A Whole World of Self-Discovery
932430
At first glance, The Playful Way to Knowing Yourself appears to be a book you could breeze through in an afternoon. But after spending a few minutes with author Roberta Allen's format, one soon discovers that there is a whole world of self-discovery packed into these 213 pages.

The Playful Way to Knowing Yourself is "A Creative Workbook to Inspire Self-Discovery." Allen's book is unlike any workbook I have ever used or read in the past. Writing prompts paired with photographs coax creativity through verbal and visual pathways.

Allen's prompts encourage us to go deep within: "Imagine this woman seeing you exactly the way you want to be seen. What does she see?" She encourages us to be reflective: "What keeps you from being still?" And, she brings us to a point of making dreams realities: "Imagine yourself floating among these clouds in harmony with everyone and everything. What can you do to make that happen?"

The writing prompts have much greater impact because Allen has carefully paired them with photographic images that draw us in or push us further in our dreaming, our thinking and our writing.

Roberta Allen is a creativity coach, writing instructor, and author of several fiction and non-fiction books. After reading The Playful Way to Knowing Yourself--and working through the activities therein--I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of her book The Playful Way to Serious Writing.

by Lee Ambrose
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
2200274
I was really struck by Anie's art and descriptions of her journeys.  A quote from her book "as I talk to more humans, I am finding that, buried under sociological conditioning, most everyone one if them has something strange in common with me."  There is great bravery in looking inside yourself and even more courage to share it.  I think this is an amazing book for everyone who has and embraces eccentricity in themselves, their family, their work.  Listen.  You are in there somewhere!-
2865575
Miss Ward has successfully presented her journey of growth and self-acceptance through living life both in and outside The Box. She has shown others that finding ones true self comes not only from looking within but also from finding the strength to step outside the uncertainties and facades of ones place in life and begin to see that anything is possible if you just are willing to shed pre-conceived notions about what to expect from yourself and what is expected of you. "Limitations" stunt growth while "Playful Exploring" opens many doors! GREAT READ!!!!
4219098
Self-Discovery Journal For Men by Shalu Sharma is an intriguing deviation from the authors acclaimed series on Hindu society and culture. True to form, this is a spiritually-oriented sojourn into the reader/participants inner feelings and perceptions. This is one hundred twenty-one questions, each of which have a devoted page. The questions range from likes and dislikes to people in ones life, life experiences and aspirations. What this does is allow one to build pieces of a vast puzzle that help a person determine who they are and how they got to be. If youve ever thought of starting a diary or a journal and didn't know how to begin, Shalu Sharmas Self-Discovery Journal For Men may take you to places you didn't know how to find.
42730
The author invites the reader to journey along with him as he travels the unseen, the unknown paths and byways from the sophisticated cities of Europe, through the desolate streets of Afghanistan, Pakistan and India to the coastal plains of Southeast Asia.
While choosing to be a lone traveler, using "magic messages" to communicate with the locals, he manages to secure food, work and occasional lodgings and to simultaneously "absorb" the truest of experiences of being a backpacker in strange yet wondrous lands.
This is much more than a simple memoir of his bold undertakings; it is a journal of an enthusiast living LIFE to its fullest and at the same time giving insight to the reader to what the world's people have to offer " the willing traveler."
1108134
With his well written, personal account of life lessons learned at the expense of his own so called "stupidity", Okechukwu Ofili draws the reader into his world of self discovery. Each of the 18 or so short narratives is a mixed bag of charmingly funny experiences plucked from various situations in his life journey. The overarching theme is that we are all humans and make mistakes; from the most ordinary to the most extraordinary among us. The true key to success is to learn, and most importantly grow from our mistakes and those of others. Ofili's use of his own personal blunders as well as those of key famous and infamous figures from history further illustrate his point and help to level the playing field for the average Joe, thus evoking the famous quote,

"A smart man learns from his mistakes; a wise man learns from the mistakes of others" ~ Anonymous

Ofili's capitalization on success through self reflection will help the reader to gain insight on what is truly important in life. I enjoyed this book.
2841421
This book is an excellent implement for an adult to share with children of all ages or even for older children to work through on their own in the life-long journey towards self-actualization. It's a wonderful, fun-filled book of activities which provides the opportunity for children to begin their discovery of the inner-self and potential by embracing mindfulness, creativity and reflection. It'll always be off the bookshelf!
655781
Follow the author down a journey of self-discovery as she learns to love herself all over again and, in turn, shows you how to do it as well. I never would have thought that a lot of the issues I have with disliking what I do in my job  and many of the issues in my life are a result of my dislike for who I am internally. As the author states, This downward spiral can destroy your life, one disappointment after another. Before you even realize it, you are miserable with your life and you have no idea how you got here.

