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The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life: Two Survivors Reveal the 13 Golden Pearls They've Discovered
Dr. Lycka is a speaker, trainer, author & respected cosmetic dermatologist. His life collapsed when he suddenly developed a right foot drop in 2003. Soon after, his right arm became dysfunctional and he was diagnosed with ALS and given six months to live. Dr. Lycka persisted and is here today as a result of courage and determination. He is now a mentor, transformational speaker and thought leader.Harriet Tinka is a former New York fashion model, a Woman of Distinction and a youth instructor who endured being kidnapped, stabbed and left for dead. She is now a "Powerhouse Empowerment" expert who inspires audiences across North America.Despite these traumatic experiences, they grew stronger, just as steel is tempered by extreme elements. They wrote The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life to share the key lessons they learned to help readers find the golden pearls in their biggest challenges and make their lives fantastic too. Dr. Lycka and Harriet Tinka have appeared on numerous TV and radio shows in the U.S. and Canada. Dr. Lycka is a multi-time bLU talk speaker who has inspired audiences around the globe and Harriet is a Toastmaster Divisional Champion."I love what these guys are doing, the book is great and the work they're doing is important." ~ Foreword is written by Jack Canfield, co-author of The Success Principles and the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
172 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2020
19 people are currently reading
2605 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 16, 2020
Read the detailed review here - https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/08...
Everyone wants to commence a fabulous life, but only a few will succeed. Dr. Allen Lycka and Harriet Tinka helped us to understand how we can live a worthy life. We all envy others' destiny once in a while without knowing their hardships. They both come from different cultural backgrounds, they faced different obstacles, but they have one thing in common; their courage and never give up attitude.
The book has thirteen lessons, which are called Golden Pearls by the authors. They are Love, Inspiration, Victory, Vulnerability, Intention, Non-Negotiables, Forgiveness, Attitude, Thankfulness, Tenacity, Laughter, Enthusiasm, and Empowerment. All these chapters are described by using anecdotes and then continued with the authors' conversations. The book is filled with encouraging quotes from highly known personalities, some of them were by the authors as well. Overall, it is a fast-paced and promising novel. I recommend it.
Everyone wants to commence a fabulous life, but only a few will succeed. Dr. Allen Lycka and Harriet Tinka helped us to understand how we can live a worthy life. We all envy others' destiny once in a while without knowing their hardships. They both come from different cultural backgrounds, they faced different obstacles, but they have one thing in common; their courage and never give up attitude.
The book has thirteen lessons, which are called Golden Pearls by the authors. They are Love, Inspiration, Victory, Vulnerability, Intention, Non-Negotiables, Forgiveness, Attitude, Thankfulness, Tenacity, Laughter, Enthusiasm, and Empowerment. All these chapters are described by using anecdotes and then continued with the authors' conversations. The book is filled with encouraging quotes from highly known personalities, some of them were by the authors as well. Overall, it is a fast-paced and promising novel. I recommend it.
November 30, 2020
They narrate this book as a conversation between two good friends with insightful messages, personal stories, and inspirational quotes. Allen and Harriet share 13 Golden Pearls for living a fantastic life. Even though the pearls they share are nothing new, the addition of personal stories and issues they overcame adds a unique flair to this novel. The inspiration behind those golden pearls is worth mentioning. Dr. Lycka was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. The doctor told him he should take care of his affairs as he has six months left to live. A fellow student kidnapped and badly injured Harriet Tinka. He left her to die. Both horrific experiences bring so much perspective and motivation for a reader.
This work is timely as the authors address a COVID-19 pandemic that is wrecking chaos in the world right now and affecting all of humankind. I just admire these two wonderful people and how they approach these subjects. It is a very relatable and teachable read that makes me realize I will come back to this book and read it again.
If you feel uninspired, defeated, or discouraged, give this book a chance. I am certain you will find the right answers here. Readers who read nonfiction are also perfect candidates for this book. This is a read that will enrich your life. It is suitable for readers of all ages. I highly recommend it.
This work is timely as the authors address a COVID-19 pandemic that is wrecking chaos in the world right now and affecting all of humankind. I just admire these two wonderful people and how they approach these subjects. It is a very relatable and teachable read that makes me realize I will come back to this book and read it again.
If you feel uninspired, defeated, or discouraged, give this book a chance. I am certain you will find the right answers here. Readers who read nonfiction are also perfect candidates for this book. This is a read that will enrich your life. It is suitable for readers of all ages. I highly recommend it.
September 15, 2020
Life is never easy; never fully rosy. Life is never smooth; neither too sweet nor too sour. Life has shades – both black and white and we see them as we grey. Life is not straight but curvy; it is not perfect but it sure is worthy. Worthy of being lived fully!
The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life by Dr. Allen Lycka and Harriet Tinka is an insightful read depicting 13 golden pearls, courtesy the wisdom of its authors. Through their conversation set around a bit of humor and loads of wise words, the authors put forth 13 essential ideas for living a fulfilling life. The key ideas include love, tenacity, gratefulness, vulnerability, to name a few. Towards the end, the readers get a bonus chapter on a crucial subject – fear.
The authors are survivors of extreme situations in their respective lives. They have fought, they have persevered, and they succeeded. They are victorious because they have been vulnerable. They managed to move on and inspire others because they let go of their past by forgiving people. They are now on their path to bring nuggets of wisdom for those who need it the most.
The book comprises a chapter on love that explains seven types of love – philos, eros, storge, ludus, agape, pragma, and philautia. It essentially speaks of the traumatic experiences resulting in the inability to love. Isn’t it so true? Moving on, they detail upon the lessons they learned from their experiences including their favorite movies, talk shows, idols, etc. It was a heartening experience to read bits of their lives where they also insert quotes by famous people and emphasize their points.
The language and the writing is easy, pretty much to the point. The conversational tone is a great idea. However, sometimes it appeared unnatural to me. Apart from this, I liked the overall presentation which is engaging and fun. If you’re the one seeking some meaningful quotes and inspirational ideas in an easy language, you might pick this one up!
