"A JOURNEY OF PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION, BUSINESS SUCCESS & FALLING BACK IN LOVE WITH YOUR VISION"There was a time you thought The Hustle was the answer.... That if you worked hard you would eventually "figure it out".That time has passed. You now desire greater balance, freedom, and peace. You have a huge vision for your business, but don't want it to come at the expense of your health... mental wellbeing... relationships... and Personal Transformation.But can you have both? Is it even possible in this fast-paced world?YES... and it isn't nearly as difficult as you imagine.Beyond The Pale shows you a fable for today's overworked and overwhelmed entrepreneur, influencer, and executive. It follows Ferdinand Foy, a successful Silicon Valley CEO that on the outside seems to have it all.But on the inside is beginning to question everything!... is this really it... is this what I want?Ripped apart by this seemingly common question, Beyond The Pale takes you on a unique and inspiring adventure with Ferdinand, which you will relate to on so many levels if you'*a fast-paced, ambitious individual who's always switched on...*forever comparing yourself to others (and future you)...*struggling to find peace in the moment, always focussed on what comes next...*pursuing real, meaningful, and long-lasting personal transformation...Through Beyond The Pale, you'll finally ask the right questions, inspired to build a life that offers greater balance, peace, wealth, and purpose.Here are just a few topics you'll experience with Ferdinand... Mindset and its relationship with decision-making Finding Flow and living life inside it each day The eye-opening world of Psychedelics in business Building alignment between your Mind + Body + Spirit Overcoming Self-Doubt, Insecurity & Trust (and replacing it with love) Defining Success on your terms and pursuing real personal transformation Beyond The Pale is the first book in a trilogy that explores the relationship between your work & life. Until now, so much of what you've been taught is built on outdated and incomplete beliefs.It's time to step 'Beyond Your Own Pale' and explore what your life could be like with Ferdinand as your trusted (if not imperfect) guide.
Matthew Turner is a British Author who lives in a small town in Yorkshire, England. Having previously published three novels and a non-fiction business book, he wrote Beyond The Pale on the back of interviewing hundreds of successful entrepreneurs, authors, investors, and thought-leaders.
Gaining a unique insight into areas such as mindset, flow, and personal development, and a gaining reputation for crafting compelling stories out of other peoples’ lives, Matthew builds relatable fables for those looking to live a meaningful and purpose-driven life.
As well as writing for himself, Matthew ghostwrites both articles and books for other successful entrepreneurs and thought-leaders, in-between spending time with his two children.
Relatable, encouraging, and well written. Beyond the Pale is a page turner that the average business owner can relate to. The main characters struggles and reservations are our own; while most readers won't own a Billion dollar company the balancing act is the same at all levels.
Readers may be able to relate to Ferdinand and his inner struggles with the daily hustle of life and the desire to find deeper fulfillment. Characters are well-crafted, though Ferdinand may be a difficult character for readers to connect with and like. However, his journey may be relatable to many. Some of the dialogue was repetitive, with little new information provided. There wasn’t as much narrative, as one might expect, and that made it a bit harder to stay connected to paragraph after paragraph of dialogue, at times. The pace seemed a bit slow for this genre. Overall, Ferdinand’s journey may empower readers to evaluate their own life and question what they define as success and fulfillment so that they, too, can make the most of their one life.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
It's been a long time since I've had a book but there was something so honest and so real in this story that resonated deeply with the inner challenges I'm facing that I just couldn't put it down. The way the the characters inner world, his thoughts and feelings, are described, felt like a mirror into my mind. This book is both a story and a reflection of the inner conflicts and questioning that so many of us face but often feel ashamed to admit, share or communicate. And even if none of that appeals to you, or makes sense, it's still a really well written story that's easy and enjoyable to read but has depth to it, if you want it. Definitely a must read for anyone who's ever questioned the way they live or what they want from life.
I was going to rate this 2 stars because the dialogue was very repetitive and didn't seem to speed up or slow down at all throughout the book. It maintained a conversational pace, which would've been fine if the conversations revealed new information, but unfortunately they didn't!
I ended up giving it a 3 star because it made me re-evaluate what success looks like - the purpose of me picking it up in the first place.
It isn't often a self-help book is actually helpful. Self-proclaimed professionals offering sub-sufficient advice hidden by big words and common, safe, relatable small-talk banter wrapped neatly into poetic sentences that ultimately amount to nothing is the selling point of the genre, and that's not a secret anymore. Anybody can write a self-help book if they can convince the reader they know what they're doing any better.
As a rule, I stay far away, so what attracted me to Beyond the Pale? Ultimately this one isn't much different on the surface, but this book was an exception. It tried something new; it's first and foremost a fictional novel with characters, a plot, and a problem that needs resolving. The self-help is woven into the fabric of this story and makes itself front and center, but it's written in a way as to allow the reader to draw comparisons to their own life and apply the messages conveyed. In that respect, seriously awesome. It's something new and different in a stagnant and uninspired genre and that's always a positive.
