Review of Toward Happier Choices
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TriptiK
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Review of Toward Happier Choices
[Following is a volunteer review of "Toward Happier Choices" by Michael Oborn.]
The memoir Toward Happier Choices covers the phases of trying times of Michael Oborn, a Mormon. He isn’t a Mormon by faith but is obligated to be one by birth. Beginning with the radical Mormon ethics of his birth culture, he chronicles, through ten short stories, the big changes in his life, which lead him to a path he chooses for himself. These stories are grief-stricken and detail the predicaments in the author's life.
Following this is a collection of short stories reflecting his belief system which is so different than what his birth culture conditioned him to believe. This section contains his voice against and for various practices and beliefs, as well as a chapter on Treasury of Quotes. The last section is devoted to the people who have had a profound influence on the author’s life.
I highly appreciate the two aspects of the author's memoir: the changes he made through his life and, more importantly, his resilience. The book is engaging. I particularly enjoyed reading the stories and a few chapters in the Potpourri section. I also enjoyed & agreed with several quotes in the Treasury of Quotes section.
There is nothing in the book I particularly disliked. However, I couldn't understand how the title encompasses everything described in the book. I find the title vague as the book is way more than the author’s journey toward better choices. Again, the secondary title of the book, a coffee conspiracy, seems ambiguous to me. The book also contains a significant number of punctuation mistakes.
I give Toward Happier Choices a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. I find the memoir to be eventful and gripping, and it inspires many questions in my mind. There are many sad ironies, sarcastic and critical comments to many Mormon religious practices throughout the stories.
It would have been a 4-star rating for me if not for its editing, which needs some work.
The memoir represents radical fundamentalism, imposed culture, confusion, guilt, and complex decisions in the author's life. The book sheds light on many absurd ethical standards inherited from birth. A section criticizes patriarchy and racism. The author also presents some of his political views in the book.
I recommend Toward Happier Choices as a great read. It’s for everyone but for those belonging to the Mormon religion. It illustrates how the assertion of convictions attacking fundamentalism cost people in various ways. There are a lot of things at stake, including relationships, happiness, and a sense of belonging. But having the ability to dream, form opinions, and make choices for oneself in life is significant and essential.
******
Toward Happier Choices
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The memoir Toward Happier Choices covers the phases of trying times of Michael Oborn, a Mormon. He isn’t a Mormon by faith but is obligated to be one by birth. Beginning with the radical Mormon ethics of his birth culture, he chronicles, through ten short stories, the big changes in his life, which lead him to a path he chooses for himself. These stories are grief-stricken and detail the predicaments in the author's life.
Following this is a collection of short stories reflecting his belief system which is so different than what his birth culture conditioned him to believe. This section contains his voice against and for various practices and beliefs, as well as a chapter on Treasury of Quotes. The last section is devoted to the people who have had a profound influence on the author’s life.
I highly appreciate the two aspects of the author's memoir: the changes he made through his life and, more importantly, his resilience. The book is engaging. I particularly enjoyed reading the stories and a few chapters in the Potpourri section. I also enjoyed & agreed with several quotes in the Treasury of Quotes section.
There is nothing in the book I particularly disliked. However, I couldn't understand how the title encompasses everything described in the book. I find the title vague as the book is way more than the author’s journey toward better choices. Again, the secondary title of the book, a coffee conspiracy, seems ambiguous to me. The book also contains a significant number of punctuation mistakes.
I give Toward Happier Choices a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. I find the memoir to be eventful and gripping, and it inspires many questions in my mind. There are many sad ironies, sarcastic and critical comments to many Mormon religious practices throughout the stories.
It would have been a 4-star rating for me if not for its editing, which needs some work.
The memoir represents radical fundamentalism, imposed culture, confusion, guilt, and complex decisions in the author's life. The book sheds light on many absurd ethical standards inherited from birth. A section criticizes patriarchy and racism. The author also presents some of his political views in the book.
I recommend Toward Happier Choices as a great read. It’s for everyone but for those belonging to the Mormon religion. It illustrates how the assertion of convictions attacking fundamentalism cost people in various ways. There are a lot of things at stake, including relationships, happiness, and a sense of belonging. But having the ability to dream, form opinions, and make choices for oneself in life is significant and essential.
******
Toward Happier Choices
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Man Mission by Eytan Uliel
