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The international supermodel shares personal stories and lessons learned from a life of "living dangerously--carefully".
Maye Musk is a fashionable, charming, jet-setting supermodel with a fascinating and tight-knit circle of family and friends--and is 71 years old. But things were not always so easy or glamorous--she became a single mom at 31, struggling through poverty to provide for her three children; dealt with weight issues as a plus-size model and overcame ageism in the modeling industry; and established a lifelong career as a respected dietitian, all the while starting over in eight different cities across three countries and two continents. But she made her way through it all with an indomitable spirit and a no-nonsense attitude to become a global success at what she calls the "prime of her life."
As everyone who follows her obsessively on social media knows, Maye is a fount of frank and practical advice on how the choices you make in every decade can pay off in surprising, exciting ways throughout your life. In A Woman Makes a Plan, Maye shares experiences from her life conveying hard-earned wisdom on career (the harder you work, the luckier you get), family (let the people you love go their own way), health (there is no magic pill), and adventure (make room for discovery, but always be ready for anything). You can't control all that happens in life, but you can have the life you want at any age. All you have to do is make a plan.
Maye Musk is a fashionable, charming, jet-setting supermodel with a fascinating and tight-knit circle of family and friends--and is 71 years old. But things were not always so easy or glamorous--she became a single mom at 31, struggling through poverty to provide for her three children; dealt with weight issues as a plus-size model and overcame ageism in the modeling industry; and established a lifelong career as a respected dietitian, all the while starting over in eight different cities across three countries and two continents. But she made her way through it all with an indomitable spirit and a no-nonsense attitude to become a global success at what she calls the "prime of her life."
As everyone who follows her obsessively on social media knows, Maye is a fount of frank and practical advice on how the choices you make in every decade can pay off in surprising, exciting ways throughout your life. In A Woman Makes a Plan, Maye shares experiences from her life conveying hard-earned wisdom on career (the harder you work, the luckier you get), family (let the people you love go their own way), health (there is no magic pill), and adventure (make room for discovery, but always be ready for anything). You can't control all that happens in life, but you can have the life you want at any age. All you have to do is make a plan.
288 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 707 reviews
February 5, 2020
Maye Musk is the quintessential "beauty and brains" - graceful fashion model, and dietitian with multiple university degrees (in multiple languages!). Part life advice book, part autobiography, Maye derives succinct and practical advice from her lifetime of supremely incredible as well as unfortunate experiences.
The book begins with some introduction to her current-day modeling career, perspectives on aging, and some solid advice, before ascending into the jaw-dropping story of her extremely adventurous upbringing. Her parents were remarkable and resourceful individuals, flying their family across the globe in a single-prop plane, and driving adventures across the vast Sahara desert, complete with near-misses with exotic and dangerous wildlife. The ingenuity and radical self-reliance of her father ensured any mechanical issues that might arise would be handled, and her mother a well-prepared planner and caretaker. An astonishing life - until the darker part of the story unfolds.
Coming down from the rush of the adventure and her magnificent parents, the tone becomes harrowing, as she recounts her suffering from a most horrid, abusive, absolutely terrible and cruel man, but tells it in an elegantly detached manner. Fortunately, the story continues onward in a positive trajectory, and her resolve and tenacity as a single mother of three is immensely admirable, as she continually rebuilds her life from scratch with each move - noting the importance of always making a plan.
She describes her approach to parenting, instilling autonomy and allowing them to pursue their own interests, no doubt paramount to the subsequent successes of Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca. Health and diet advice sections close up the book where we then arrive at current times, in which Maye is a glamorous, elegant, confident, and inspiring woman, still modeling at age 71 and fabulous as ever.
There are many great quotes, or mantras for some, to be noted - "live dangerously, carefully," "the harder you work, the luckier you get," and my personal favourite - "be fascinating - it is better to be interesting than to be beautiful."
Overall, it's very interesting read of a most unique and courageous woman.
The book begins with some introduction to her current-day modeling career, perspectives on aging, and some solid advice, before ascending into the jaw-dropping story of her extremely adventurous upbringing. Her parents were remarkable and resourceful individuals, flying their family across the globe in a single-prop plane, and driving adventures across the vast Sahara desert, complete with near-misses with exotic and dangerous wildlife. The ingenuity and radical self-reliance of her father ensured any mechanical issues that might arise would be handled, and her mother a well-prepared planner and caretaker. An astonishing life - until the darker part of the story unfolds.
Coming down from the rush of the adventure and her magnificent parents, the tone becomes harrowing, as she recounts her suffering from a most horrid, abusive, absolutely terrible and cruel man, but tells it in an elegantly detached manner. Fortunately, the story continues onward in a positive trajectory, and her resolve and tenacity as a single mother of three is immensely admirable, as she continually rebuilds her life from scratch with each move - noting the importance of always making a plan.
She describes her approach to parenting, instilling autonomy and allowing them to pursue their own interests, no doubt paramount to the subsequent successes of Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca. Health and diet advice sections close up the book where we then arrive at current times, in which Maye is a glamorous, elegant, confident, and inspiring woman, still modeling at age 71 and fabulous as ever.
There are many great quotes, or mantras for some, to be noted - "live dangerously, carefully," "the harder you work, the luckier you get," and my personal favourite - "be fascinating - it is better to be interesting than to be beautiful."
Overall, it's very interesting read of a most unique and courageous woman.
January 3, 2020
A great woman and a great mother. Reading the book is like talking to this graceful lady. I’m not so impressed by the advices she’s given as you might have heard of it for so many times elsewhere, but her own warm and touching stories make the advices much more convincing. I’m impressed more by her way of education, being supportive and being a role model. Honest, warm and kind is what I’ve been feeling throughout the book.