Perhaps the issue now becomes the story itself. It follows a billionaire who gets tired of being rich and famous, and as hard as I tried to draw parallels to my own life, it's just not really that possible with a main character who already has it all. I didn't feel sympathetic at any point because how could I? Perhaps if it followed a blue collar worker I would've been able to draw comparisons. Even the vast majority of white collar workers aren't world-famous billionaires and I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel bad for him or connect with his feelings.
The book is written well and the self-help is subtle enough as to not compromise the storytelling, but what I took from it in the end is the cliché where just doing drugs and freeing your mind turns out to be the solution. It's a common trope and the life-changing benefits of hallucinogens are heavily exaggerated. It's sort of up in the air about whether it works or not, and that's about the best the book could've done without giving a hard solution to a problem which is entirely individual in nature. My main gripe is despite the characters insisting he wasn't pressured into it, he absolutely was, which is how drugs get involved the majority of the time.
As a fictional novel about a depressed billionaire, it's a good story. As a self-help book, same old. I presume the decision to write this as a fictional tale to disguise the self-help aspect is an indication that the author knew these types of books were divisive and strived for that degree of separation. I applaud the shake-up of the formula, but it has the potential to go even further. There's a real talent in the storytelling presented here, it doesn't need to be anything more complicated than that.
Thanks to Matthew Turner and Morgan James Publishing for a copy in exchange for an honest review, it was very much appreciated.
This book started out really good but then it seemed to take forever to finish. Ferdinand is trying to find himself and what he wants in life and I'm sure it seemed like forever to him to figure it out.
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought: Title: Beyond the Pale: A Fable about Escaping the Hustle and Finding Yourself Author: Matthew Turner
Star Rating: 4 Stars Number of Readers: 15 Stats Editing: 8/10 Writing Style: 6/10 Content: 7/10 Cover: 4/5
Of the 15 readers: 11 would read another book by this author. 12 thought the cover was good or excellent. 15 felt it was easy to follow. 12 would recommend this book to another reader to try. Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’. Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’. Of all the readers, 2 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’. 10 felt the pacing was good or excellent. 11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments “A novel which is not so much a novel but a self-help book promoting a healthy life balance. For the most part, it´s well-written, and there´s plenty here to reflect on.” Male reader, aged 55 “It´s so easy in the fast-paced world of the internet to get caught up in it all and forget what´s important. A novel of this nature helps the reader to ask, “Why am I doing this?” The author works hard to put across his POV and the importance of things such as family.” Female reader, aged 34 “A short read but interesting, nevertheless. A strong, underlying message here which the author is determined to put over. I often wonder if anybody ever reads a book like this and thinks, “Yes, I must change my life.” I sort of doubt it. A person who works that hard never has time to curl up with a book anyway. But possibly I´m being overly cynical. Of course, many people love work and enjoy being totally immersed in it. But, as a self-help book disguised as a novel, the message is well-intended and might help readers to reflect on life balance.” Female reader, aged 60 “Enjoyed this. Made me think which is always a good sign of a good book.” Male reader, aged 29
To Sum It Up: ‘A compelling read with an underlying message of promoting a healthy work balance. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
It's been a long time since a book has stopped me in my tracks like this one has. The book begins with Ferdinand Foy believing he has it all. His goal to join the billionaire's club with his company that he started himself when he was in Stanford is right around the corner. When he goes to a podcast interview and the interviewer Jordan repeatably ask him what he did to get the last eight-five million dollar investment thru, Ferdinand tries to fly thru the interview with his usual fluff. When Jordan throws out the interview...Ferdinand stops and starts to take a look at his life and career.
The story continues with Ferdinand traveling the world searching for answers to questions he had never dared to ask. His search leads him to travel from the US to Spain, England, Cambodia, Bali and South America. Each country leads him to the most interesting people...from authors to spiritual healers.
This book really made me think about my own life and career and what I am searching for. This is truly a special book.
I won this this book from LibraryThing and I would highly recommend this book to everyone! I have a Little Free Library and I look forward to proudly displaying this book for everyone to enjoy!
How many of us feel that we have our lives sorted to only realise one day, how wrong we are? Ferdinand seemed to have it all, his life mapped out in front of him, seemingly with everything that he needed, only to realise how poor he was in so many ways. We may not all have met with the success of Ferdinand, but I suspect most of us can relate to feeling lost and searching for answers as Ferdinand did.
I found the book very relatable and cause for reflection on my own journey. The book is a telling reminder that all is not necessarily as it seems from the outside looking in. We all have to reach within ourselves and find inner peace. Whether you have entrepreneurial aspirations or not, the book has something in it for all of us and is well worth reading. I look forward to reading the next part in Ferdinand's journey!
This book. Wow! Truly one to make you stop in your tracks and think. I felt as though Ferdinand represents all of us. I think Matthew Turner does a fantastic job making it so relatable. I now want everyone I know to read it. It has caused a shift in my thinking and I want it to do the same in others. We are too in the idea of success- and what does it truly mean? I do feel like Ferdinand now with more questions but being ok with those questions. I also am reassured in the fact that fear is something when taking a new challenge or making a change. This has been such an eye opening read for me. I will definitely be following up on the website and on beyond the horizon. Just wow Matthew Turner! 🎉🎉 thanks for creating this work of thought provoking art. 😊
I thought I would just read a little bit at a time, but I inhaled it in two days and took copious notes! Beyond the Pale is like an amazing guide to life, success and happiness written by your favourite guru, only better because it’s written as a novel. This makes the wisdom contained in its pages much more digestible, memorable, and fun to read. We all love a great story.