The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life by Dr. Allen Lycka and Harriet Tinka is an insightful read depicting 13 golden pearls, courtesy the wisdom of its authors. Through their conversation set around a bit of humor and loads of wise words, the authors put forth 13 essential ideas for living a fulfilling life. The key ideas include love, tenacity, gratefulness, vulnerability, to name a few. Towards the end, the readers get a bonus chapter on a crucial subject – fear.
The authors are survivors of extreme situations in their respective lives. They have fought, they have persevered, and they succeeded. They are victorious because they have been vulnerable. They managed to move on and inspire others because they let go of their past by forgiving people. They are now on their path to bring nuggets of wisdom for those who need it the most.
The book comprises a chapter on love that explains seven types of love – philos, eros, storge, ludus, agape, pragma, and philautia. It essentially speaks of the traumatic experiences resulting in the inability to love. Isn’t it so true? Moving on, they detail upon the lessons they learned from their experiences including their favorite movies, talk shows, idols, etc. It was a heartening experience to read bits of their lives where they also insert quotes by famous people and emphasize their points.
The language and the writing is easy, pretty much to the point. The conversational tone is a great idea. However, sometimes it appeared unnatural to me. Apart from this, I liked the overall presentation which is engaging and fun. If you’re the one seeking some meaningful quotes and inspirational ideas in an easy language, you might pick this one up!
September 5, 2020
The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life by Dr. Allen Lycka and Harriet Tinka is a very inspirational and thought-provoking book written by two people who lived through extremely traumatic and trying experiences. The authors learned from those experiences and grew to understand that they did not have to allow what happened to them to influence the rest of their lives negatively. Instead, they both chose to move on and have successful careers and happy lives, and decided to collaborate and write a book to help others also live “fantastic lives.”
The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life is subtitled “Two Survivors Reveal the 13 Golden Pearls They’ve Discovered.” Those “golden pearls,” or life lessons, aided them to get past the traumatic events in their lives and to move on. The self-help book that they wrote, detailing what those 13 golden pearls are, is full of revelations that the authors hope will inspire readers of the book. The negative things that everybody experiences in their lives, to one extent or the other, do not have to define who we are as people.
I really liked it that Dr. Allen Lycka and Harriet Tinka opened up in The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life and revealed the nature of the traumatic experiences they went through. Dr. Lycka was diagnosed as having Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) and he was told he only had six months to live. Harriet Tinka was a fashion model and a Woman of Distinction who lived through the terror of being kidnapped by someone she knew, stabbed by the man, and left for dead. Dr. Lycka and Harriet Tinka could have let these things embitter them and alter the course of their lives and careers for the worse. Instead, they moved on, grew, and didn’t let the negative things they went through define them.
What are the 13 golden pearls that the authors discovered and relate to their readers in The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life? Being an author myself, I don’t want to reveal too many “spoilers.” I’d rather that potential readers of the book get the pleasure of checking out what the pearls are on their own, by reading Dr. Lycka and Harriet Tinka’s book. They reveal what the pearls are in a captivating and entertaining manner by both telling stories from their own lives and also by utilizing a myriad of quotes from famous authors like Ralph Waldo Emerson and celebrities like Sir Paul McCartney, Christopher Reeve, and Bruce Lee.
I will mention a couple of the pearls that I loved reading about the most, though, and those are the importance of forgiveness and laughter. I will talk more about a few of the other pearls with Dr. Lycka and Harriet Tinka in an interview that they graciously agreed to do with me, which can be read elsewhere at this same site.
The ability to forgive somebody who has hurt and wronged you can be very difficult to do, but doing so is an important step if one wants to live what the authors refer to as “a fantastic life.” The authors write about this in the book’s seventh chapter, “Forgiveness.” They relate a story called “My Uncle” told by a contributor to the book, Lauren Magliaro. Lauren begins the chapter by telling about the reconciliation that took place between her uncle and her father, when her father was in the hospital due to suffering a brain aneurysm. Her uncle was there with Lauren and the rest of her family there at the hospital by their side, supporting them and his brother during a time Harriet describes as “the hardest days of our lives.”
After Lauren’s dad recovered, whatever the rift was between him and his brother was like a “slate – wiped clean.” From then on, both sides of Lauren’s family were back together, and she writes that “Family gatherings no longer had a dividing line.” Forgiveness is definitely a very powerful pearl we should all treasure in our hearts. Indeed, Lauren describes forgiveness as being “the essence of love.”
Laughter is such an important part of our lives that it has been sometimes called “the best medicine.” In the eleventh chapter of The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life, aptly titled “Laughter,” Dr. Lycka begins the chapter writing about a run-in he had with an obstinate camel he was trying to ride in Egypt. The camel driver, playing a joke on Dr. Lycka, tells him the camel he’s picked out is his “gentlest” one, but the stubborn animal refuses to obey the camel driver’s commands and cajoling.
The camel repeatedly attempts to throw Dr. Lycka, who by now regrets his decision to try riding the animal, off his back. It is only after the ordeal is over, and the camel driver buys a Coke for Dr. Lycka, that the author can see the humor in the situation and have a laugh about it. Both authors relate various ways that laughter, including being able to laugh at oneself, is important. Dr. Lycka writes that: “Laughter, especially at oneself, tempers ego, interrupts narcissism and improves your happiness in the moment.” It is one of the thirteen pearls the two authors write about that can really make a big difference in our lives, make the problems and worries we all have seem a bit less significant, and help people achieve a “fantastic life.”
The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life is a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It is a valuable sand appealing self-help book that will have readers engrossed and entertained while also informing and teaching them about the thirteen secrets, or “pearls,” that authors Dr. Allen Lycka and Harriet Tinka discovered. The knowledge about these pearls might not make us have fantastic lives overnight, but when put into practice on a daily basis, the nuggets of wisdom that the authors write about will definitely improve readers’ overall outlooks on life and will put them on the road to becoming better versions of themselves. This is a book I highly recommend you check out and add to your reading lists!
The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life is subtitled “Two Survivors Reveal the 13 Golden Pearls They’ve Discovered.” Those “golden pearls,” or life lessons, aided them to get past the traumatic events in their lives and to move on. The self-help book that they wrote, detailing what those 13 golden pearls are, is full of revelations that the authors hope will inspire readers of the book. The negative things that everybody experiences in their lives, to one extent or the other, do not have to define who we are as people.