November 6, 2022
Before reading this, I didn’t know much about Maye Musk, other than her being Elon’s mum, and the fact that she looks stunning.
Here she is with her three children in 1976 in Pretoria, South Africa
I didn’t know that she’s also a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with two Masters of Science degrees. Most important to me, she’s positive, down-to-earth, and such fun, the sort of person that I wish I knew personally. Maye has had an incredible life, and she shares some great lessons. This book is going to stay in my heart.
I love this video of her.
Here are some of my favorite tips and quotes:
American English vs. British English – this one made me laugh, since I experienced the same sort of stuff when I first moved to the U.S.
“At the first rehearsal I went to in Toronto, I was the mother of the bride. The producer said, ‘Why are you wearing sandals? You need fall hose and pumps.’ I didn’t know what she was saying. I said, ‘I’m not a fireman. What are hose? What are pumps?’ Of course, hose are stockings, and pumps are high-heeled shoes. How would I know that? Those are the kinds of things you learn when you move to new countries.”
Bad Situation
“If it’s not going to change, get out of it as soon as you can, even if you end up having nothing afterward or thinking you’ll have nothing afterward. Or be financially strapped afterward.”
Common-Sense Diet Advice – she gives more details, which I’m not including here
“People talk a lot these days about superfoods. Meanwhile, they’re terrified of bread. They’re scared of milk. They’re concerned about being short on protein. Everybody wants protein powder, protein supplements, high-protein bars. Why, I don’t know. As a dietitian in private practice for forty-five years, no one’s ever been short on protein. But nobody wants to hear common sense. They want a magic pill instead. I am often glad I stopped counseling five years ago, now that modeling and speaking engagements have taken over, because fad diets have overtaken any voice of reason. I am now paid to tell audiences to follow science and common sense. It’s about time.”
“When I tell them that over my counseling career, no one gained weight on whole wheat bread, they agree that makes sense. But they don’t eat whole wheat bread. They would rather have a bagel and croissant. These people don’t eat high-fiber foods, so that’s all they need to change. Choose high-fiber cereals, bread, brown rice, beans, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. I know most people don’t eat any beans, and very few eat enough fruits and vegetables. You would think it’s common sense, and it is. When a diet says you should have bacon as a snack instead of fruit, somewhere in your mind you must say: that’s not a good idea. But instead you say: yum, I can eat bacon.
If you follow a healthy diet and replace your favorite foods with high-fiber, nutritious foods while also avoiding processed foods, high-fat foods, and alcohol, you can enjoy your food without going to extremes. And as a bonus, you’ll also avoid being an absolute pain at a party or dinner.”
Common-Sense Relationship Advice
“My mom used to say, ‘If you are unhappier when he is with you than when you are alone, get out of the relationship. If you are happier when he’s with you than when he’s not with you, then you stay in the relationship.’”
Dating
“I give a lot of advice, but I don’t give dating advice. I have been very successful in my life, except when falling in love. I’ve dated a lot, and I’ve liked some men quite a bit, but I haven’t met anyone I wanted to live with for the rest of my life.
Sometimes I say that my dating advice is: don’t take advice from me! But my love advice is that you can be happy in love, or you can be happy on your own. If you cannot find the right person for you, find love with family, friends, and work.”
Don’t Wallow, Smile
“I learned that you should never wallow in disappointment. If you are disappointed, go in a different direction. If you were dumped or didn’t get that job, forget about it and keep going. If you’re rejected for a home mortgage, keep working to improve your credit rating. All that has happened to me over and over. I haven’t been successful in marriage and relationships. I’ve been rejected from numerous jobs over and over. My life has derailed to such an extent that I actually moved cities and countries. In relationships, I would be dumped by a guy and be sad for six months, then three months, then three weeks, then three days. I wish I hadn’t wallowed so much in the beginning. Wallowing makes you unattractive and annoying and will keep people away from you. When my nutrition clients would come in with a sad face, I would tell them to walk upright and smile. I wouldn’t allow them to make my day miserable. They would laugh, and thank me for that advice. When I desperately needed extra income from modeling and would be rejected from a job that I thought I nearly had, it would make me scared. Now I’m used to it. And will even say that now I have extra time for my dog. He’s always happy when I’m around. The great thing about aging is that when you have a disappointment, you’ve already been through that. You recover much quicker. My advice to you is to stay as positive as you can. Time heals. Try to recover from disappointment quicker than I did. And maybe get a dog.”
Fad Diets
“People want hope. Fad diets give you hope and sometimes give you rapid weight loss due to extreme restrictions and lower calorie intake, so they will always be popular.”
Half an Hour – Happy Times
“I needed to figure out what to do next—a new plan. Planning felt impossible until one of my friends came to my rescue. Her advice was simple. She told me to spend half an hour every day remembering happy times and suggested that it would help me decide what to do next.”
Having a Plan
“Having a plan does not mean that things will go right. It means that if things go wrong, you will make another plan.”
“I remember meeting someone who had just been fired. I asked her where she was going to find another job. She said she had put it out to the universe to provide. I said sending out a résumé could be better. If you send out twenty résumés and don’t get a job, welcome to my world.”
How to Be
“My advice is to be kind to others, listen to others, and be upbeat. Don’t start talking about your miserable life. Show confidence, respect, interest in others, and smile; that will make you fascinating.”
Priorities
“There are very many things a person can be. I’d rather my gravestone read ‘She was funny’ than ‘She was beautiful.’”
Some People
“My siblings and I joke that it wasn’t until we left home that we learned how awful people can be!
I trusted that everybody had goodness in them. Consequently, I suffered.”
Style
“You don’t have to be stylish to dress well. You just need a stylish friend.”