If you’ve been wondering about the price of success, what it really means and if it even matters. If you feel as if you’ve somehow lost yourself in the process of building a life you thought would make you happy. Then do yourself a big favour and read this book.
A nice way to do a self help book. It is told as the story of Ferdinand who begins to question what success means and what he really wants. Ferdinand is young and very successful, we follow him as he begins to ask questions. He speaks to other people, goes to burning man, uses psychedelics. It is all about asking questions. When this book ends his journey is not over. It will continue with part 2: Beyond the Horizon.
If you've ever felt yourself 'lost' on your journey as an entrepreneur, you're going to see yourself in this story. Hopefully it sheds some light on where you've been, where you are, and the possible paths that lay before you so that you can take your next steps with greater clarity and confidence.
Beyond the Pale was a very insightful book that shared a lot of great insight about how to focus on what is really important in life. Self reflection and awareness is important is so many walks of life and it is surprising how many people do not take the time for this. It does give a new definition to success. I did win this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Genius way to bring real life lessons and coaching into a real world-esque fable that's relatable to the pressures of the current world. A nice read, an inspiring escape. Giver a read.
I highly enjoyed reading about the journey of Ferdinand Foy and the choices he had to make to turn his life into one he enjoyed instead of one he thought he wanted. I think most people would benefit from this book - it may just make you want to slow down a little and enjoy life a bit more.
I won this as a arc from a site that I am a member of called Library Thing. I enjoyed reading this book. It is my first book read by this author. It had a good story to it. I hope to read more books by this author.
A brilliant fable about an exhausted soul—a successful startup CEO—who takes pause to consider alternative ways to living.
Through the eyes of Ferdinand, Beyond the Pale acknowledges the disenchanting hustle that so many are caught up in and explores the richer, more fulfilling modes of being that others have found.
Perceiving an act through different lenses can determine whether that act is exhausting or enriching.
The author really did a very good job in describing one amazing story with a hint of mystery of what's is coming next and I liked that very much. . . If you are looking to read something more meaningful and yet put so simple, well thats the one 👌❤️
It all started when his girlfriend decided she was leaving. Ferdinand then asked himself if he truly was missing something. He started questioning his worth to the company he created and to himself. He is far richer than many of us and is able to leave his job for several months as he explores what he wants out of life and what fears he must face. Truly eye opening. Will have you guessing about your own life’s journey. Likable characters. Thought provoking.
Riveting. The kind of book that changes your life. It includes a lot of great advice and support for those looking to escape the 9-to-5 grind and discover meaning for their life. The narrative seemed a bit repetitive, but overall very compelling.
I won a copy of this book from a giveaway that took place on LibraryThing in exchange for a review.
My rating is between 1.5-2 stars. I've come to the conclusion that this book just isn't for me, I can see other people reading and maybe enjoying this novel so it's not like its kindling. There were just a number of things that personally irked me.
Where I found some of the conversations between characters relatable to an extent there was just so much regurgitated information. The dialogues between MC and the individuals he met throughout his journey contained in most cases very little new information. Also, this novel comprises about 90% at least of paragraph after paragraph of dialogue between people, or the characters drinking booze/coffee during their chit-chats.
Ferdinand oh lovely Ferdinand I just didn't like him, he just bored and sucked the life out of me. I found I was more curious about his company and what it actually was, I assumed some sort of app. I think if we had the opportunity to learn a bit more about the business he had and shown how passionate he used to be about it instead of just telling us how he worked hard and had a ton of ideas would've been great. This would have allowed me to sympathize with him and his spiritual awakening at least a little bit as it would have shown who he was when he started Contollo vs the man he later became.
I received this book as a giveaway, one of the things that I love about giveaways is that it might give you an opportunity to read a book that you may not have picked previously. I am so glad that I won this book, it is very well written and I found myself asking the same questions as I continued through the book. It makes you think and really look at your life through another lens and I recommend that everyone give this book a read!
We all have internal struggles about how our lives are turning out. This relatable book was a fictional tale about those struggles for a wealthy businessman. Although his ability to just stop life and seek out what matters to him isn’t something most people can do, this book does give you a beautifully written story of wondering and finding what is important to you.
i do not think i am the target audience for this and therefore that colors my enjoyment of this. i just could not relate to the story as it so far pales from my experiences that i just could not conceive the concepts presented in a serious way. really wanted to like this but it just didn't leave an impression on me.
That’s book I borrowed from City Hall Library during Christmas time. I was too busy to read until the omicron wave slows down. When you have time to read the fable or parable of Ferdinand, a busy entrepreneur, you are going to learn a good lesson: Let go and you will flow. How true.