I really liked it that Dr. Allen Lycka and Harriet Tinka opened up in The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life and revealed the nature of the traumatic experiences they went through. Dr. Lycka was diagnosed as having Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) and he was told he only had six months to live. Harriet Tinka was a fashion model and a Woman of Distinction who lived through the terror of being kidnapped by someone she knew, stabbed by the man, and left for dead. Dr. Lycka and Harriet Tinka could have let these things embitter them and alter the course of their lives and careers for the worse. Instead, they moved on, grew, and didn’t let the negative things they went through define them.
What are the 13 golden pearls that the authors discovered and relate to their readers in The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life? Being an author myself, I don’t want to reveal too many “spoilers.” I’d rather that potential readers of the book get the pleasure of checking out what the pearls are on their own, by reading Dr. Lycka and Harriet Tinka’s book. They reveal what the pearls are in a captivating and entertaining manner by both telling stories from their own lives and also by utilizing a myriad of quotes from famous authors like Ralph Waldo Emerson and celebrities like Sir Paul McCartney, Christopher Reeve, and Bruce Lee.
I will mention a couple of the pearls that I loved reading about the most, though, and those are the importance of forgiveness and laughter. I will talk more about a few of the other pearls with Dr. Lycka and Harriet Tinka in an interview that they graciously agreed to do with me, which can be read elsewhere at this same site.
The ability to forgive somebody who has hurt and wronged you can be very difficult to do, but doing so is an important step if one wants to live what the authors refer to as “a fantastic life.” The authors write about this in the book’s seventh chapter, “Forgiveness.” They relate a story called “My Uncle” told by a contributor to the book, Lauren Magliaro. Lauren begins the chapter by telling about the reconciliation that took place between her uncle and her father, when her father was in the hospital due to suffering a brain aneurysm. Her uncle was there with Lauren and the rest of her family there at the hospital by their side, supporting them and his brother during a time Harriet describes as “the hardest days of our lives.”
After Lauren’s dad recovered, whatever the rift was between him and his brother was like a “slate – wiped clean.” From then on, both sides of Lauren’s family were back together, and she writes that “Family gatherings no longer had a dividing line.” Forgiveness is definitely a very powerful pearl we should all treasure in our hearts. Indeed, Lauren describes forgiveness as being “the essence of love.”
Laughter is such an important part of our lives that it has been sometimes called “the best medicine.” In the eleventh chapter of The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life, aptly titled “Laughter,” Dr. Lycka begins the chapter writing about a run-in he had with an obstinate camel he was trying to ride in Egypt. The camel driver, playing a joke on Dr. Lycka, tells him the camel he’s picked out is his “gentlest” one, but the stubborn animal refuses to obey the camel driver’s commands and cajoling.
The camel repeatedly attempts to throw Dr. Lycka, who by now regrets his decision to try riding the animal, off his back. It is only after the ordeal is over, and the camel driver buys a Coke for Dr. Lycka, that the author can see the humor in the situation and have a laugh about it. Both authors relate various ways that laughter, including being able to laugh at oneself, is important. Dr. Lycka writes that: “Laughter, especially at oneself, tempers ego, interrupts narcissism and improves your happiness in the moment.” It is one of the thirteen pearls the two authors write about that can really make a big difference in our lives, make the problems and worries we all have seem a bit less significant, and help people achieve a “fantastic life.”
The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life is a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It is a valuable sand appealing self-help book that will have readers engrossed and entertained while also informing and teaching them about the thirteen secrets, or “pearls,” that authors Dr. Allen Lycka and Harriet Tinka discovered. The knowledge about these pearls might not make us have fantastic lives overnight, but when put into practice on a daily basis, the nuggets of wisdom that the authors write about will definitely improve readers’ overall outlooks on life and will put them on the road to becoming better versions of themselves. This is a book I highly recommend you check out and add to your reading lists!
June 27, 2020
Barry Allen Steven Lycka and Harriet Tinka teach us how to have confidence and be stress free. This book is an excellent guide on how we can achieve our goals and be happy even after experiencing troubled times. This book helps us understand that we are the result of all our experiences, and everything happens for a reason. However, that does not mean that we cannot change.
The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life: Two Survivors Reveal the 13 Golden Pearls They've Discovered contains several autobiographic stories that can help us to be positive, creative, passionate, and ultimately conquer happiness. I recommend this book as it is inspiring and well written. You can expect thorough explanations that aim to help the reader to solve his daily issues. I enjoyed how the author keeps encouraging us to move on and be positive. Negative words attract negativity, so let us cut those words form our vocabulary! It is breath of fresh air!
Give it a try, I am sure you will love it!
«The simplest way to increase your love – give without thinking about getting.»
The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life: Two Survivors Reveal the 13 Golden Pearls They've Discovered contains several autobiographic stories that can help us to be positive, creative, passionate, and ultimately conquer happiness. I recommend this book as it is inspiring and well written. You can expect thorough explanations that aim to help the reader to solve his daily issues. I enjoyed how the author keeps encouraging us to move on and be positive. Negative words attract negativity, so let us cut those words form our vocabulary! It is breath of fresh air!
Give it a try, I am sure you will love it!
«The simplest way to increase your love – give without thinking about getting.»
July 1, 2020
A Fantastic Life Awaits You
Two individuals living a fantastic life are dealt with unexpected difficult curve balls but decided to bat them away instead of taking the hit and being flattened six feet under. Life is sweet and can be sweeter.
“The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life: Two Survivors Reveal the 13 Golden Pearls They've Discovered” by Dr. Allen Lycka and Harriet Tinka straddles the authors’ unfortunate life circumstances. One was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease – no it’s not the Big C – and the other was physically attacked and left to die by love, which makes the book even more intriguing. The book contains 13 chapters. A few of the chapters are titled; “Love” “Inspiration”, “Vulnerability”, “Purpose” and my favorite “Fear”.
The stories provide hope, not only for those enduring pain due to a personal tragic situation but also for persons grieving the loss of a loved one can find secrets to moving on. The stages of grief are laid out with instructions to turn pain into power. That challenging one’s circumstance can lead to a sense of fulfillment beyond expectations.
