4 out of 4 stars
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International bestseller Rob White’s ‘And Then I Met Margaret’ (Mind Adventure Press, Boston, M.A) compiles 21 entertaining, enterprising and enlightening stories outlining his childhood in a small town, his professional career switches and most importantly, his personal growth. From the first page, Rob’s tale of ‘feeling that something was missing’ from his immensely successful life of big homes and fancy cars will resonate with those of us who feel or have felt such a deep void. For Rob, the urge to address this came at age 50, where he began an earnest search for gurus who could share their experience and wisdom towards solving this sense of inner emptiness…but he ended up finding it in the most unexpected and unassuming of people. For every Aunt Theresa and Uncle Fred in our lives, there’s also a Margaret. Have you found her?
The overarching theme in the book relates to seeking our purpose through ‘unexpected gurus’ to catalyze the transformational moments in our lives. Opening our eyes to the myths we hold ourselves to, Rob believes, will lead to an expansion of our awareness for the better. After reading this book, I was inspired to mentally catalogue my own ‘unexpected gurus’ and I found them in places I wouldn’t think to look twice. I found them in the student who suggested I apply for an overseas fellowship, which I successfully got into. I found them in an old friend, who saw a vacancy and thought I would be perfect for it (I was). Rob’s view that being open to change, holding oneself accountable and being receptive to the opportunities that come your way are key takeaways.
Rob White’s tales are written entertainingly and memorably, but perhaps most importantly, honestly. He recounts the agonies of self-doubt, crippling negative thoughts and how conquering these aspects showed him the limits we place on ourselves are of our own making – and therefore open to breaking. His tales of embarrassing presentations and hilarious encounters will have you alternatively cringing and grinning. For those of us who haven’t quite found it yet (guilty), this book challenges you to explore your own life journey and identify possible opportunities that were hidden all this time.
I initially thought this book would be a New Age type of read, but I was pleasantly surprised to come across down-to-earth, small town ‘fables’ which fit everyone, with their simple, folksy and honest advice. It doesn’t hurt anyone to get a ‘refresher’ course in humanity and its core values.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars for its forthright demeanor, wry humor and gentle reminders that humanity is rich in values. Deep down, we all have our own type of ‘And then I met…’ stories. Hang out with Rob White’s exhilarating and larger than life characters for a while. And then find your own ‘unexpected gurus.’ You won’t regret it.
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And Then I Met Margaret
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