Here she is with her three children in 1976 in Pretoria, South Africa
I didn’t know that she’s also a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with two Masters of Science degrees. Most important to me, she’s positive, down-to-earth, and such fun, the sort of person that I wish I knew personally. Maye has had an incredible life, and she shares some great lessons. This book is going to stay in my heart.
I love this video of her.
Here are some of my favorite tips and quotes:
American English vs. British English – this one made me laugh, since I experienced the same sort of stuff when I first moved to the U.S.
“At the first rehearsal I went to in Toronto, I was the mother of the bride. The producer said, ‘Why are you wearing sandals? You need fall hose and pumps.’ I didn’t know what she was saying. I said, ‘I’m not a fireman. What are hose? What are pumps?’ Of course, hose are stockings, and pumps are high-heeled shoes. How would I know that? Those are the kinds of things you learn when you move to new countries.”
Bad Situation
“If it’s not going to change, get out of it as soon as you can, even if you end up having nothing afterward or thinking you’ll have nothing afterward. Or be financially strapped afterward.”
Common-Sense Diet Advice – she gives more details, which I’m not including here
“People talk a lot these days about superfoods. Meanwhile, they’re terrified of bread. They’re scared of milk. They’re concerned about being short on protein. Everybody wants protein powder, protein supplements, high-protein bars. Why, I don’t know. As a dietitian in private practice for forty-five years, no one’s ever been short on protein. But nobody wants to hear common sense. They want a magic pill instead. I am often glad I stopped counseling five years ago, now that modeling and speaking engagements have taken over, because fad diets have overtaken any voice of reason. I am now paid to tell audiences to follow science and common sense. It’s about time.”
“When I tell them that over my counseling career, no one gained weight on whole wheat bread, they agree that makes sense. But they don’t eat whole wheat bread. They would rather have a bagel and croissant. These people don’t eat high-fiber foods, so that’s all they need to change. Choose high-fiber cereals, bread, brown rice, beans, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. I know most people don’t eat any beans, and very few eat enough fruits and vegetables. You would think it’s common sense, and it is. When a diet says you should have bacon as a snack instead of fruit, somewhere in your mind you must say: that’s not a good idea. But instead you say: yum, I can eat bacon.
If you follow a healthy diet and replace your favorite foods with high-fiber, nutritious foods while also avoiding processed foods, high-fat foods, and alcohol, you can enjoy your food without going to extremes. And as a bonus, you’ll also avoid being an absolute pain at a party or dinner.”
Common-Sense Relationship Advice
“My mom used to say, ‘If you are unhappier when he is with you than when you are alone, get out of the relationship. If you are happier when he’s with you than when he’s not with you, then you stay in the relationship.’”
Dating
“I give a lot of advice, but I don’t give dating advice. I have been very successful in my life, except when falling in love. I’ve dated a lot, and I’ve liked some men quite a bit, but I haven’t met anyone I wanted to live with for the rest of my life.
Sometimes I say that my dating advice is: don’t take advice from me! But my love advice is that you can be happy in love, or you can be happy on your own. If you cannot find the right person for you, find love with family, friends, and work.”
Don’t Wallow, Smile
“I learned that you should never wallow in disappointment. If you are disappointed, go in a different direction. If you were dumped or didn’t get that job, forget about it and keep going. If you’re rejected for a home mortgage, keep working to improve your credit rating. All that has happened to me over and over. I haven’t been successful in marriage and relationships. I’ve been rejected from numerous jobs over and over. My life has derailed to such an extent that I actually moved cities and countries. In relationships, I would be dumped by a guy and be sad for six months, then three months, then three weeks, then three days. I wish I hadn’t wallowed so much in the beginning. Wallowing makes you unattractive and annoying and will keep people away from you. When my nutrition clients would come in with a sad face, I would tell them to walk upright and smile. I wouldn’t allow them to make my day miserable. They would laugh, and thank me for that advice. When I desperately needed extra income from modeling and would be rejected from a job that I thought I nearly had, it would make me scared. Now I’m used to it. And will even say that now I have extra time for my dog. He’s always happy when I’m around. The great thing about aging is that when you have a disappointment, you’ve already been through that. You recover much quicker. My advice to you is to stay as positive as you can. Time heals. Try to recover from disappointment quicker than I did. And maybe get a dog.”
Fad Diets
“People want hope. Fad diets give you hope and sometimes give you rapid weight loss due to extreme restrictions and lower calorie intake, so they will always be popular.”
Half an Hour – Happy Times
“I needed to figure out what to do next—a new plan. Planning felt impossible until one of my friends came to my rescue. Her advice was simple. She told me to spend half an hour every day remembering happy times and suggested that it would help me decide what to do next.”
Having a Plan
“Having a plan does not mean that things will go right. It means that if things go wrong, you will make another plan.”
“I remember meeting someone who had just been fired. I asked her where she was going to find another job. She said she had put it out to the universe to provide. I said sending out a résumé could be better. If you send out twenty résumés and don’t get a job, welcome to my world.”
How to Be
“My advice is to be kind to others, listen to others, and be upbeat. Don’t start talking about your miserable life. Show confidence, respect, interest in others, and smile; that will make you fascinating.”
Priorities
“There are very many things a person can be. I’d rather my gravestone read ‘She was funny’ than ‘She was beautiful.’”
Some People
“My siblings and I joke that it wasn’t until we left home that we learned how awful people can be!
I trusted that everybody had goodness in them. Consequently, I suffered.”
Style
“You don’t have to be stylish to dress well. You just need a stylish friend.”
March 10, 2020
A fascinating book by the well-known mother of Elon Musk, who is famous in her own right through her career as a nutritionist and model, in which she is the current face of Cover-Girl.
