Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I went back and forth before deciding to buy this book. I've become a fan of Marie's over the past year and as someone who has struggled with certain challenges I've not been able to overcome despite my many many efforts, I still wanted to invest in myself and in a resource that could possibly challenge me in some way, help me to gain new perspective and ultimately help and empower me in finding solutions to shift my circumstances in a positive direction. Unfortunately (sadly), this book did not provide any of that. While I appreciate the personable and encouraging tone (which made it an easier read than most books), there were still a few things that were disheartening throughout and, for me, one general attitude in particular. Despite acknowledging privileges and injustices and the fact that there are valid reasons and obstacles that can impact our lives, they're glossed over as if they hold no significance, and relegated to excuse-making and not taking personal responsibility/accountability. There are external forces that detrimentally impair and impact the lives of many, and even hinder getting opportunities to compel positive change despite many best efforts (your response in spite of what happens to you). But they're generally dismissed as if they hold no substantial relevance at all. And supporting anecdotes are used to support various one-sided rather privileged arguments (and the glaring privileges aren't even acknowledged). I've heard some of the ideas expressed in the book before, via her videos and podcasts, but was hoping for something new and with more substance that would help me, challenge me, in some way. I didn't get it with this book. It takes on a different approach than some other "self help" style books, which is greatly appreciated and can prove useful and more palatable to folks who've never picked up such a book before. But, for me, it doesn't go far enough and maximize the impact it could've had. Too much on affirming certain arguments, too little on expanding space (narrative) to include those whose experiences aren't so linear and are indeed substantially affected by external factors deemed "significant...yet insignificant" (my opinion of how she addresses things like injustices and bias based on how she breezes over their significance) that may impede or outright stop someone's progress, no matter what positive leaning beliefs they adopt, or how much work they put in.