrets of Living A Fantastic Life
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
