Review by Lowla R -- The Mindset by Ace Bowers

Lowla R · Post by **Lowla R** » 15 Jun 2019, 10:01

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

4 out of 4 stars

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The Mindset by Ace Bowers is not just a formula of how to get rich. It is a very open and soul baring, personal account. The author recounts his own humble beginnings in a poor and dysfunctional family. He then relays how he overcame a bad start and achieved his current happy and successful situation.

As the author laments the miseries of his families’ lack of money, alcohol abuse, and the additional difficulties caused by his brothers’ life of crime, he shares all the feelings of fear and shame that he had kept hidden until now. He tells his story well and in an interesting manner. It was an easy read and kept me wanting to know more-I finished the book quickly. I became totally engrossed in the lives of the author and his family members who have all the complexities and facets of real people rather that invented characters.

Ace Bowers, is likeable, good company as he takes you though his life. He is quite intuitive as to his readers’ thoughts-just when my empathy was running a bit thin and I was wondering if he was feeling a little too sorry for himself-he admits that too. He is just sharing what he had felt at the time and can rationalise better now. I actually liked some of the strengths of his parents, despite all their troubles-they had kept together. Also, it was refreshing to see someone attribute the good breaks they had received in life (like meeting his wife-who sounds lovely) to the help of God. He is not unable to see the beautiful aspects of life and has depth of understanding in his analysis of his family members and what may have contributed to their behaviour.

The less appealing aspects for me, were not so much the authors fault but perhaps down to the societal pressure his family had faced, (it seems those on lower incomes were made to feel ashamed!). Possibly due to this, there was an underlying emphasis on the benefits and pride of material wealth. Later in the book, however, the author does acknowledge that materialism isn’t everything-once again showing his adept perception of the readers’ possible view. Also, the ideal of making a success of your own life, even extending to wife and children is good, but I personally prefer the idea of responsibility towards parents and of improving their lives too.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars as it was an incredible and inspiring book. It seemed professionally edited and I didn’t find any errors. I imagine it would appeal to most people, as it is about an achievable transformation-largely due to perseverance. Truly, it was attitude of mind as the title suggests. Perhaps some of the content such as attempted suicide and alcohol abuse may be unsuitable for younger teens, unless they are mature enough.

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The Mindset
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