Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
First book I read by Mitch Albom other than his classic, Tuesdays with Morrie. From the beginning of the story, one could tell how much of Morrie's lessons are evident in Albom's writing of our protagonist, the people around him, his decisions, and lessons. The story follows Alfie Logan, who has the power to relive everything in his life "twice." Logan is able to "Groundhog Day" rewrite and change any inconvenience, regret, or mistake in his life except one big thing. He can not escape or cheat death. Throughout most of the story, Logan abuses his power as expected of anyone who would have this power. In the beginning, he uses the power on childish things such as retaking tests (boy if I had that one 😂) and getting out of embarrassing situations or moments with girls. As the story progresses, he gets wiser with the power, reliving and making better choice until one very hard choice. I will not spoil the book, but I will leave you with this quote from Men In Black to think about, “It’s better to love and lost than to not have loved at all.” Although not my favorite book, it’s very well written and an enjoyable read. It makes you question about regret and if those regrets are even that big as you make them out to seem. In my opinion having regret is just proof of growth and you need to remember that everything makes sense in reverse. My favorite quote from the book is “I want you, you want, but God does what he wants.” There’s plenty of regrets I have, but if I ever had the power, I do not think I would change anything. You know what Drake said, “Sometimes I wish I could go back in life, not to change sh*t just to feel a couple things twice.”
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
“Come with me if you want to live (lift).” Pumping Iron has been one of my favorite documentaries since 14. Although my physique has probably not taken that many lessons from the documentary, my mind has taken lessons from Arnold. “Be Useful” is such a profound, yet simple proverb. Personally, I interpret as make use of yourself, your potential, and be of service to others. I love the messages and every lesson from this book. I do and will apply every lesson in my life. Arnold is such a legend!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
“You are not your thoughts” and “thoughts are not feelings” are the biggest takeaways I got from this book. My counselor recommended me to read this and I am forever grateful. Being in a negative mental state while reading this, gave me solace and understanding that I am not as bad as I think myself to be. Despite not being fully healed and liberated from anxiety, I am happy to be in a better state then I was. Recovery is a long process that is not always linear and I am working to apply this techniques in my life.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
I still don’t know him. Goggins’ mental strength and toughness is on a plane of its own, and he is living proof of contentment within the arrival fallacy. Never satisfied, never finished. I am in between aspiring and not aspiring to have his mentality because I know it will drive anyone crazy, only catch is that’s the price of living to your fullest potential. Goggins’ mind is a never ending war, and he lives to win a battle every day. Before criticizing videos on social media, one should read this book, and understand why he is the way he is. He had absolutely no reason to be who he is today, but he is. Goggins is the American Dream. This book took me so long to read because every time I picked up and read Goggins dismantled any and every excuse I could ever make or conjure into existence for myself. My words sell short of how powerful this book is. I will read the sequel next.