What I also like, the book is an easy read. It can be finished within 2 hours. Some parts read like a memoir. The stories are silky told. Plus, the inspiration from page to page makes you want to get to the back cover quickly.
The authors boldly state that if these traits are applied in one’s life within 30 days the reader’s life will be transformed. Do you want to live a fantastic life? Then you must get the secret principles.
Spare yourself a moping party and read, “The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life: Two Survivors Reveal the 13 Golden Pearls They've Discovered” and your life may never be the same.
Two individuals living a fantastic life are dealt with unexpected difficult curve balls but decided to bat them away instead of taking the hit and being flattened six feet under. Life is sweet and can be sweeter.
“The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life: Two Survivors Reveal the 13 Golden Pearls They've Discovered” by Dr. Allen Lycka and Harriet Tinka straddles the authors’ unfortunate life circumstances. One was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease – no it’s not the Big C – and the other was physically attacked and left to die by love, which makes the book even more intriguing. The book contains 13 chapters. A few of the chapters are titled; “Love” “Inspiration”, “Vulnerability”, “Purpose” and my favorite “Fear”.
The stories provide hope, not only for those enduring pain due to a personal tragic situation but also for persons grieving the loss of a loved one can find secrets to moving on. The stages of grief are laid out with instructions to turn pain into power. That challenging one’s circumstance can lead to a sense of fulfillment beyond expectations.
What I also like, the book is an easy read. It can be finished within 2 hours. Some parts read like a memoir. The stories are silky told. Plus, the inspiration from page to page makes you want to get to the back cover quickly.
The authors boldly state that if these traits are applied in one’s life within 30 days the reader’s life will be transformed. Do you want to live a fantastic life? Then you must get the secret principles.
Spare yourself a moping party and read, “The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life: Two Survivors Reveal the 13 Golden Pearls They've Discovered” and your life may never be the same.
August 18, 2020
There are many motivational books out there but what I liked most about this one was the stories that were told to emphasize a certain idea and the interplay between the authors discussing each pearl throughout the book. It was like a conversation between friends and made the book relatable.
Both of the authors went through a traumatic event in their lives that caused them to take a step back and reevaluate their lives. They identified 13 pearls of wisdom and motivation. They call these Golden Pearls because golden pearls are the most valuable and are rare. These traits for motivation are not rare, but sometimes could be hard to see depending on events surrounding a person. The pearls they outline are: Love, Inspiration, Victory, Vulnerability, Intention (purpose), Non-negotiables, Forgiveness, Attitude, Thankfulness, Tenacity, Laughter, Enthusiasm, and Empowerment.
I found little nuggets I could take away from each chapter which also affected my thought process in different areas. Here are a few quotes that I found inspiring.
"A life without inspiration cannot be lived."
"Victim consciousness robs us of our creative ability."
"Empathy levels in Canada and the U.S., in my opinion, have declined sharply over the past 40 years, with the steepest fall occurring in the past decade." (I totally agree with this statement)
"Winners don't use excuses, they find solutions."
"Vulnerability allows us to struggle. Struggles build our strengths if we allow them and work through them."
If you are looking for a book to help you reshape your life and inspire you to become a better person, you should pick up this book. It might change your life.
We give this 4 paws up.
Both of the authors went through a traumatic event in their lives that caused them to take a step back and reevaluate their lives. They identified 13 pearls of wisdom and motivation. They call these Golden Pearls because golden pearls are the most valuable and are rare. These traits for motivation are not rare, but sometimes could be hard to see depending on events surrounding a person. The pearls they outline are: Love, Inspiration, Victory, Vulnerability, Intention (purpose), Non-negotiables, Forgiveness, Attitude, Thankfulness, Tenacity, Laughter, Enthusiasm, and Empowerment.
I found little nuggets I could take away from each chapter which also affected my thought process in different areas. Here are a few quotes that I found inspiring.
"A life without inspiration cannot be lived."
"Victim consciousness robs us of our creative ability."
"Empathy levels in Canada and the U.S., in my opinion, have declined sharply over the past 40 years, with the steepest fall occurring in the past decade." (I totally agree with this statement)
"Winners don't use excuses, they find solutions."
"Vulnerability allows us to struggle. Struggles build our strengths if we allow them and work through them."
If you are looking for a book to help you reshape your life and inspire you to become a better person, you should pick up this book. It might change your life.
We give this 4 paws up.
July 7, 2020
This is a self-help book that feels real. The authors, Dr. Allen Lycka, and Harriet Tinka, have been through some things. Their honesty and transparency exceeds a lot of self-help book authors’ attempts at authenticity. Dr. Lycka was misdiagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), and searched until he realized what his affliction truly was. More than a dozen years after a diagnosis of death in six months, he’s still around. Tinka, a former NYC runway model who appeared in Vogue, was brutally kidnapped, attacked, and left for dead. Now she competes in ultramarathons. These two are honest about their experiences, one supposedly facing imminent death, the other nearly instant death. It was interesting reading.
They list a number of what they call “Golden Pearls” to turn a life around. Those are, love, inspiration, victory, vulnerability, intention (purpose), non-negotiables, forgiveness, attitude, thankfulness, tenacity, laughter, enthusiasm, and empowerment. The two talk about each pearl in a conversational way. The authors also avoid bashing their readers over the head with “you’re a loser,” which I find in a lot of self-help books. It’s like telling a fat person they’re fat. People who read self-help books want to improve, and it’s humiliating to be told of one’s failings. They know. They just want to get better. No need to remind them how pathetic they are.
Each Golden Pearl has its own page number and section. That’s helpful, because if you are struggling with any one aspect in particular (vulnerability, thankfulness, forgiveness, attitude) you can go right to that section. However, even though I am not a fan of self-help books, I really enjoyed reading this one for the casual, humorous approach the authors took. Their personal experiences, which are told in detail, let the reader know that they are not just talking from a “pick yourself up, you loser” point of view. No, these two have suffered, and they seem like they genuinely want to help others.
This passage, early in the book, stood out:
The solution is surprisingly simple. It’s to adopt a new mindset: “It’s not what happens
to you; it’s what you do with what hap¬pens.” Taking on this mindset may be challenging
at first, but once you do, life will be enormously different. Everything will change – for
the better. Epictetus, an ancient Greek, realized this about 2,000 years ago. (Lycka and
(Tinka 9).
