Book Review Mondays

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Moving Forward: Taking the Lead in Your Life
by Dave Pelzer

Book Review by Richard L. Weaver II, PhD.

Dave Pelzer, in this 195-page book, Moving Forward: Taking the Lead In Your Life, has a dual purpose: 1) to explain his own tough life (it's a memoir, in part), and, in doing so, 2) to motivate his readers by the way he was driven to overcome his obstacles and challenges. Pelzer is the host of "The Dave Pelzer Show" on VoiceAmerica Internet radio, and I suspect he has written this book for his listeners, whom he knows well. My problem with the book is well illustrated in a quote from page 71: "Personally speaking, I endured some hard times, but hey, so what? Big deal. Who the heck hasn't? Again, just like you, I'm no different. And at the end of the day, who the hell really cares? My situation happened umpteen years ago. If anything, I was lucky. Darn lucky, in so many ways. I know that and I appreciate and respect that...." This quotation represents 1) his simple writing style (almost elementary), 2) his direct connection with his reader (this is a conversational style), and 3) his very common man/woman approach. The book is motivational in a simplistic way, and his writing is dominated by cliches and commonplace sayings: "that which does not kill you can only make you stronger," "none of us know what tomorrow holds," "Never forget, your esteem is what makes you who you are," "Use it or lose it," "'cowboy the hell up' and fulfill your duty," "Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way," "leadership is about integrity," "It's you who knows you best," "The good, the bad, and the ugly: It's your life," "Not to worry. Stand tall. Hold the line." I've mentioned these --- and there are hundreds more --- to support a point: if you are looking for a motivational book to help you take the lead in your life, this book offers little that is new or different (with the exception of the author's own story). However, that being said, this book is an enjoyable, quick (about two hours) read --- but, you will come away from it having learned little that you didn't know when you picked it up.

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Personal Development for Smart People: The Conscious Pursuit of Personal Growth
by Steve Pavlina

Book Review by Richard L. Weaver II, PhD.

Pavlina was arrested for felony grand theft as a 19-year-old and was subsequently kicked out of college. These events changed his life, and then he completed a dual degree in computer science and mathematics in three semesters, started and ran a successful computer software business, and in 2004, started his blog on personal development which has proven to be wildly successful. His 288-page book is outstanding; however, as opposed to being a quick read, his is a slow read. Why? The number of concepts and ideas in the book overwhelms the senses and challenges your thinking. You read, but you must stop often and regularly to think about what he says and how it relates to your life. This is a book you will like so much that you will read, highlight, write in the margins, put flags on your favorite passages, and reread it many times. How many books can you say that about? His book is tightly structured, and works better for "thinkers" (smart people) than for "feelers." The book is divided into two parts. The seven principles of personal growth are covered in the first part. They include truth, love, power, oneness, authority, courage, and intelligence. They each have sub-principles as well. Some chapters, too, feature potential blocks that interfere with the expression of each principle. Each chapter on the principles ends with ways to develop each one — a practical application section. In the second half of his book, he discusses how you could apply the 7 core principles in the areas of Habits, Career, Money, Health, Relationships, and Spirituality. He offers readers numerous personal views on everyday issues. Pavlina gently guides readers on a path to their own core by making three clear distinctions on Truth, Love, and Power. These three values, according to Pavlina, are fundamental in living the most fulfilling and suitable life. This is an accessible, intelligent, practicable book on personal development, and he delivers his advice in a warm, inviting tone. I strongly recommend this book for those interested in growth, develop, and change in their lives because it is fresh, thorough, and insightful and will make your life better, richer, and fuller.

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