veelaughtland's review
2.0
This book was really really not what I thought it would be.
I was looking for your typical kind of self-improvement book with practical tips on how to be comfortable with yourself and improve happiness through simplicity, etc etc etc yadda yadda yadda. Unfortunately, this book started slowly to descend into spiritualism (despite not being a religious book), and I found it harder and harder to connect.
I also found Kite's ideas to be a little far-fetched, and not particularly practical. He included a great deal of case studies to enhance his ideas, but I didn't find they added to anything - rather than see the positive effect he himself and his teachings had on his patients, instead it seemed to me like they seemed to discover things for themselves rather than because of what he was telling them.
I also found the inclusion of the five elements a little confusing as I couldn't really relate them to what he was trying to paint as their influence. I just found the whole book a little airy fairy. However, I did like the idea of our lives being like a pendulum, and trying to ascend the pendulum in order to find some stillness in life. The image appeals to me, but ultimately this book feel flat in any sort of practical help whatsoever.
I was looking for your typical kind of self-improvement book with practical tips on how to be comfortable with yourself and improve happiness through simplicity, etc etc etc yadda yadda yadda. Unfortunately, this book started slowly to descend into spiritualism (despite not being a religious book), and I found it harder and harder to connect.
I also found Kite's ideas to be a little far-fetched, and not particularly practical. He included a great deal of case studies to enhance his ideas, but I didn't find they added to anything - rather than see the positive effect he himself and his teachings had on his patients, instead it seemed to me like they seemed to discover things for themselves rather than because of what he was telling them.
I also found the inclusion of the five elements a little confusing as I couldn't really relate them to what he was trying to paint as their influence. I just found the whole book a little airy fairy. However, I did like the idea of our lives being like a pendulum, and trying to ascend the pendulum in order to find some stillness in life. The image appeals to me, but ultimately this book feel flat in any sort of practical help whatsoever.
em_jay's review against another edition
4.0
I love a good self-help book with great insight, don't you? Everything You Need You Have by Gerad Kite draws on his experience as a therapist, as well as his experience, and combines Chinese philosophy (Taoism), Universal Laws, Ego, Behavior, Etc. into 10 steps to easily achieving "home balance" within yourself. It was fascinating read with "case studies", applications, and insights. If you know most of these key concepts, then perhaps Gerad Kite's perspective my interest you. I loved the format of this book with case studies and insights at the end of sections. This book was also comfortable read and flew by at 206 pages! Trust me, the 206 pages are crammed full of concepts and applications. I enjoyed his book and would recommend and or gift it to friends and family.
FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
joeannemc's review against another edition
2.0
Enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of each section and although it started promisingly it soon faded and was somewhat disappointing.
It’s an easy read but not overly worth it.
It’s an easy read but not overly worth it.
poetryfreak38's review against another edition
3.0
This was a pretty interesting book. I thought it dragged a bit. But if you are looking for a book that helps you find inner peace and way to center yourself this is an easy read that can give you some interesting ideas. I really liked the first half but, like I said it got a bit slow for me near the middle. He also gives case studies with examples of people following what he is suggesting. Overall I liked this book.
I was given a copy of the book to read through blogging for books.
I was given a copy of the book to read through blogging for books.
emkoshka's review against another edition
3.0
I like the idea of the pendulum as a mood tracker and stabiliser but some of the other concepts like 'Home' I found a bit too metaphysical hence I occasionally vagued out. Still, I did get some wisdom out of it.
gwennothomas12's review
1.0
pain-staking, bewildering, frustrating. Had to stop two-thirds through. good fiction is far more therapeutic than this book, sadly.
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