And it’s something I’ve thought about. How is it that Oprah Winfrey, who had a terrible childhood, and Madonna, who was raped shortly after moving to New York City, rose to such levels of success, even though they suffered terrifying experiences, while others who have experienced the same things, are spiritually broken, living less-than-amazing lives? What is it about these two women that made them queens of the entertainment industry despite being women, one of whom was a woman of color from a poor family? Well, I think maybe Epictetus, whom I’ve never heard of, had the answer. As someone who struggles with the past, I’m hoping I can overcome it.
The authors’ stories are told in detail right up front, which I appreciate. It lends credibility to the book. So many other self-help books tend to gloss over the author’s personal tale of trouble. So much so, it’s more like an afterthought. These stories have a “you are there” quality to them. Because they are so detailed and honest, it works. I was ready to read about these two and how they dealt with these situations.
Turns out golden pearls do exist in nature. They are rare. But as anyone knows, pearls are created because a foreign body enters an oyster, irritates it, then starts forming a pearl around the irritant. The authors point out what a great metaphor pearls are. For something so beautiful to be created, the oyster has to suffer first.
Throughout the book, before each “golden pearl” are stories that illustrate each chapter topic. Sometimes they are funny, but some are heartbreaking. You’ll learn a little bit about the Greeks and the different classifications they had for different types of love. That’s another thing I loved about this book. There were some great facts here, along with several quotes from successful people. Most self-help books I have read don’t try and educate you, and I find that a shame. They have you rely on actions and assumptions that will supposedly get you what you want. It seems like magic to me, and if you don’t get what you want, you just weren’t manifesting hard enough. This book avoids such magical thinking.
There is a list of hundreds of quotes from famous successful people at the end of the book, and I think these alone are worth the price. The authors plan to write books on a frequent basis, and also want to hear from their readers. They genuinely want to read your stories, and there is contact information to get in touch.
This was a self-help book well worth the read. I’m not a fan of self-help books, but I enjoyed this, and that’s saying something.
They list a number of what they call “Golden Pearls” to turn a life around. Those are, love, inspiration, victory, vulnerability, intention (purpose), non-negotiables, forgiveness, attitude, thankfulness, tenacity, laughter, enthusiasm, and empowerment. The two talk about each pearl in a conversational way. The authors also avoid bashing their readers over the head with “you’re a loser,” which I find in a lot of self-help books. It’s like telling a fat person they’re fat. People who read self-help books want to improve, and it’s humiliating to be told of one’s failings. They know. They just want to get better. No need to remind them how pathetic they are.
Each Golden Pearl has its own page number and section. That’s helpful, because if you are struggling with any one aspect in particular (vulnerability, thankfulness, forgiveness, attitude) you can go right to that section. However, even though I am not a fan of self-help books, I really enjoyed reading this one for the casual, humorous approach the authors took. Their personal experiences, which are told in detail, let the reader know that they are not just talking from a “pick yourself up, you loser” point of view. No, these two have suffered, and they seem like they genuinely want to help others.
This passage, early in the book, stood out:
The solution is surprisingly simple. It’s to adopt a new mindset: “It’s not what happens
to you; it’s what you do with what hap¬pens.” Taking on this mindset may be challenging
at first, but once you do, life will be enormously different. Everything will change – for
the better. Epictetus, an ancient Greek, realized this about 2,000 years ago. (Lycka and
(Tinka 9).
And it’s something I’ve thought about. How is it that Oprah Winfrey, who had a terrible childhood, and Madonna, who was raped shortly after moving to New York City, rose to such levels of success, even though they suffered terrifying experiences, while others who have experienced the same things, are spiritually broken, living less-than-amazing lives? What is it about these two women that made them queens of the entertainment industry despite being women, one of whom was a woman of color from a poor family? Well, I think maybe Epictetus, whom I’ve never heard of, had the answer. As someone who struggles with the past, I’m hoping I can overcome it.
The authors’ stories are told in detail right up front, which I appreciate. It lends credibility to the book. So many other self-help books tend to gloss over the author’s personal tale of trouble. So much so, it’s more like an afterthought. These stories have a “you are there” quality to them. Because they are so detailed and honest, it works. I was ready to read about these two and how they dealt with these situations.
Turns out golden pearls do exist in nature. They are rare. But as anyone knows, pearls are created because a foreign body enters an oyster, irritates it, then starts forming a pearl around the irritant. The authors point out what a great metaphor pearls are. For something so beautiful to be created, the oyster has to suffer first.
Throughout the book, before each “golden pearl” are stories that illustrate each chapter topic. Sometimes they are funny, but some are heartbreaking. You’ll learn a little bit about the Greeks and the different classifications they had for different types of love. That’s another thing I loved about this book. There were some great facts here, along with several quotes from successful people. Most self-help books I have read don’t try and educate you, and I find that a shame. They have you rely on actions and assumptions that will supposedly get you what you want. It seems like magic to me, and if you don’t get what you want, you just weren’t manifesting hard enough. This book avoids such magical thinking.
There is a list of hundreds of quotes from famous successful people at the end of the book, and I think these alone are worth the price. The authors plan to write books on a frequent basis, and also want to hear from their readers. They genuinely want to read your stories, and there is contact information to get in touch.
This was a self-help book well worth the read. I’m not a fan of self-help books, but I enjoyed this, and that’s saying something.
January 16, 2021
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
The thirteen golden pearls referenced in the subtitle to the book are great. They are stories with a moral, and I had read most of them in various forms over the years. But that did not stop them from being worthwhile, interesting and delicious food for thought.
Also in the book, as a secondary treat for the reader, are many quotes from various sources, some of which most will be familiar with, and some not so. Some of the celebrities I like, and some not so much. But again food for thought.
The book seemed to have a lot of potential, and the format of the two authors - back and forth in discussion -was a good one. But for some reason, I thought it fell short. The back and forth discussions 'jumped the track' and lost me more than once. That would have been my criticism and others may not agree with me.
The thirteen golden pearls referenced in the subtitle to the book are great. They are stories with a moral, and I had read most of them in various forms over the years. But that did not stop them from being worthwhile, interesting and delicious food for thought.
