sarahbotreads's review

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4.0

As someone who adores self-help books, and is currently in a life phase where they speak to me a little more forcefully, this was a great addition to my library. Danielle LaPorte has a very distinct, inviting, encouraging voice - even though I don't think she and I operate on the same wavelength, I found this book very motivating and compelling.

ramonamead's review

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4.0

I had this book on my shelf for a year and it called out to me recently. This was the perfect time to read it, as I've been in a funk all around lately: creatively, emotionally, financially, etc while dealing with some chronic health issues. This was definitely the right time to hear Danielle's message. I've been trying to get my blog off the ground as a legit source of income for a while now but can't seem to figure it out. This book helped me see where I need to align my personal values with my product and take some risks. It also fired me up about what I'm passionate about and reminded me that not having a traditional looking "career" is totally okay. Danielle's writing is positive and casual, I liked that. But at times it felt like she's coming from a place of privilege that I can't achieve. (Like in the very beginning when she mentions she was soul searching and had tea with Eckert Tolle and a meeting with the Dali Lama.)

There wasn't a ton of content in here that was new to me, as I've read a ton of material on this topic. But I appreciated her personal spin on success because there's not a lot of personal development stuff out there that helps you align spiritually with your desire for success and money.

The exercises at the end of each chapter are super useful. I haven't done them all yet, but I know I'll refer back to this book a lot as a continue on my path with my blog. There are a lot of great one-liners and inspirational quotes in here from Danielle as well as references to other books and teachers who send the same message.

33rainbowlane's review

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informative inspiring medium-paced

4.25

stephanywrites's review

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4.0

Fabulous, fabulous read. I enjoyed every inch of this book and it was really an eye-opening look into creating a life worth living. I highlighted SO many parts of this novel but I'll only leave two of my favorites here:

"When you can see fear as just an emotion that's hanging out with all your other emotions, you gain some clearer perspective. It's not superior, and it's not even inferior. It's just an emotion that you can choose to focus on or not."

"When you justify how you feel, you are depressing the stamina and power of your essential self, creating excuses for your truth."

fmbeck's review

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Thought provoking and inspiring on both a business and personal level. A must read!

carodonahue's review

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4.0

I love me some Danielle. This one gets me fired up whenever I read her work. Inspiring, raw and real. Highly recommended to anyone who is looking to start a big new project with gusto.

dittesque's review

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3.0

Soms heel inspirerend, zeker in de eerste helft van het boek krijg je interessante/confronterende vragen voorgeschoteld over hoe je in je werkende leven staat. Maar vooral ook erg Amerikaans, en erg op zelfstandigen gericht, dus niet voor iedereen even relevant.

joyxrm1's review against another edition

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4.0

When I started the book, I felt more like a block of saturated wet wood than kindling ready for a flame...by the end of it, I had new ideas and was given new tools for starting a roaring blaze.

ecooper99's review

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5.0

I’ve been on a real self improvement kick lately, and I’ve been lucky to pick up some phenomenal books. I read this one right after finishing Martha Beck’s “Finding Your Way In a Wild New World”, which I adored. Danielle LaPorte had some big shoes to fill, and boy, did she ever!

Danielle’s wisdom, advice, and expertise is immensely approachable. It feels like having coffee with a wise girlfriend, someone who’s more than willing to share her experiences, give you her time freely, and ask for nothing in return. Not everyone is willing to mentor; I’ve recently had a few experiences that helped me recognize how few people are willing to share their “secrets” with others. In The Fire Starter Sessions Danielle LaPorte shares everything she knows about being successful in business and in life, and it’s so refreshing to hear her perspective.

Honest, upfront, and occasionally lighthearted, this book is both a guidebook for being a creative entrepreneur and a deeply resonant jumpstart to help you find your inner truth. The book is also chock full of meaningful and genuinely helpful exercises that help you connect your heartfelt beliefs with the messages Danielle communicates in each section.

I highlighted so many paragraphs as I read! Every few pages something made me sit up and take notice. This one’s definitely going on my permanent keeper shelf.

msdixon's review

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5.0

Fantastic read for those of us who need a push. I quite honestly laughed and cried. The layout is gorgeous. The advice is easy and perhaps that which has been read before, but organized brilliantly. Recommended if you are on the verge of something big and need a bit of a workbook to figure out what that thing is or how to do it.