*This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.*
Alright, let's get a few things straight before we dive into these book reviews...
I will always give you my honest opinion! No sugar coating here!
All facts about the book, such as quotes or synopsis, have been pulled from their Amazon listing, which you can find by clicking on the book’s cover.
Rising Strong
By Brené Brown
Business Culture, Business & Money
*Listened to audiobook
Synopsis provided by Amazon
"It is the rise from falling that Brown takes as her subject in Rising Strong. As a grounded theory researcher, Brown has listened as a range of people—from leaders in Fortune 500 companies and the military to artists, couples in long-term relationships, teachers, and parents—shared their stories of being brave, falling, and getting back up. She asked herself, What do these people with strong and loving relationships, leaders nurturing creativity, artists pushing innovation, and clergy walking with people through faith and mystery have in common? The answer was clear: They recognize the power of emotion and they’re not afraid to lean in to discomfort."
My Review
4 Stars
I will probably ONLY ever listen to Brené's books because there is just something about her voice that captivates me and makes me want to listen to everything she says. Going into this book, I had read another of her books, so I kind of knew what to expect. She spends the first part of her book explaining her background and research. Brené is, first and foremost, a social scientist, so all her work is research-based, and she can back it up. That being said, it takes a minute to get into. She starts to tell her own story alongside the stories of people in her life, and that's what gave this book a whole new meaning to me. Brené was vulnerable and radically honest and that was refreshing to me. I found lots of inspiration and encouragement in this book, I would definitely recommend it!
Greenlights
By Matthew McConaughey
Biographies & Memoirs
*Listened to the audiobook & read the book
Synopsis provided by Amazon
"I’ve been in this life for fifty years, been trying to work out its riddle for forty-two, and been keeping diaries of clues to that riddle for the last thirty-five. Notes about successes and failures, joys and sorrows, things that made me marvel, and things that made me laugh out loud. How to be fair. How to have less stress. How to have fun. How to hurt people less. How to get hurt less. How to be a good man. How to have meaning in life. How to be more me."
MY Review
5 Stars
Yes, I gave this book 5 stars, and I will stand by that rating. This is one of those books that you HAVE to both read and listen to it. You will pick up on different things in each format, but both are about the experience. Matthew narrates the book himself, and a lot of what's in it are photos and photocopies of his own diaries. He starts the book off by saying it's not an advice book and that he's not here to preach, but I found so much enlightenment in it! It is truly a great book full of life, laughter, sorrow, and love. Matthew is vulnerable, real, and raw. I knew I liked him before, it's part of why I chose to read it, but I grew so much respect for him as a human, a father, a son, and so much more.
The Accountability Code/Wake up & Show UP
By Marci Barker
Business & Self-help
and/or
Synopsis provided by Amazon
"In this book, The Accountability Code, author Marci Barker shares her professionally and personally developed six-point system called – you guessed it – the Accountability Code, to not only help you with your sense of well-being and your physical fitness, but also to help you solve your very own personal problems. Marci has a university degree in Life and Fitness (how many other mentors or trainers do you know that have a bona fide collegiate degree related directly to their work?) and her several years of successful teaching experiences as a personal trainer (see the many very positive testimonials of highly satisfied clients on her website) to authenticate her and her expertise.
In the Wake Up and Show Up Accountability Workbook you’ll receive customized guidance on designing your life with specific strategies for personal improvement, increased spirituality, and activities to maximize motivation and discipline. In this book you’ll also discover:
How to define appropriate action steps for your specific goals.
A peaceful alignment process for connecting your mind, body, and spirit.
Realistic tools for releasing what is holding you back.
Interactive resources to help you take action faster.
Over 30 inspiring client stories to motivate you to amplify your own personal accountability.
Free access to the audio and eBook versions. "
My Review
4 Stars
*Disclaimer, I am a client of Marci's, and I've talked to her about her books multiple times, so none of this is a surprise to her, and she is in no way paying me or giving me discounts or special treatment for this review.
Okay, I know; technically, this is a two-for-one review. If you are a reader, get the book. If you are a hands-on learner, get the workbook. I read the book in early spring of 2022 while I went through Marci's coaching course. The book has inspirational stories as well as QR codes to deepen the experience throughout. I found myself scribbling in the margins or journaling about everything, so I was ecstatic when she announced her workbook! The workbook has her book in it, but with some bonus content. She added real client stories and thought-provoking questions, and space to write all throughout the book. The only reason I gave her 4 stars instead of 5 is because there were a few places she forgot to add the QR code or image, but I sent her a message and she shot it over to me quickly! These are her first published books, and I think for a brand-new author she did a fantastic job! Her tools and advice are actionable and hands-on. You can take these tools and use them immediately!
Now some follow-up questions:
If you've read any of these books, start up a conversation in the comments! I'd love to hear your opinions! (Just no spoilers, please!)
Do you agree with my review? Disagree? Why?
If you have not read any of them, which one are you going to try first?
What book should I read and review next?