Also in the book, as a secondary treat for the reader, are many quotes from various sources, some of which most will be familiar with, and some not so. Some of the celebrities I like, and some not so much. But again food for thought.
The book seemed to have a lot of potential, and the format of the two authors - back and forth in discussion -was a good one. But for some reason, I thought it fell short. The back and forth discussions 'jumped the track' and lost me more than once. That would have been my criticism and others may not agree with me.
July 3, 2020
Dr. Allen Lyca and Harriet Tinka are survivors of very adverse situations, together they have written “The secrets of living a Fantastic life”, this book narrated as a conversation between two good friends, contains very insightful and worth reading information about an interesting outlook on life.
They definitely have a special viewpoint when it comes to a philosophy on how to approach life. Reading about what they have been though and knowing they overcame that made me realize that they really know some secrets to live a fulfilling life style. What they present as the 13 golden pears really makes sense and resonate with other theories that are proven to work.
I enjoyed the reading and learned a lot. What I like the most about it is that it invites the reader to self-reflection.
They definitely have a special viewpoint when it comes to a philosophy on how to approach life. Reading about what they have been though and knowing they overcame that made me realize that they really know some secrets to live a fulfilling life style. What they present as the 13 golden pears really makes sense and resonate with other theories that are proven to work.
I enjoyed the reading and learned a lot. What I like the most about it is that it invites the reader to self-reflection.
July 9, 2020
Simple & light read. The banter between authors was entertaining. This should be an audiobook or podcast for sure!!
July 6, 2020
The story is extremely motivating and inspiring.
It also features a lot of quotes about life that bring back the excitement and the will to live.
It also features a lot of quotes about life that bring back the excitement and the will to live.
July 7, 2020
This is a self-help book that feels real. The authors, Dr. Allen Lycka, and Harriet Tinka, have been through some things. Their honesty and transparency exceeds a lot of self-help book authors’ attempts at authenticity. Dr. Lycka was misdiagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), and searched until he realized what his affliction truly was. More than a dozen years after a diagnosis of death in six months, he’s still around. Tinka, a former NYC runway model who appeared in Vogue, was brutally kidnapped, attacked, and left for dead. Now she competes in ultramarathons. These two are honest about their experiences, one supposedly facing imminent death, the other nearly instant death. It was interesting reading.
They list a number of what they call “Golden Pearls” to turn a life around. Those are, love, inspiration, victory, vulnerability, intention (purpose), non-negotiables, forgiveness, attitude, thankfulness, tenacity, laughter, enthusiasm, and empowerment. The two talk about each pearl in a conversational way. The authors also avoid bashing their readers over the head with “you’re a loser,” which I find in a lot of self-help books. It’s like telling a fat person they’re fat. People who read self-help books want to improve, and it’s humiliating to be told of one’s failings. They know. They just want to get better. No need to remind them how pathetic they are.
Each Golden Pearl has its own page number and section. That’s helpful, because if you are struggling with any one aspect in particular (vulnerability, thankfulness, forgiveness, attitude) you can go right to that section. However, even though I am not a fan of self-help books, I really enjoyed reading this one for the casual, humorous approach the authors took. Their personal experiences, which are told in detail, let the reader know that they are not just talking from a “pick yourself up, you loser” point of view. No, these two have suffered, and they seem like they genuinely want to help others.
This passage, early in the book, stood out:
The solution is surprisingly simple. It’s to adopt a new mindset: “It’s not what happens
to you; it’s what you do with what hap¬pens.” Taking on this mindset may be challenging
at first, but once you do, life will be enormously different. Everything will change – for
the better. Epictetus, an ancient Greek, realized this about 2,000 years ago. (Lycka and
(Tinka 9).
And it’s something I’ve thought about. How is it that Oprah Winfrey, who had a terrible childhood, and Madonna, who was raped shortly after moving to New York City, rose to such levels of success, even though they suffered terrifying experiences, while others who have experienced the same things, are spiritually broken, living less-than-amazing lives? What is it about these two women that made them queens of the entertainment industry despite being women, one of whom was a woman of color from a poor family? Well, I think maybe Epictetus, whom I’ve never heard of, had the answer. As someone who struggles with the past, I’m hoping I can overcome it.
The authors’ stories are told in detail right up front, which I appreciate. It lends credibility to the book. So many other self-help books tend to gloss over the author’s personal tale of trouble. So much so, it’s more like an afterthought. These stories have a “you are there” quality to them. Because they are so detailed and honest, it works. I was ready to read about these two and how they dealt with these situations.
Turns out golden pearls do exist in nature. They are rare. But as anyone knows, pearls are created because a foreign body enters an oyster, irritates it, then starts forming a pearl around the irritant. The authors point out what a great metaphor pearls are. For something so beautiful to be created, the oyster has to suffer first.
Throughout the book, before each “golden pearl” are stories that illustrate each chapter topic. Sometimes they are funny, but some are heartbreaking. You’ll learn a little bit about the Greeks and the different classifications they had for different types of love. That’s another thing I loved about this book. There were some great facts here, along with several quotes from successful people. Most self-help books I have read don’t try and educate you, and I find that a shame. They have you rely on actions and assumptions that will supposedly get you what you want. It seems like magic to me, and if you don’t get what you want, you just weren’t manifesting hard enough. This book avoids such magical thinking.
There is a list of hundreds of quotes from famous successful people at the end of the book, and I think these alone are worth the price. The authors plan to write books on a frequent basis, and also want to hear from their readers. They genuinely want to read your stories, and there is contact information to get in touch.
This was a self-help book well worth the read. I’m not a fan of self-help books, but I enjoyed this, and that’s saying something.
They list a number of what they call “Golden Pearls” to turn a life around. Those are, love, inspiration, victory, vulnerability, intention (purpose), non-negotiables, forgiveness, attitude, thankfulness, tenacity, laughter, enthusiasm, and empowerment. The two talk about each pearl in a conversational way. The authors also avoid bashing their readers over the head with “you’re a loser,” which I find in a lot of self-help books. It’s like telling a fat person they’re fat. People who read self-help books want to improve, and it’s humiliating to be told of one’s failings. They know. They just want to get better. No need to remind them how pathetic they are.