The author has it right. You must look internally and discover your flaws and learn to accept them as they are and only then can you move past them and improve yourself. You must also learn to forgive yourself. This book will give you the power to do these things and more so that happiness will once again return to you.
3060700
A journey to understanding and loving yourself... unlike any other!
128697
This memoir evokes a myriad of emotions as the words penetrate ones thoughts and deeper yet the heart. The author captures an amazing self-awakening but reveals the other salient points of devising a strategy for success such the need for real guidance from a tender age and surrounding yourself with friends that push you higher. Nevertheless, Im truly happy that the beautiful mind and soul that I have known for years has blossomed and now reveals itself for edutainment and lifts us yet on a higher plane.
3800121
Debu's journey brings together many opposites: east and west, thoughts of  adults on the young, old country -- new country, Hinduism -- Christianity,  tradition and modernity.  His odyssey takes him from an ancient land to a  new one; sacred rivers flow through each, he creates himself anew as he  moves between cultures.  It is a voyage of discovery, but not just of  places and environments and new friends and colleagues; there is an inner  voyage that takes place too.  In this kind of journey -- which takes place  over decades, on several continents -- although most of these stories are  set in Idaho in the last 20 years -- there is ample room for reflection,  and doubt and crises of identity.  Do I belong to one culture?  Or another?  Or does that question even have meaning any more?  Not least of the gifts  of this book is that as Debu ponders the changes that have come about in  himself, among his fellow Indians who have come to the United States, and  in everyone who has come to the American West, he sees himself in new ways,  and we see ourselves in a new light too.  That is a valuable gift.
2215214
I really enjoyed this book. I think it's a great read for anyone interested in discovering a little more about themselves and the world we think we live in.
80126
Every generation has a book that comes to define it. The Bible, the works of Shakespeare, Paradise Lost, War and Peace, The Catcher in the Rye.

This is the defining tome of not just our generation, but of the entire human race. A work that transcends the here and now, and offers a glimpse into a deeper, richer, crustier world we had never thought imaginable. Each sacred page is dripping with world-changing knowledge and wisdom, transcribed from the mouth of the Prophet himself, Papa Franku.

The books effects are instant; you'll get autism, cancer, AIDS, chlamydia and a newfound appreciation for life, the multiverse and everything and that's all just from the first paragraph. I'm only a few dozen pages in and already I feel closer to the ominverse

I cannot say anymore.

Buy it. And never look back. Your life begins for real, on the first page.
1078362
How many books do you know can tempt fate, carry human drama on the head of a pin or inside the blooming rose of an exploding star? Thomas Jeffrey Vasseur's varied collection of stories, DISCOVERING THE WORLD, is the kind of book that makes you feel uncomfortably at home, even when the characters or scenery bear no real resemblance to your own every day life...whether in California, Vietnam, the Far East waters, or in an open field in Kentucky, we are somehow re-living a familiar story; the author's ease and intimate language makes us eager participants in every story.
This book takes the kind of risks university workshops hope to inspire. We believe in the characters and we want more. We are constantly surprised, but never overwhelmed by Vasseur's need to say something. There's a voraciousness to the book's stunning range of subjects, yet the author's voice keeps it grounded to the past and present world, this world in which we find there remains an endless need to discover. DISCOVERING THE WORLD spreads out before us "like a lush, but not limitless jungle...which concealed much beauty, probably more pain..."
3970415
Leeana Tankersley gives her insights on the trail of seeking and discovering the identity, finding the inside voice and recover gifts hidden in your soul. With some reflection on your life, you will find the new creativity in creating the brazen board while following each chapter of the book.

The book talks volumes, so be ready to open up your heart and follow your soul in the journey of discovery.

Great insightful book with loads of revelations and life situations.

PS. This book was provided by Revell for my review.
2608497
Travel is expansion, widening, opening-up. It is the conquering of ones fears, insecurities, prejudices. It is the hovering above ones life, past and present, and seeing it in the larger context of the world. It is the fierce struggle against our already formed concepts of the other; the vanquishing of our dearly held beliefs, of what is familiar, intimate, cherished.

Travel is more than visiting a place with a set itinerary. Travel is becoming lost in the culture, the beauty, the history and yes ones own self.

Lets be honest, if the reader is seeking a travel book that one may sit and read about the world or a plan to take a trip this isn't it. Its a how-to, not just how to see the world, but to feel it, breathe it, experience it fully. Its a life philosophy of discovering ones own self within the scope of the world. Where the world becomes a single destination where one can experience the past, present and the future within its boundaries and never leave the planet. It is Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance meets philosophy and the great explorers. Its seeing the world we live in, opening our minds to the concept of eight continents instead of seven. It is more than a travel book, more than philosophy; it is deeper than the religions of the world all rolled into one.

I have to be honest; I wasn't sure about this book when I first began reading. However, Nicos has a way with words that captures the imagination that gave me a hunger and set me on a world quest to experience life in my own current surroundings as well as the desire to see myself within the world. I found I couldn't put this book down. I wanted to not only read, but also absorb and meditate upon each word. I loved the little stories of Nicos own travel experiences that were more than just simple adventures, but discoveries within themselves. Even each chapters footnotes are not to be missed, giving more detail on quotes, further discussions and more. The pictures not only capture natures beauty, but seeing real life in other parts of our globe  whether day-to-day activities, funerals, religious ceremonies or university students taking a break. Life and the world are meant to be experienced and through the words, thoughts and philosophies of Nicos Hadjicostis we do just that. Deep, powerful, inspiring must read.

as a wolf searches and finds its deer, and as a bird finds its seeds, every human finds what his body and mind searches for.
2065826
A book that awakes your inner powers. A reminder of yourself worth and hidden or ignored talents. What a path to self discovery, self-eminding and eye-opener this work is.

I WISH I HAD SEEN THIS BOOK FIVE YEARS AGO. Nonetheless, it's NEVER TOO LATE.

Thank you so much, James Allen.