Author: William H. McRaven

Year of Publication: 4th April 2017

Overall star rating 3/5

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Plot:

After serving in the Navy for 37 years, Admiral William H. McRaven gave a speech in 2014 outlining ten lessons that changed his life. He discussed how these ten fundamental lessons helped him overcome obstacles both during his time in the navy and throughout his life. He also discussed how anyone can use these fundamental lessons to improve both themselves and the world. As per the author it offers straightforward, universal wisdom, useful guidance, and words of encouragement that will motivate readers to strive for more, even during the most trying times. It is told with great humility and optimism.

What I liked about/didn’t like about the book?

Although it is a brief book, Make Your Bed: Small Things that Can Change Your Life… and Maybe the World is interesting and full of sound advice. The author offers his top 10 suggestions for overcoming obstacles and achieving your best self. These self-help books frequently fall into the trap of seeming either absolutely impracticable for most people (I’m looking at you, The 4-Hour Workweek) or sanctimonious and holier than thou.

The author of these works skillfully avoids the drawback of feeling as though they must make the book a certain length. I’ve read several books that could have and ought to have been half as long, but the author felt the need to keep including extraneous filler to make the book long enough. McRaven offers ten pieces of advice, each of which is followed by a pair of brief anecdotes that serve as examples.

Even though I read it and thought it was Okayish, I didn’t enjoy it. I frequently rolled my eyes. You may find the book is overly repetitious at times. Most topics covered are overused platitudes. I’m not sure why this book is so popular; it’s not deserving of five stars.

Will I recommend this book?

I’m not sure who I should suggest this to. Because I don’t have a navy background, I was unable to relate to the examples in the book. I believe that this is true for many other readers as well.

So if this is the last book you have to read after reading everything else, I’d say give it a shot. Don’t buy it; instead, check out your local library.

Final Verdict

😐 Each book is incredibly personal to everyone, in my opinion. I’ve read a lot of books that other people didn’t particularly like, but I really liked them. So, I advise you to design your own experience.