Her advice and life lessons are imparted as if she were talking to you face to face. Her parents were intelligent, adventurous and resourceful. This was passed on to their children, and she worked to make sure her children, Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca, were independent and resourceful, as well. The intelligence/genius is inherent in this family.
Her advice is great for anyone at any age and I enjoyed the background of this famous and successful family.
Her advice and life lessons are imparted as if she were talking to you face to face. Her parents were intelligent, adventurous and resourceful. This was passed on to their children, and she worked to make sure her children, Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca, were independent and resourceful, as well. The intelligence/genius is inherent in this family.
Her advice is great for anyone at any age and I enjoyed the background of this famous and successful family.
June 25, 2020
Good autobiography/life advice ;)
Topics are Beauty, health, diet, ageing, modelling career, independence, confident, family, and parenting
The first quarter of the book surprised me because it was mostly about her modelling career. I would have thought it better to discuss family first as one of her mothers best moto's were 'family first.' And also having it first because most people will probably read her book because of the success of Elon Musk and how well known he is. But in a way - good for her for not letting others put her in a shadow or a second thought.
Embrace your beautiful white/silver hair! When she embraced her silver hair is when her modelling career really took off.
Her approach to parenting is instilling autonomy. Giving her children free rein to do what they want and only disciplining on crucial matters.
She had a very abusive relationship with Elon's father, and got pregnant with Elon at the honeymoon. The husband would hit her and verbally abuse her but she was too scared too leave. He threatened her parents and family and she didn't want anyone to get hurt. Once her children were in danger of this awful man she divorced and got a restraining order against him and never looked back. Mind you she's never really found 'the one' that she wants to spend the rest of her life with or even just to live with. She gets her fulfillment from her dog, her children, family, and friends, she doesn't need a man. She's very independent.
The family traveled a lot in the early years and were very frugal. Still maintained a healthy diet though with home cooking vegetables and beans.
I find it pretty ironic how she was a successful dietitian while she was obese (200lb+) lol Maye must be a great sales lady to sell that one! haha
I agree with Maye that not eating for a 12hr period is good, although she didn't want to call it "intermittent fasting" that's what she does. She stops eating at 7pm and eats breakfast the next day at 7am. I also agree with her in moderation - you can splurge a little on a treat you really like but make it once and a while and special. Then on a daily basis watch your portions and eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc. She also talked about something that I've always felt that no one really has discussed - the sugary jitters you get after having one trigger food that sends you down a spiral of uncontrollable eating lol Like for example I have a bite of a cupcake and then it's so good I have to maintain my taste bud jitters by having 3 more of them. Hence over indulging and gluttony. If I knew that cupcakes were my trigger I wouldn't even have one bite knowing that I would eat 3 more uncontrollably afterwards. It's about knowing yourself and managing portion control. I can have a bite of dark chocolate and be fine and not any more. But if I have a spoonful of McDonalds McFlurry then I'm going to eat the whole thing. Everyone's different.
This is going to sound a bit harsh but she's not as intellectual as I would have thought knowing Elon Musk lol But she is a very beautiful independent woman!
Topics are Beauty, health, diet, ageing, modelling career, independence, confident, family, and parenting
The first quarter of the book surprised me because it was mostly about her modelling career. I would have thought it better to discuss family first as one of her mothers best moto's were 'family first.' And also having it first because most people will probably read her book because of the success of Elon Musk and how well known he is. But in a way - good for her for not letting others put her in a shadow or a second thought.
Embrace your beautiful white/silver hair! When she embraced her silver hair is when her modelling career really took off.
Her approach to parenting is instilling autonomy. Giving her children free rein to do what they want and only disciplining on crucial matters.
She had a very abusive relationship with Elon's father, and got pregnant with Elon at the honeymoon. The husband would hit her and verbally abuse her but she was too scared too leave. He threatened her parents and family and she didn't want anyone to get hurt. Once her children were in danger of this awful man she divorced and got a restraining order against him and never looked back. Mind you she's never really found 'the one' that she wants to spend the rest of her life with or even just to live with. She gets her fulfillment from her dog, her children, family, and friends, she doesn't need a man. She's very independent.
The family traveled a lot in the early years and were very frugal. Still maintained a healthy diet though with home cooking vegetables and beans.
I find it pretty ironic how she was a successful dietitian while she was obese (200lb+) lol Maye must be a great sales lady to sell that one! haha
I agree with Maye that not eating for a 12hr period is good, although she didn't want to call it "intermittent fasting" that's what she does. She stops eating at 7pm and eats breakfast the next day at 7am. I also agree with her in moderation - you can splurge a little on a treat you really like but make it once and a while and special. Then on a daily basis watch your portions and eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc. She also talked about something that I've always felt that no one really has discussed - the sugary jitters you get after having one trigger food that sends you down a spiral of uncontrollable eating lol Like for example I have a bite of a cupcake and then it's so good I have to maintain my taste bud jitters by having 3 more of them. Hence over indulging and gluttony. If I knew that cupcakes were my trigger I wouldn't even have one bite knowing that I would eat 3 more uncontrollably afterwards. It's about knowing yourself and managing portion control. I can have a bite of dark chocolate and be fine and not any more. But if I have a spoonful of McDonalds McFlurry then I'm going to eat the whole thing. Everyone's different.
This is going to sound a bit harsh but she's not as intellectual as I would have thought knowing Elon Musk lol But she is a very beautiful independent woman!
January 10, 2020
So...I like this woman. Didn't even realize she is the mother of Tesla's Elon Musk. Was simply looking for a shorter read that I could tackle in snippets as a break for the fiction reading project currently engaged in.
