Reviews - Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World

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Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World

Based on a graduation speech at UT, this book discusses 10 principles that can change your life … and maybe the world. I had not seen or heard the speech at the time of reading the book, but the speech is included at the end. The book is written by a Navy Admiral about his time in the SEALs. It discusses the 10 things he believes everyone could take away from his time there to apply to everyday life. Each chapter covers a different principle and is broken into two parts using stories to elaborate, his SEALs training and his SEALs active duty. There is some military lingo used but none that I feel would be a barrier to those who don’t have any military knowledge. I found the stories interesting and the chapters just flew by.

If you are looking for a quick (I finished this in a single day) enjoyable read, this book is worth your time. If you saw the speech and LOVED it, the book expands way more on the topics discussed. If you saw the speech and it wasn’t for you, I don’t think this book has enough to win you over. If you haven’t seen the speech but have heard about the book and want to give it a try, I suggest reading it before you watch the speech. Overall, I enjoyed my time reading it, will continue thinking back about his stories and am interested in more stories he has to offer.

ddvw's review against another edition

3.0

We did this as a family read aloud. It had some great insights on living a full life of service.

kristenmalia's review against another edition

1.0

Unfortunately could not relate to this book whatsoever. I respect that the reasonings for the "things that can change your life" are anecdotal, however it was disheartening to only see the mention of men, when there are countless women serving in the military.

Not to mention the narrator comes across as someone with extreme privilege, and the perspectives given are written in such a pompous way...

juniper77's review against another edition

3.5

Some helpful advice, when taken with a grain of salt.

rabbels's review against another edition

3.75

challenging inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

Fast paced, easy read. Of course, heavy on Navy. The world has changed so much in the 9 years since published, but there are some gems n a couple tears (thanks to chapters 9 & 10).

PS: if you find the copy Kelly gave me, I may have doodled on p81.

bendersanchez23's review against another edition

4.0

informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

nightsync's review against another edition

3.75

hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

Content Warnings

diptyque's review against another edition

3.75

inspiring fast-paced

You know what you’re getting from when you are listening/reading this type of book. There are good points to derive from this book. Honestly. I never made my bed. Ever. But also, as his last statement says, never give up. It’s things we have to hear at times. It’s a bit stoic, but he is an admiral after all, from the navy. It did jump around a bit from place to place since it was shorter, but it gets to get point and doesn’t beat around the bush or fluff it up. Enjoyed it more than I thought I would.