Each Golden Pearl has its own page number and section. That’s helpful, because if you are struggling with any one aspect in particular (vulnerability, thankfulness, forgiveness, attitude) you can go right to that section. However, even though I am not a fan of self-help books, I really enjoyed reading this one for the casual, humorous approach the authors took. Their personal experiences, which are told in detail, let the reader know that they are not just talking from a “pick yourself up, you loser” point of view. No, these two have suffered, and they seem like they genuinely want to help others.
This passage, early in the book, stood out:
The solution is surprisingly simple. It’s to adopt a new mindset: “It’s not what happens
to you; it’s what you do with what hap¬pens.” Taking on this mindset may be challenging
at first, but once you do, life will be enormously different. Everything will change – for
the better. Epictetus, an ancient Greek, realized this about 2,000 years ago. (Lycka and
(Tinka 9).
And it’s something I’ve thought about. How is it that Oprah Winfrey, who had a terrible childhood, and Madonna, who was raped shortly after moving to New York City, rose to such levels of success, even though they suffered terrifying experiences, while others who have experienced the same things, are spiritually broken, living less-than-amazing lives? What is it about these two women that made them queens of the entertainment industry despite being women, one of whom was a woman of color from a poor family? Well, I think maybe Epictetus, whom I’ve never heard of, had the answer. As someone who struggles with the past, I’m hoping I can overcome it.
The authors’ stories are told in detail right up front, which I appreciate. It lends credibility to the book. So many other self-help books tend to gloss over the author’s personal tale of trouble. So much so, it’s more like an afterthought. These stories have a “you are there” quality to them. Because they are so detailed and honest, it works. I was ready to read about these two and how they dealt with these situations.
Turns out golden pearls do exist in nature. They are rare. But as anyone knows, pearls are created because a foreign body enters an oyster, irritates it, then starts forming a pearl around the irritant. The authors point out what a great metaphor pearls are. For something so beautiful to be created, the oyster has to suffer first.
Throughout the book, before each “golden pearl” are stories that illustrate each chapter topic. Sometimes they are funny, but some are heartbreaking. You’ll learn a little bit about the Greeks and the different classifications they had for different types of love. That’s another thing I loved about this book. There were some great facts here, along with several quotes from successful people. Most self-help books I have read don’t try and educate you, and I find that a shame. They have you rely on actions and assumptions that will supposedly get you what you want. It seems like magic to me, and if you don’t get what you want, you just weren’t manifesting hard enough. This book avoids such magical thinking.
There is a list of hundreds of quotes from famous successful people at the end of the book, and I think these alone are worth the price. The authors plan to write books on a frequent basis, and also want to hear from their readers. They genuinely want to read your stories, and there is contact information to get in touch.
This was a self-help book well worth the read. I’m not a fan of self-help books, but I enjoyed this, and that’s saying something.
July 14, 2020
Dr. Allen Lycka and Harriet Tinka both survived harrowing, life-changing experiences. Then, they got together to write this book. This book has 13 Golden Pearls, which are meant to help the reader live a happier, fuller life. There is an inspirational story after each Pearl is introduced, which is interesting and often insightful.
Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life is written as a dialogue between the two authors. Unfortunately, it’s written almost entirely without inflection and involves some dry humor. This makes the entire book feel very flat and monotone, with occasional long speeches by each author.
This book also seems very dismissive of mental illness. Dr. Lycka describes a woman as having “become” schizophrenic, and Harriet describes the symptoms of a panic disorder, while claiming that it is not a mental illness. They also talk about changing your thinking and avoiding depression by having the right attitude. Not all mental illness is avoidable, and some people do need outside help to change their lives.
Overall, this book has a few good stories and interesting quotes, but the format chosen made it a tough read. I’m hoping their next books have more input from other people and we get to hear a few more stories.
[Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for a review.]
Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life is written as a dialogue between the two authors. Unfortunately, it’s written almost entirely without inflection and involves some dry humor. This makes the entire book feel very flat and monotone, with occasional long speeches by each author.
This book also seems very dismissive of mental illness. Dr. Lycka describes a woman as having “become” schizophrenic, and Harriet describes the symptoms of a panic disorder, while claiming that it is not a mental illness. They also talk about changing your thinking and avoiding depression by having the right attitude. Not all mental illness is avoidable, and some people do need outside help to change their lives.
Overall, this book has a few good stories and interesting quotes, but the format chosen made it a tough read. I’m hoping their next books have more input from other people and we get to hear a few more stories.
[Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for a review.]
November 28, 2020
Each "Golden Pearl" starts off with an applicable story that relates to it. Then Dr. Lycka and Harriet share more story or how to relate to the topic. Each pearl really offers up a lot of good insight and really makes you reflect on how that specific pearl can be used to better your own life. I really took that many of these pearls can have an impact on life by just looking at the world with a slightly different lens.
The Thankfulness pearl really spoke to me since we are in the holiday season during a difficult time. The story about Harriet telling the girls that had insecurities about how their legs looked to think about what it would be like if they didn't have any really made me think about being grateful and having a positive perspective on life. She did a great job relating the story to the optimistic little girl that had been in a accident and was in a wheelchair and how the little girl changed her outlook in life.
The following empowerment quote really stuck with me and really summed up the entire book for me: "Live a life that makes you happy and don't die with your canvas half empty."
The Thankfulness pearl really spoke to me since we are in the holiday season during a difficult time. The story about Harriet telling the girls that had insecurities about how their legs looked to think about what it would be like if they didn't have any really made me think about being grateful and having a positive perspective on life. She did a great job relating the story to the optimistic little girl that had been in a accident and was in a wheelchair and how the little girl changed her outlook in life.
The following empowerment quote really stuck with me and really summed up the entire book for me: "Live a life that makes you happy and don't die with your canvas half empty."
November 30, 2020
I received a free book from a goodreads giveaway! I enjoy non fiction and self help books. This was one of the best books I have read this year!
It is an easy to read book. I finished the book in less than 2 days. It is a book I will keep. I will reread it when I need it. I may use it at work with my patients.
The authors of the book are such remarkable people. They encountered huge tragedies. However, their positive attitude comes through the written pages. They use their lives to empower others. You can feel their friendship on the pages.