It's a nice read with brief chapters that are aimed at getting women to take care of themselves and survive the odds. In summary, it's about being okay with how you look in your senior years, seeking adventure, a few bits of advice on relating to adult children, advancing one's career at any age, and taking responsibility for your own health. All good stuff told in short messages.
That said, there is not anything exactly original here, except for Maye herself. She shares her not so glamorous modeling career, failed marriage with a physically abusive husband, three pregnancies in three years, multiple masters degrees, relocation to different countries and urban cities, and her ability to reinvent herself over and over again. At 70+, she is spunky!
So, don't rely on a man, deal with your health issues, and create your own life satisfaction.
It's a nice read with brief chapters that are aimed at getting women to take care of themselves and survive the odds. In summary, it's about being okay with how you look in your senior years, seeking adventure, a few bits of advice on relating to adult children, advancing one's career at any age, and taking responsibility for your own health. All good stuff told in short messages.
That said, there is not anything exactly original here, except for Maye herself. She shares her not so glamorous modeling career, failed marriage with a physically abusive husband, three pregnancies in three years, multiple masters degrees, relocation to different countries and urban cities, and her ability to reinvent herself over and over again. At 70+, she is spunky!
So, don't rely on a man, deal with your health issues, and create your own life satisfaction.
October 30, 2020
Я люблю жіночі мемуари і особистість Мей Маск мене завжди захоплювала. Проте ця книга трохи не виправдала сподівань.
Життя і досвід авторки доволі нетривіальні, і я впевнена, що багато жінок, можливо, знайдуть тут підтримку та натхнення до роботи, виховання дітей та подолання труднощів, але мені книга здалась аж надто банальною (і за змістом і за формою написання).
Але зрештою, якщо є настрій на light read та історію про self-made woman, то чому б і ні :)
Життя і досвід авторки доволі нетривіальні, і я впевнена, що багато жінок, можливо, знайдуть тут підтримку та натхнення до роботи, виховання дітей та подолання труднощів, але мені книга здалась аж надто банальною (і за змістом і за формою написання).
Але зрештою, якщо є настрій на light read та історію про self-made woman, то чому б і ні :)
January 30, 2020
Mostly a light read with inspiring tugs on my heart. Maye is brief yet potent in revealing personal struggles, and how she saved her own life.
Maye Musk is a down to earth single working mother who plainly tells her hard knocks story. Maye was raised by globally adventurous parents who expected her & siblings to be responsible and independent at a very early age.
Maye single parented with love and a passion for continuous improvement. Today, Maye Musk’s children are living proof of her example: you are the master of your own thoughts and your destiny.
Maye’s three grown children have unfurled their own courageous lives by publicly inviting us to adventure with them at: Tesla & SpaceX, PassionFlix, The Kitchen & Big Green.
It was no small feat that Maye Musk raised three responsible independent children while earning advanced college degrees in Nutritional Sciences, and while working as a fashion model to help pay for college and later working in the nutrition field.
I salute Maye Musk for sharing her personal story of steering through the ups and downs of single parenting. I thank her for her years of dedication to nurture kind independent thinking responsible children who’ve become adventurously productive adults making big contributions in our daily lives.
It’s a good takeaway: to respect children’s interests and allow them enough freedom and responsibility to make their own decisions in life. Yes, even by age 12.
Maye Musk is a down to earth single working mother who plainly tells her hard knocks story. Maye was raised by globally adventurous parents who expected her & siblings to be responsible and independent at a very early age.
Maye single parented with love and a passion for continuous improvement. Today, Maye Musk’s children are living proof of her example: you are the master of your own thoughts and your destiny.
Maye’s three grown children have unfurled their own courageous lives by publicly inviting us to adventure with them at: Tesla & SpaceX, PassionFlix, The Kitchen & Big Green.
It was no small feat that Maye Musk raised three responsible independent children while earning advanced college degrees in Nutritional Sciences, and while working as a fashion model to help pay for college and later working in the nutrition field.
I salute Maye Musk for sharing her personal story of steering through the ups and downs of single parenting. I thank her for her years of dedication to nurture kind independent thinking responsible children who’ve become adventurously productive adults making big contributions in our daily lives.
It’s a good takeaway: to respect children’s interests and allow them enough freedom and responsibility to make their own decisions in life. Yes, even by age 12.
April 19, 2020
I had mixed feeling about this book. I picked it up without realizing who the author was (although it became apparent shortly). I felt like this book didn't really know what it was trying to do. On one hand, it's set up like a self-help book with suggestions and advice. On the other hand, the bulk of the book is more of a memoir. The split in focus leaves both halves unsatisfying. Yes, her life seems to have been adventurous and interesting. Yet, just as she's telling a good story she switches into life advice. Sometimes it works, but other times it was frustrating. Like, enough about make-up, go back to the hyena story! Yes, yes, I know. She's a model and people do ask her about make-up etc. I understand why it's there. It just felt like her life story could be an excellent biography, but this isn't that book. It was an okay read for what it was. It's just a little haunted by the better book it could have been.
2.5 stars.
2.5 stars.
March 5, 2020
I don't get the hype.
May 12, 2020
Fascinating life story but not well written.
January 4, 2021
Badly written, lack of consistency, and shallow.. No point whatsoever, and she comes across as very self obsessed.
February 18, 2020
First, I had no clue who Maye Musk was – I know of Elon of course, but didn’t know that his Mom is famous as well. In any case, I saw this book got really good reviews and was kind of curious to learn more about Maye.
