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Review of The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life that Matters

I want to share a book that I just finished reading. The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life that Matters by Emily Esfahani Smith. Honestly, when I received this book I wasn't sure that I would like it. I was however hooked after just a couple of pages. This isn't a self-help book that is trying to beat a message into the readers brain. It is instead filled with stories of the author's travels and observations as well as studies and historical information.

For the most part, this book is separated in sections by what the author calls the four pillars of meaning. These pillars are belonging, purpose, storytelling and transcendence. Each of these pillars has its own chapter with stories of individual's and how they fulfilled these areas in their own way. For example, the section on purpose has a story about a zoo keeper that spends 80% of her day cleaning up after animals. The zoo keeper has however found her purpose in working with animals and believes that part of taking care of the animals is making sure that they are in clean enclosures. She has found her purpose and does not dwell on the negative aspects of her job but instead enjoys getting to do a job that she loves.

Emily Esfahani Smith does a wonderful job of storytelling. This story is very inspiring and I really enjoyed it. You can find out more about the author here and here. You can also find out more about the book and where to purchase it here.



I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review

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