This is a self help book that is real and not preachy. It talks about panic attacks. It talks about fear and hardships. It talks about covid 19. It has real antidotes about pain and small successes.
The book gas a Facebook page. It wants to hear from the reader. You can feel them cheering you on from your own life. It is truly a book about encouraging and empowering the reader.
It is an easy to read book. I finished the book in less than 2 days. It is a book I will keep. I will reread it when I need it. I may use it at work with my patients.
The authors of the book are such remarkable people. They encountered huge tragedies. However, their positive attitude comes through the written pages. They use their lives to empower others. You can feel their friendship on the pages.
This is a self help book that is real and not preachy. It talks about panic attacks. It talks about fear and hardships. It talks about covid 19. It has real antidotes about pain and small successes.
The book gas a Facebook page. It wants to hear from the reader. You can feel them cheering you on from your own life. It is truly a book about encouraging and empowering the reader.
May 8, 2023
Fun and Profound
The golden pearls resonate with me in so many ways. I love how each chapter's topic is presented with quotes, details, then followed with a real discussion between the two of them.
Inspiring topics and discussions ultimately revolve around the fact that it's not what happens to us, but how we deal with it that defines us and controls our life. The horrible experiences Harriet and Dr. Lycka experienced that motivated them to write this set the perfect stage for us to consider the impact of the issues they discuss throughout the book.
If you want to enjoy an incredible life, reading this book and applying many of the suggestions can provide encouragement and models for the best life we can have. I highly recommend this book!
The golden pearls resonate with me in so many ways. I love how each chapter's topic is presented with quotes, details, then followed with a real discussion between the two of them.
Inspiring topics and discussions ultimately revolve around the fact that it's not what happens to us, but how we deal with it that defines us and controls our life. The horrible experiences Harriet and Dr. Lycka experienced that motivated them to write this set the perfect stage for us to consider the impact of the issues they discuss throughout the book.
If you want to enjoy an incredible life, reading this book and applying many of the suggestions can provide encouragement and models for the best life we can have. I highly recommend this book!
August 25, 2020
My biggest plus other than the messages it contains is that this book read like an interesting story instead of a boring textbook. It certainly wasn't like alot of self help books I have read. It was upbeat and helpful taking us thru the 13 pearls set by the authors after each experienced trying times within their own lives. It was a quick read, can practically be read in one sitting and although alot of what was mentioned maybe things we've already known of, it's the presentation and delivery from the authors that gives what they are saying a better meaning or perhaps a new way of exploring it.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review!
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review!
December 4, 2020
This was quite the read. Two people, one a Dr. diagnosed with ALS and given limited amount of time to live, the other a former NY Fashion model, whom endured much during her time there, but then kidnapped stabbed and left for dead. They could have easily rolled over and said, This is my lot in life but no they were both fighters and they share a little of what they went through in their 13 Golden pearls, survival tips. The banter is fun but also enlightening and you will not be the same after you read this book. Pick it up and see what you learn about life, and how and what you can apply to change yours right now.
December 30, 2020
I was excited to receive this book. Who doesn't want to know how to live a fantastic life? I applaud the courage of the writers to forge ahead when life threw a curve ball to each. The pearls of wisdom that were presented are definitely worthwhile and will be something I refer back to frequently. I enjoyed the stories told to illustrate each pearl. I did, however, feel that the interview format did not present the narrators as well as it could have. When two or more people are having a conversation, the witty banter is enhanced by their body language and voice inflections. The conversation in this book fell flat, in my opinion. It seemed unpolished and a way to fill up more pages. I found myself reading the pearls and stories and skimming the conversations.
December 10, 2020
I’ve read other self-help with similar concepts, but it’s always nice to receive reinforcements and reminders. What I liked about Lycka and Tinka’s book were all the anecdotes and stories that went along with the lessons and thirteen pearls. Conversational sections show a strong rapport between the two authors. This feel-good book is a quick read. I was fortunate to receive this from a Goodreads giveaway.
August 6, 2020
FANTASTIC is right!
This will be a great book for anyone that needs inspiration to become a more fantastic and stronger you! You can open at any chapter to begin on a stronger you! This book would be wonderful also for small groups or for an organization to provide to those that they are helping. Betareader1@onlinebookclub.org
This will be a great book for anyone that needs inspiration to become a more fantastic and stronger you! You can open at any chapter to begin on a stronger you! This book would be wonderful also for small groups or for an organization to provide to those that they are helping. Betareader1@onlinebookclub.org
October 20, 2020
Adversity
There are so many people out there that have far more problems than I do I just don't think my problems are relevant , I don't have the self esteem to follow my dreams because my dreams always get shot down.
There are so many people out there that have far more problems than I do I just don't think my problems are relevant , I don't have the self esteem to follow my dreams because my dreams always get shot down.
November 27, 2020
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway, which in no way influences my review.
The “13 Golden Pearls” themselves are worthy. However other than the stories surrounding them at the start of each chapter most of the writing comes across disjointed and repetitive.
The “13 Golden Pearls” themselves are worthy. However other than the stories surrounding them at the start of each chapter most of the writing comes across disjointed and repetitive.
June 26, 2023
Positivity for all
Very positive book for two survivors that have found meaning even when the world seems dark. These wisdoms, pearls, are what they have learned is important in life and how to appreciate life as a whole. It is a novel of resilience and positivity.
Very positive book for two survivors that have found meaning even when the world seems dark. These wisdoms, pearls, are what they have learned is important in life and how to appreciate life as a whole. It is a novel of resilience and positivity.
November 18, 2020
What a great book to read. Job well done.
November 27, 2020
This is a great read for anyone. During these times we could al use a pick me up.
January 11, 2021
review to come
June 3, 2021
Far too dry and I could not take any of this seriously it didn’t feel to me like I could live a wonderful life after reading this book. It left me with an awful lot more questions.
November 24, 2022
a simple reference for a beautiful life
I love the simplicity yet profundity of these 13 life changing pearls that we’ve all probably heard of, yet this book shows you how to use them.
I highly recommend this book
I love the simplicity yet profundity of these 13 life changing pearls that we’ve all probably heard of, yet this book shows you how to use them.
I highly recommend this book
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