If you’re looking for really good writing, this book will probably disappoint you – Maye is a dietician and model and the writing style is very simple and straightforward. But, the reason why I’m giving this book 4 stars is that it was a short/quick read, fascinating, and I loved Maye’s personality and outlook on life. None of the tips/pieces of advice are earth shattering, but they’re good reminders and are also proven to be important, based on how her life ended up. Sometimes, I’m skeptical of the advice from celebrities because so many of them seem to have come from a family of wealth or a well-known/famous parent, which definitely seems to have helped pave the way for their career. I’m not underestimating that success takes hard work, talent, etc. as well, but the wealth/who you know is often a big part, yet minimized when people re-tell their stories. In this case, I erroneously assumed that Maye came from wealth but that’s actually quite the opposite. Her childhood was really modest and she struggled financially for much of her life (well into her 40’s).
What I enjoyed most about this book were her stories (she’s lived in 8 cities as an adult and 3 different countries and has had an atypical life/career path). It was also interesting to read about her parents’ parenting style and how that impacted her in terms of her independence and sense of responsibility at a young age (and then later impacted how she parented her own children). She’s also flourishing in her 70’s and seems to be happier than ever (contrary to what society tells us about aging). I won’t give away anything else, but let me know what you think if you read this! 😊
If you’re looking for really good writing, this book will probably disappoint you – Maye is a dietician and model and the writing style is very simple and straightforward. But, the reason why I’m giving this book 4 stars is that it was a short/quick read, fascinating, and I loved Maye’s personality and outlook on life. None of the tips/pieces of advice are earth shattering, but they’re good reminders and are also proven to be important, based on how her life ended up. Sometimes, I’m skeptical of the advice from celebrities because so many of them seem to have come from a family of wealth or a well-known/famous parent, which definitely seems to have helped pave the way for their career. I’m not underestimating that success takes hard work, talent, etc. as well, but the wealth/who you know is often a big part, yet minimized when people re-tell their stories. In this case, I erroneously assumed that Maye came from wealth but that’s actually quite the opposite. Her childhood was really modest and she struggled financially for much of her life (well into her 40’s).
What I enjoyed most about this book were her stories (she’s lived in 8 cities as an adult and 3 different countries and has had an atypical life/career path). It was also interesting to read about her parents’ parenting style and how that impacted her in terms of her independence and sense of responsibility at a young age (and then later impacted how she parented her own children). She’s also flourishing in her 70’s and seems to be happier than ever (contrary to what society tells us about aging). I won’t give away anything else, but let me know what you think if you read this! 😊
January 7, 2020
My first non-fiction of the year complete and it was wonderful! Maye Musk shares her courageous and inspiring story with humor, grace and humility. So glad I read this one!
September 13, 2020
Was expecting much more from this book as looking for female role models. Turned out to be very plainly written chronological sequence of life event with “captain obvious” style life advice.
April 28, 2022
Как искате да се развива животът ви? Аз вече имам план – ще се обградя с позитивни хора, ще се храня здравословно и ще превърна трудностите във възможности. Защото смятам да послушам съветите на Мей Мъск за живот, изпълнен с приключения, красота и успехи от вдъхновяващата й книга, превърнала се в световен бестселър - „Жената, която има план”.
Мей Мъск е един от най-търсените световни модели и се радва на голямо семейство и на много приятели. На 74 години. Казва, че днес животът й е много по-вълнуващ от всякога.
Тя става модел на 15-годишна възраст в Южна Африка, но дефилира за първи път на седмицата на модата в Ню Йорк, когато е на 67 години. След две години е избрана за рекламно лице на козметичен гигант. Снима се и в клип на Бионсе.
Израства с баща – авантюрист, който преминава хиляди километри със семейството си в пустинята, за да търси изгубения град в Калахари.Това калява характера й. Така че когато се омъжва млада, ражда 3 деца и живее 10 години сред тормоз, намира сили да започне всичко отначало. Дори и това да означава, че трябва да се грижи сама за три невръстни деца. И да ги направи преуспели – едното е визионерът Илон Мъск, един от най-дръзките новатори и предприемачи в света.
Мей получава образование и работи като диетолог, но това не й пречи да прекали с храната, заради емоционални проблеми, да прехвърли 90 килограма и после да възстанови нормално тегло.
Всички тези моменти, както и други радости и изпитания Мей Мъск описва увлекателно в книгата си. Споделя още мъдростта и опита, натрупани през годините. Вдъхновява ни да не се страхуваме от промените в живота си, за да го правим по-пълноценен и интересен.
„Изненадите в живота дебнат зад всеки ъгъл. Те са свързани с грижите, които полагаме за себе си, за децата си и за приятелите си, както и с търсенето на възможности да изглеждаме и да се чувстваме прекрасно, да изградим успешна кариера и да живеем вълнуващо и няма как всичко да бъде обмислено наведнъж. Но най-важното е да планираме първата крачка, за да продължим напред.
Ако човек е настроен оптимистично, ако си състави план и поеме свързаните с изпълнението му рискове, дори и пътуването до Марс изглежда възможно.”
Мей Мъск е един от най-търсените световни модели и се радва на голямо семейство и на много приятели. На 74 години. Казва, че днес животът й е много по-вълнуващ от всякога.
Тя става модел на 15-годишна възраст в Южна Африка, но дефилира за първи път на седмицата на модата в Ню Йорк, когато е на 67 години. След две години е избрана за рекламно лице на козметичен гигант. Снима се и в клип на Бионсе.
Израства с баща – авантюрист, който преминава хиляди километри със семейството си в пустинята, за да търси изгубения град в Калахари.Това калява характера й. Така че когато се омъжва млада, ражда 3 деца и живее 10 години сред тормоз, намира сили да започне всичко отначало. Дори и това да означава, че трябва да се грижи сама за три невръстни деца. И да ги направи преуспели – едното е визионерът Илон Мъск, един от най-дръзките новатори и предприемачи в света.
