Book Review: The Only Way Is Up by Folake Taylor

Relationships, health, spirituality, culture shock, family, career. These are a few of the things that Folake Taylor, MD addresses in her book, The Only Way Is Up. If you know me, even only a little bit, then you’d know that my most interesting chapter was the one about relationships. They [relationships] are so dynamic. So complicated. So intricate. And so, so rewarding — all things being equal.

Although Folake’s book is meant to empower women, the issues she touches affect everyone. In the My Life Principles chapter, she says, “Do not resign to being a victim of fate. Be an architect of your own destiny.” I have come to realize that there’s destiny. There’s free will. And then, there are life’s turns, speed bumps, stumbling blocks, obstacles, detours, trials, failures — all hiding between destiny and free will.  And then you begin to wonder, is my life the way it is because of the choices I have made or because it was destined to be this way?

I don’t read self-help books. I have always looked at them on the shelves in bookshelves, and I have even sometimes browsed through them, but I don’t recall ever being interested enough to buy or borrow one. I’d read self-help articles online that are the length of  a chapter or two of a book, but a whole self-help book? I started Folake’s 240-page book with much angst and trepidation, wondering if I’d ever get to its end. But I found myself surprisingly [and pleasantly] eager to turn the next page to find out what next this smart author had to say.

Several times, I caught myself having aha moments, moments that made certain issues [in my life] clearer and more defined, moments that reminded me that I do not and cannot know it all, that no knowledge is useless, and that there is always something to learn from someone else’s experiences and wisdom. Folake had me gripped, and I really forgot that I was reading a non fiction book – especially a self-help, motivational book.

I do admit, however, that some chapters were more interesting than others – to me. For example, I had a lot more fun reading the For All My Single Ladies chapter than I did reading the Subtle Racism – Racial Insensitivity chapter. You, of course, may have a totally different view and experience.

In conclusion, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading, but most especially a person who likes self-help / motivational books. Folake validates the truths you already know and calls out the lies you’re fighting so hard to believe.

The links to buy the book are below BUT come this Saturday, February 26th 2011, Folake Taylor will be live on the Verastically Speakin’ Talk Show, and one lucky person will win her book. Listen to the show for details on how to win.

Information for the show:

Date: Saturday, February 26th 2011

Time: 10am U.S. Eastern | 3pm GMT | 4pm Nigerian Time

Call in with your comments/questions: 1.646.929.1905

Or text them: 1.443.934.9039

Or e-mail them too: radio@verastic.com

Listen here

Visit Folake Taylor’s website | Visit Folake Taylor’s blog | Visit Folake Taylor on Facebook | Follow Folake Taylor on Twitter | Buy The Only Way Is Up from Amazon U.S | Buy The Only Way Is Up from Amazon U.K. | Buy The Only Way Is Up from Amazon Kindle | Buy The Only Way Is Up from Amazon Canada | Buy The Only Way Is Up from U.S. E-STORE [Autographed copies and free shipping on bulk orders] | Buy The Only Way Is Up from U.K. E-STORE [Autographed copies and discounted international shipping] | Walahi.com [ships to Nigeria and Africa mostly, but also international] | Smashwords [e-book in different formats].

P.S. There’s a poll on the homepage. Please vote.