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nahyee's review
1.0
Publisher's description: Laugh and Learn with These Life Lessons
Insights from a veteran psychologist: Dr. David Levy is a media consultant who has appeared on over 70 television and radio broadcasts, from CNN to National Geographic, to provide psychological perspectives on current events. His previous works have been published internationally, many of them becoming bestsellers. In this book, Levy approaches readers on a more personal level but carries the same expertise that he’s shared with viewers and listeners worldwide.
Valuable life lessons: Levy’s book takes a different approach than others in the self-help genre. Rather than being instructional, Levy shares bits of wisdom through telling his own stories. In other words, he offers life lessons without lecturing or preaching. Written in a style that is engaging and humorous, readers will find relatable truths in Levy’s uplifting stories and wise advice.
A journey to wisdom: The path to living a smarter lifestyle is not always smooth. Levy encourages readers to embrace all the feelings his book may bring out as they read his stories, from laughing to wincing, and learning along the way. Discover the power of positive thinking as Levy shares a lifetime journey of personal reflections, growth, and wisdom.
Dive into Dr. David Levy’s latest book, Life Is a 4-Letter Word, and find…
• 40 autobiographical essays, each one containing a relatable and applicable life lesson
• A unique source of both humor and inspiration that reassures readers that life is good
• A self-help book for men and women from a published professional in psychology
************
What I expected from Dr. David A Levy's "Life is a 4-Letter Word" and what I got were miles apart. Based on the description and the reviews, I understood that this was a book of short essays, but I didn't expect them to be only 1-2 pages at times. That's not an essay. That's barely a vignette. And I expected a lot more humor, something to make me smile and nod, anything to evoke a reaction. The description says that the essays are personal reflections and not preachy. They were definitely personal reflections (to which I could not relate at all), but the "Life Lesson" at the end of each essay definitely made them feel preachy.
• "Empty threats are worse than none at all."
• "Things could always be worse."
• "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is."
While I can appreciate all that Dr. Levy feels he learned personally from these experiences, they were not situations that made me stop and reflect on my own experiences. Not a single one of these life lessons made me sit up and say, "Oh yeah."
This was an incredibly fast read since every chapter was short short short. I try really hard not to leave a book unfinished, so I was glad it was fast and I could just power through, but I would not recommend this.
Thanks to NetGalley and Mango for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. This title is scheduled for release on January 14, 2020.
Insights from a veteran psychologist: Dr. David Levy is a media consultant who has appeared on over 70 television and radio broadcasts, from CNN to National Geographic, to provide psychological perspectives on current events. His previous works have been published internationally, many of them becoming bestsellers. In this book, Levy approaches readers on a more personal level but carries the same expertise that he’s shared with viewers and listeners worldwide.
Valuable life lessons: Levy’s book takes a different approach than others in the self-help genre. Rather than being instructional, Levy shares bits of wisdom through telling his own stories. In other words, he offers life lessons without lecturing or preaching. Written in a style that is engaging and humorous, readers will find relatable truths in Levy’s uplifting stories and wise advice.
A journey to wisdom: The path to living a smarter lifestyle is not always smooth. Levy encourages readers to embrace all the feelings his book may bring out as they read his stories, from laughing to wincing, and learning along the way. Discover the power of positive thinking as Levy shares a lifetime journey of personal reflections, growth, and wisdom.
Dive into Dr. David Levy’s latest book, Life Is a 4-Letter Word, and find…
• 40 autobiographical essays, each one containing a relatable and applicable life lesson
• A unique source of both humor and inspiration that reassures readers that life is good
• A self-help book for men and women from a published professional in psychology
************
What I expected from Dr. David A Levy's "Life is a 4-Letter Word" and what I got were miles apart. Based on the description and the reviews, I understood that this was a book of short essays, but I didn't expect them to be only 1-2 pages at times. That's not an essay. That's barely a vignette. And I expected a lot more humor, something to make me smile and nod, anything to evoke a reaction. The description says that the essays are personal reflections and not preachy. They were definitely personal reflections (to which I could not relate at all), but the "Life Lesson" at the end of each essay definitely made them feel preachy.
• "Empty threats are worse than none at all."
• "Things could always be worse."
• "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is."
While I can appreciate all that Dr. Levy feels he learned personally from these experiences, they were not situations that made me stop and reflect on my own experiences. Not a single one of these life lessons made me sit up and say, "Oh yeah."
This was an incredibly fast read since every chapter was short short short. I try really hard not to leave a book unfinished, so I was glad it was fast and I could just power through, but I would not recommend this.
Thanks to NetGalley and Mango for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. This title is scheduled for release on January 14, 2020.
jmbibliolater's review against another edition
4.0
Special thanks to Suzy Approved Book Tours for providing the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Life Is A 4 Letter Word by Dr. David A Levy is an insightful, humorous novel that provides real life experiences with every day life lessons.
Each life lesson is told in a few short pages through humorous commentary and storytelling. I found myself nodding in agreement, smiling or reminiscing about when I first learned a lesson throughout the entire novel. Life Is A 4 Letter Word makes for a wonderful conversation piece – perhaps even a coffee table book or a holiday gift.
For more, visit www.jennifermitchellbooks.com
Life Is A 4 Letter Word by Dr. David A Levy is an insightful, humorous novel that provides real life experiences with every day life lessons.
Each life lesson is told in a few short pages through humorous commentary and storytelling. I found myself nodding in agreement, smiling or reminiscing about when I first learned a lesson throughout the entire novel. Life Is A 4 Letter Word makes for a wonderful conversation piece – perhaps even a coffee table book or a holiday gift.
