How to Save Your Own Life: 15 Lessons on Finding Hope in Unexpected Places Audiobook

" Felt like a neighbor that had a near death experience telling you how to live life simply. Parts were repetitive, especially the wonder at how one can live with a part time coffee shop job and in an apartment with lawn furniture for the dining room set, and descriptions of his former high-flying life. It felt like he was trying to reach beyond his first book but didn't have all that much to add. He did have some extended stories that I found interesting, mostly about his family. Those are done well, and I felt I could relate with them. Nothing really earthshattering or new here in terms of the "lessons". For some reason, I felt the need to drink more coffee while listening to this audiobook.... And a bonus, such as it is, on the audiobook -- Michael Gill sings! "

" The little book contains many of the life lessons Michael Gill learned after losing a high-powered advertising job, his marriage and his pala palatial home and ending up working at Starbucks. Since I live a fairly simple life, I did not find the book helpful, but for anyone who lives beyond their means, is more concerned about appearances than relationships, or who feels their job and social status define him or her, this would be a valuable read. "

" I came across this book at the Coral Gables Public Library while my daughter was auditioning at the Coral Gables Youth Center. The author came to Books and Books in Coral Gables not long ago but I was not able to go. I confess that I did not read this author's first book, How Starbucks Saved my Life but also have wanted to read it. Since I was not able to get the first book, I decided just to dive into the second. As I read the book, I couldn't help but wanting or dreaming about my favourite coffee at Starbucks since the references to the store are common. By the way, my favourite is Soy Chai Tea Latte. Did I enjoy the book or would I recommend it? Well, let's say that this book, I believe is not to be read all at once. I think it's the kind of book that is better read in sips, like "hot coffee". The author wants to share the lessons he has learned the hard way; how by losing everything he had, he was able to find the life that was meant for him. The best way is to read the lessons -chapters-, little by little, so you have time in between to think and analyze how it applies to your own life. I agree with the author about how rewarding it is to serve others. It made me think about that quote from Rumi that states: "Be a lamp, a lifeboat or a ladder". I believe we are here to learn from others and to help athem as well. This book is full of lessons to that effect. On the other hand, the book is quite simplistic. It did move me, aup to a point, and you can relate to the author in some ways but then in some many other ways, it really did not speak to me. Perhaps, because I am not part of that privileged class he talks so much about, although my family knows what it is like to lose everything and have to start all over. If you want a light, warm and inspiring read, then this is your book. "

" The 15 lessons are good, but are often filled with anecdotes from his life that are boring and only applicablefrom his point of view. "

" I won this book from the first-reads program. While I appreciate the sentiment behind Gill's writing and I admire his growth, this book has a very specific audience--and I'm afraid it doesn't include me. I wouldn't mind if a few of our friends on Wall Street read this book, though. "

" For some reason, Michael Gates Gill's writing makes me hopeful and happy--even the hard stuff he relates. This is a tiny book but lots of big thoughts "

" Some new lessons and some reminders about what matters. I enjoyed this book! "

" 15 clear and simple tips, with detailed, close to the heart explanation. Read it with an open heart and it might be helpful. "

" This book was dull and repetitive and well, boring. Could have been an interesting pamphlet perhaps. "

" Another easy read. Wanted to like this book but it didn't make much of an impression on me "

" Please see my essay on How Starbucks Saved My Life. "

" A humbling read about what really matters in life. "

" I found this book in the office - thought it may be fate! Decently inspirational. "

" Feeling very motivated from the first page onwards. "

" Maybe his first book was good, I never read it, but this one didn't offer me anything I could wrap my arms around and use. The author's writing style is easy to read and I would consider reading his best selling first book in the future. From the back cover it sounded like it was pretty good. "

" Mainly a continuation/retelling of his first book, How Starbucks Saved My Life. Just OK for me. "

" Awesome book. I liked the first one as well, but I've gotta admit, this one is a tear jerker.. "

" Inspiring, brought me to tears, make me laughed and always excited me when i read his every sentences in this book. "

" Awesome book. I liked the first one as well, but I've gotta admit, this one is a tear jerker.. "

" For some reason, Michael Gates Gill's writing makes me hopeful and happy--even the hard stuff he relates. This is a tiny book but lots of big thoughts "

" I found this book in the office - thought it may be fate! Decently inspirational. "

" So far, so good. It's not my type of book, but his personality is hard to ignore or not like. He's a genuine guy, with a genuine message. I'd much rather tell people looking for inspiration to read this rather than "the secret." "