Мей получава образование и работи като диетолог, но това не й пречи да прекали с храната, заради емоционални проблеми, да прехвърли 90 килограма и после да възстанови нормално тегло.
Всички тези моменти, както и други радости и изпитания Мей Мъск описва увлекателно в книгата си. Споделя още мъдростта и опита, натрупани през годините. Вдъхновява ни да не се страхуваме от промените в живота си, за да го правим по-пълноценен и интересен.
„Изненадите в живота дебнат зад всеки ъгъл. Те са свързани с грижите, които полагаме за себе си, за децата си и за приятелите си, както и с търсенето на възможности да изглеждаме и да се чувстваме прекрасно, да изградим успешна кариера и да живеем вълнуващо и няма как всичко да бъде обмислено наведнъж. Но най-важното е да планираме първата крачка, за да продължим напред.
Ако човек е настроен оптимистично, ако си състави план и поеме свързаните с изпълнението му рискове, дори и пътуването до Марс изглежда възможно.”
April 2, 2020
After completing this book, I concluded that I found it refreshing in a form, by this I mean, that her story in my own opinion is very humble, honest and down to earth, not affraid to talk about the low points, and what she did to progress through these trying times in order to make her life better, with many stories that you read over the years, most just concentrate on the good points, but her story is about both the good (ups) and bad (downs). The story does inspire in sections, the book is worth reading and may help some people through the bad times in their own life. Well written, the story structure is good, and flows at a good pace throughout, no editorial issues, normal book cover for this type of book. A decent book to read.
January 12, 2022
Čakala som viac. Zjavne nesmierne zaujímavý životný príbeh Maye Musk, o ktorej som veľa netušila okrem toho, že je modelkou a mamou Elona Muska, no za mňa povrchne podaný, s veľa “vatou” v podobe klišé ako “nevzdávaj to” a “buď k ľuďom milá”. Za mňa premárnená biografia, ktorá pri Maye-inom životnom príbehu mohla byť omnoho plnšia a inšpiratívnejšia. Ale oceňujem odkaz svetu, že starší ľudia nepatria na okraj spoločnosti a, že život sa nekončí po 50tke a my všetci by sme si to mali viac uvedomovať.
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September 22, 2021Українське видання має деякі недоліки перекладу. Сподіваюсь, у наступних тиражах помилки виправлять.
Загалом книга легка, на один вечір до кави, з гумором, тут про все по трохи.
Загалом книга легка, на один вечір до кави, з гумором, тут про все по трохи.
December 21, 2024
This was an amazing life story filled with adventure, adversity and accomplishment. I really enjoyed this audio book narrated by Maye herself. Highly recommended
February 11, 2022
Citești cartea și cu fiecare pagină citită îți crește admirația față de această doamnă.
Povestește despre copilăria ei, mariajul ei ratat și despre cariera ei de fotomodel și dietetician.
Fă-ți planul sau organizează-ți ziua din timp te scapă de multe situații neprevăzute și nereușite. Ce ține de mâncare, e cam același principiu, nu ține în casă ceea ce te face să mănânci necontrolat, deși, pentru mine, meniul despre care a pomenit ea în carte e foarte sărac în calorii, dar dacă vrei să fii fotomodel și la 71 de ani, probabil ea știe mai bine ce are de făcut 🙂
Sfaturile pe care le dă ea la fiecare sfârșit de capitol sunt principiile ei de viață și pe care le respectă cu sfințenie.
Unele momente din viața ei au fost devastatoarea, dar niciodată nu a lăsat mâinile în jos. Hotărâtă, deșteaptă și pozitivă. Povestea ei inspiră, să o citiți și voi.
Povestește despre copilăria ei, mariajul ei ratat și despre cariera ei de fotomodel și dietetician.
Fă-ți planul sau organizează-ți ziua din timp te scapă de multe situații neprevăzute și nereușite. Ce ține de mâncare, e cam același principiu, nu ține în casă ceea ce te face să mănânci necontrolat, deși, pentru mine, meniul despre care a pomenit ea în carte e foarte sărac în calorii, dar dacă vrei să fii fotomodel și la 71 de ani, probabil ea știe mai bine ce are de făcut 🙂
Sfaturile pe care le dă ea la fiecare sfârșit de capitol sunt principiile ei de viață și pe care le respectă cu sfințenie.
Unele momente din viața ei au fost devastatoarea, dar niciodată nu a lăsat mâinile în jos. Hotărâtă, deșteaptă și pozitivă. Povestea ei inspiră, să o citiți și voi.
August 22, 2020
I'm sorry, but I just couldn't get into this book at all. I stopped listening to it and I'm not sure how far in I was.
I found her childhood and life fascinating and perhaps if the book had just been that, I would have enjoyed it more.
It was the parts where she gave advice that really ruined the book for me. The advice is super simplistic. I can't even remember any of it because it was so basic, but it was things like - smile when you enter a room. If you don't like clothes shopping, take someone with you who does.
Again, I hate to abandon a book and if she had spent more time on her life stories and less on advice, I think it would have been a much better book.
I found her childhood and life fascinating and perhaps if the book had just been that, I would have enjoyed it more.
It was the parts where she gave advice that really ruined the book for me. The advice is super simplistic. I can't even remember any of it because it was so basic, but it was things like - smile when you enter a room. If you don't like clothes shopping, take someone with you who does.
Again, I hate to abandon a book and if she had spent more time on her life stories and less on advice, I think it would have been a much better book.
