Helene

Confusing Contrast

Reviewed: 06-21-12

If you're in the market for some sugar-coated rags to riches fairy tale kind of motivation and inspiration then add Fire Starter Sessions to your shopping cart. This book wasn't for me.... so little content, so much confetti...

Call me bitter and twisted (I won't deny I experience feelings and emotions along these lines) but the integrity of the rags to riches story didn't stand up for me. You don't get to be a White House Think Tank consultant (or whatever it was DLaP. was) without first having money and/or connections. Try telling someone from the 'burbs with no degree in anything and no connections they can do anything "'cause I did" and you just do more harm than good and create more dissatisfaction than good feeling.

One thing I really didn't get was the confusing contrast between Danielle's bring it on, bad-ass blog and her breathy sultry-soft reading voice. It just didn't gel for me. D LaP sounded like she should be reading erotic fiction not 'Kick Ass' motivation / inspiration which is what I understood her market was. Although with her burgeoning success she now seems to be turning more towards a 'be kind and gentle to yourself' persona. DLaP pays lip service to 'it's not about money' all the while peddling the 'you can have it all' brand of prosperity theology. What she does succeed in doing is creating a new generation of cliches which ultimately becomes- well- cliched and tiresome.

I bought this with my audible credit and as an initial investment to see if it gave any indication her Big Beautiful Book Plan was worth the $150 investment- From listening to Fire Starter Sessions I've decided Probably Not. Not enough practical advice or strategy in FSS to indicate you would get anything different in BBBP.

If anyone has any concrete evidence I'm wrong- please let me know.

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23 people found this helpful

Touched by Augusten

Reviewed: 06-21-12

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I have already recommended this book to friends and clients; there is enough in it (enough touching, thoughtful and searingly sweet insight) to give most people who have faced or are facing life's letdowns and imperfections an affirming sense of camaraderie, confirmation and challenge to live life well and truthfully from a fellow human.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The overriding message is to be real, honest and to rigorously attend to what matters most in life- and seeing as how these things are yours for the choosing....well, you can't argue with that.

Was This Is How worth the listening time?

Well worth a listen.

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