Title: Not Your Average Cup of Joe
Author: Joseph Braithwaite
Publisher: Tellwell
ISBN: 978-1-77370-407-4
Pages: 113 pages
Genre: Advice/Inspirational
Reviewed by: CC Thomas
Pacific Book Review
It’s hard to be apathetic after reading Joe Braithwaite’s Not Your Average Cup of Joe. The book is one of advice on how to make your life better and who among us could not benefit to use some advice in that subject? What does Braithwaite tell his readers with the book? “Read, learn a little, and enjoy.” It’s not hard to take the author’s advice contained within the pages and do just that; learn a little and enjoy. Every chapter doles out bits of positivity until a reader can’t help but feel as if they can take on the world.
Braithwaite’s counsel is not necessarily cutting-edge research concerning happiness. Rather, the author provides tried and true tidbits on living a better life. Braithwaite dispenses the guidance much as a doting father or caring friend with only one thing in mind; you. Braithwaite’s instructions also likely won’t be new to you, but that does not change the importance of the book. His ideas are ones we can all use a refresher on. Braithwaite begins by telling readers to learn from the experiences of others and don’t let the fear of failure cause paralysis. While this might seem trite coming from a superstar with the world at his or her feet, Braithwaite explains how his own failures at his life have not slowed him down, but rather made him the man he is today. The author then follows that up with a chapter on luck, which the author points out is simply the opportunities that you create for yourself with hard work; luck is made, not simply given.
If there is to be an overarching theme in Not Your Average Cup of Joe, it is this previous idea – work, hard work, and lots of it. Braithwaite expounds on this by telling readers to write down goals and focus daily on achieving them. Working towards the end goal, step-by-step, will often bring the desired end. That end will come about much quicker if you break down seemingly impossible tasks into small achievable steps.
Each chapter of Not Your Average Cup of Joe focuses on a different wisdom, such as the ones already discussed. Some chapters are inspirational, while others direct readers to more out-of-the-box thinking, such as being in a mentor relationship and making connections outside of our comfort zone. Readers can learn about developing a positive attitude, dressing for success, developing empathic skills and encouraging kindness. Throughout it all, the author affirms his purpose: to help you “live the fullest life possible.” Braithwaite encourages each of us to strive beyond what society deems as normal and embrace the unique individual inside. The book addresses why people try to hide their uniqueness and encourages all to strive to be beyond the “norm” of a society that both solely accepts and conversely rejects, normalization. The author encourages us to look beyond the standardization of society and embrace our unique, wonderful selves. Fortunately, with Braithwaite’s help, you just might get there! ! The wisdom in this book is practical yet profound. Additionally, this book is well-written, and contains many tools for moving forward with positive intentions! The wisdom in this book is practical yet profound.