November 2, 2020
Жизнеутверждающая книга, хоть и весьма сумбурная, от матери Илона Маска. Жизнь у Масков была не сахар, это стало понятно. Также понятно откуда такой заряд трудолюбия и рабочей этики. Сложности в личных отношениях тоже корнями похоже от семьи. Хорошая идея - каждый занимается чем хочет, все можно начать с начала
February 23, 2020
(3.5) I had NO idea how layered Maye Musk’s story was before starting this book. She uses the stories of her life - from her childhood in South Africa to her modeling career in her 70s - to teach readers lessons about love, life, & womanhood.
The writing is simplistic but the messages are wise. It reads as if Musk is seated next to you in a waiting room, letting you in on the pearls of wisdom she’s honoring you with the privilege to share. If quick-reading memoirs with subtle (not preachy) lessons is your bag, do read this.
The writing is simplistic but the messages are wise. It reads as if Musk is seated next to you in a waiting room, letting you in on the pearls of wisdom she’s honoring you with the privilege to share. If quick-reading memoirs with subtle (not preachy) lessons is your bag, do read this.
October 7, 2023
When I started reading the book, I didn't even know that she was Elon Musk's mother. What I liked is the family story behind and how she designed it for the 3 children she has. It was based on trust and independence, on freedom and curiosity. It is good to know what dreams you have and to make plans for them. Old age really seems attractive, if you choose to be happy more often and without making compromises.
January 9, 2022
This was a very shallow memoir paired with extremely shallow advice. She lived a very interesting and intrepid life and I wish she had doubled down on telling her life story but as soon as she would share an anecdote she would shift to telling 'no shit' level advice. For example, she talked about how the father of her children was physically and emotionally abusive. It was horrible and leaving him was very difficult and this could have been very impactful and helpful to other abused women but as soon as she tells a story she pulls back and gives advice along the lines of: if you're unhappy in a relationship leave as soon as you can. It's better to be by yourself than to be unhappy with a partner. Like, really?
You don't need to be stylish, only have a stylish friend to go shopping with.
Being fascinating is better than being beautiful.
Don't eat because of emotions. plan ahead to have healthy snacks.
And on.
Then there's some nutritional advice considering she is a registered dietician with multiple Masters degrees. I agree with her basics that shun fad diets and focus on eating healthy and wholesome foods in reasonable proportions. But some of the other advice feels a little outdated. So I'm not a dietician and most of my info comes from Abbey Sharp on Youtube-- but I don't think it's helpful to suggest having veggie apps and skipping dinner, or to avoid all 'trigger' foods, or to overeat fruits/vegetables to not eat unhealthy foods (eat three apples before having a cookie). All of her nutrition advice focuses solely on weight loss/management not healthy living. She seems caught up on the 'low-fat' trend (low fat cottage cheese, skim milk, etc), which is more processed and often has additives to replace the fat content. She mentions drinking diet soda multiple times.
You don't need to be stylish, only have a stylish friend to go shopping with.
Being fascinating is better than being beautiful.
Don't eat because of emotions. plan ahead to have healthy snacks.
And on.
Then there's some nutritional advice considering she is a registered dietician with multiple Masters degrees. I agree with her basics that shun fad diets and focus on eating healthy and wholesome foods in reasonable proportions. But some of the other advice feels a little outdated. So I'm not a dietician and most of my info comes from Abbey Sharp on Youtube-- but I don't think it's helpful to suggest having veggie apps and skipping dinner, or to avoid all 'trigger' foods, or to overeat fruits/vegetables to not eat unhealthy foods (eat three apples before having a cookie). All of her nutrition advice focuses solely on weight loss/management not healthy living. She seems caught up on the 'low-fat' trend (low fat cottage cheese, skim milk, etc), which is more processed and often has additives to replace the fat content. She mentions drinking diet soda multiple times.
January 10, 2020
"I'm always curious and willing to explore. And I know that I can take a risk as long as I'm, prepared."
"My advice is to be kind to others, listen to others, and be upbeat. ...Show confidence, respect, interest in others and smile; that will make you fascinating."
"Be sure to be good at something you enjoy."
"I met Julia when I was forty-three years old, I had finished my second masters' degree in Toronto..."
"If you are losing confidence, you have to find reason why you are losing confidence."
"If you would like to make changes, you need to say 'Why not?' "
"The harder you work, the luckier you get."
"There is no such thing as a guaranteed yes, but if you don't ask, it's a guaranteed no"
"Follow science and common sense, and enjoy your coffee again."
"My advice is to be kind to others, listen to others, and be upbeat. ...Show confidence, respect, interest in others and smile; that will make you fascinating."
"Be sure to be good at something you enjoy."
"I met Julia when I was forty-three years old, I had finished my second masters' degree in Toronto..."
"If you are losing confidence, you have to find reason why you are losing confidence."
"If you would like to make changes, you need to say 'Why not?' "
"The harder you work, the luckier you get."
"There is no such thing as a guaranteed yes, but if you don't ask, it's a guaranteed no"
"Follow science and common sense, and enjoy your coffee again."
August 18, 2022
I really don’t understand where the hype comes from with this book. I could barely stand to go through several (not all!) chapters and would constantly feel so irritated that i had to skip and try the next chapter to see if the story would get any better. Looks like she’s had an interesting life but boy,the type of “advice” in this book should’ve never been published. Basic is an understatement. This book really served as a punishment reading it!
March 9, 2021
Definitely enjoyed reading this book. It was very present and seemed like Maye is standing in front of me telling all these stories and advices.
Was very interesting to know also details about this fascinating family and turns out that Maye is also a very determined, hard working and strong woman. She is never afraid to start over at any age and this really truly inspired me.
Was very interesting to know also details about this fascinating family and turns out that Maye is also a very determined, hard working and strong woman. She is never afraid to start over at any age and this really truly inspired me.
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