For more, visit www.jennifermitchellbooks.com
redpineapple's review against another edition
3.0
I had high expectations from this book. A psychologist talking about his life is bound to get interesting, right? Wrong.
The book had a few interesting stories, especially the one about Zorro and being a coach but other than that, I wasn't able to draw any life lessons from those stories.
That's the thing about life lessons, they can creep up slowly until suddenly one day you get it. But if you talk about only the story, people won't get it because they haven't lived in your shoes.
I received a free copy of the book from Netgalley.
The book had a few interesting stories, especially the one about Zorro and being a coach but other than that, I wasn't able to draw any life lessons from those stories.
That's the thing about life lessons, they can creep up slowly until suddenly one day you get it. But if you talk about only the story, people won't get it because they haven't lived in your shoes.
I received a free copy of the book from Netgalley.
hainyh's review against another edition
1.0
I had high hopes for this book and loved the premise on first impression, but unfortunately it really fell flat. The stories were pretty brief and some stories left me feeling they were fabricated simply to create the book. Some of the ‘life lessons’ were pretty odd and left me scratching my head, whereas others were cliches that I had heard a hundred times before. Fortunately this was a quick read, but it didn’t really do much for me in terms of enjoyment or any real benefit.
tangledintales's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars
Wouldn’t say I loved the book, but there were 3-4 chapters I liked. The messages are simple, but we all can do some gentle reminders from time to time.
Wouldn’t say I loved the book, but there were 3-4 chapters I liked. The messages are simple, but we all can do some gentle reminders from time to time.
aeadams135's review
3.0
I won this book in a Goodread Giveaway and it was a nice little read. It went quickly because it is structured as a bunch of very short stories with life lessons for each one. Many of the lessons were as expected and most of the stories were straightforward. I could have done without the one about a pet passing but such is life. Quick, enjoyable read.
flybyreader's review against another edition
1.0
(I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.)
This book simply did not do it for me.
I am annoyed with it on multiple levels. I am not the kind of reader, who gives up on a book that easily and I usually see it through the end even if I know that it is killing me softly. And this is one of those books.
You have heard every single lesson in this book at least a thousand times before and I'm sorry to say that it's not the only disappointment.
I felt like I got caught up in a psychological booby trap, expecting something profound to happen but waiting in vain. The life lessons given in capital letters are not based on some rooted fundamentally life-changing experiences and felt shallow for a psychologist/therapist to give as an example.
What kind of a life lesson "When you don't know what to do, fake it til you make it" offers, I don't know. Or "Try hard but not too hard."
I am just pissed.
This book simply did not do it for me.
I am annoyed with it on multiple levels. I am not the kind of reader, who gives up on a book that easily and I usually see it through the end even if I know that it is killing me softly. And this is one of those books.
You have heard every single lesson in this book at least a thousand times before and I'm sorry to say that it's not the only disappointment.
I felt like I got caught up in a psychological booby trap, expecting something profound to happen but waiting in vain. The life lessons given in capital letters are not based on some rooted fundamentally life-changing experiences and felt shallow for a psychologist/therapist to give as an example.
What kind of a life lesson "When you don't know what to do, fake it til you make it" offers, I don't know. Or "Try hard but not too hard."
I am just pissed.
stacyroth's review against another edition
4.0
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
David Levy has paired 40 stories from his life with applicable life lessons for each of us to remember. These life lessons are nothing earth shattering; rather, they are common sense things that we all need a reminder of from time to time. The stories were entertaining, concise, and relevant to the life lesson without hammering you over the head with it. I enjoyed the book and was sad when it ended because I wanted more! This book would make a great gift or coffee table book.
David Levy has paired 40 stories from his life with applicable life lessons for each of us to remember. These life lessons are nothing earth shattering; rather, they are common sense things that we all need a reminder of from time to time. The stories were entertaining, concise, and relevant to the life lesson without hammering you over the head with it. I enjoyed the book and was sad when it ended because I wanted more! This book would make a great gift or coffee table book.
audiobooks_sweettea's review against another edition
4.0
I don’t read a lot of non-fiction books. I find that they often can’t hold my attention well. But, once in while, I come across one that is written well, and in a way that instantly grips me. Levy’s Life Is A 4 Letter Word did that for me, and it kept me hooked til the end!
This little book is broken down into 40 life lessons, all written with humor and conviction and inspiration. Each one had me chuckling, each one had me ready for the next one. Levy’s essays are wonderfully written in a way that they truly capture the reader’s soul.
No matter if you are a fiction lover, or a non-fiction lover, this little book is for you. It’s a fast read. Each essay will leave you thinking about your life, having you smiling and embracing life with a new outlook. I highly recommend this to all. With Valentine’s Day, Easter, and more coming up, this would make a wonderful gift for those you love. Well done, Levy! I look forward to more.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
This little book is broken down into 40 life lessons, all written with humor and conviction and inspiration. Each one had me chuckling, each one had me ready for the next one. Levy’s essays are wonderfully written in a way that they truly capture the reader’s soul.
No matter if you are a fiction lover, or a non-fiction lover, this little book is for you. It’s a fast read. Each essay will leave you thinking about your life, having you smiling and embracing life with a new outlook. I highly recommend this to all. With Valentine’s Day, Easter, and more coming up, this would make a wonderful gift for those you love. Well done, Levy! I look forward to more.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*