Review by jamesokunmd -- From Drift to SHIFT

[jamesokunmd]

[Following is a volunteer review of "From Drift to SHIFT" by Jody B. Miller.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Review of “From Drift to Shift” by James Okun
This review was written for Online Book Club. “I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.”

“From Drift to Shift” by Jody B. Miller is a non-fiction book that encourages us not to be afraid to embrace personal change in the face of horrendous and unfair circumstances. It shows us that the best course of action involves our willingness to be flexible and to adapt to “each phase of suffering.”

In this way we can become stronger, have more hope and can “shift” to a new stage of life. It reminded me of someone like Helen Keller who used blindness and every obstacle in her life to succeed and help others and who was unwilling to give up despite everything that was against her.

This book engages the reader by asking important life questions such as “why do we stay in bad situations? Fear? Need for security? Lack of self-esteem?” It emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions and maintaining hope. The author also describes her own story of change and how she finally threw away her great grandmother’s dishes as a symbolic move of starting a “shift” in her life.

There are many individual character sketches of people in the different sections of the book who the author has met and who have encouraged and inspired her with their courage and tenacity and ability to shift to meet their changing circumstances.

We first meet Serita and Reid. Serita ends up in foster care in Canada at the age of one after her mother gave her up. She is arrested at the age of eight years old for stealing a weapon. Against all odds she overcomes these horrendous experiences and moves forward in her life. She describes the lack of trust in adults who have only failed her throughout her life. “Like most youth in foster care, it’s not about the adults. You don’t trust adults so you don’t seek caring.” She winds up attending McGill University on a full scholarship and then meets Reid. Their love story is incredible as is what they finally accomplish together.

Then there is another tear-wrenching story about Emilee who at the age of four develops a cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma with “a tumor the size of a grapefruit” between her bladder and uterus. She goes through two years of radiation and chemotherapy treatment. Then her father, a veteran with PTSD commits suicide. Then she develops cancer again in college. And much more.

There are other unbelievable stories of people overcoming incredible odds by persevering and having the ability to shift to accommodate their changing circumstances. From the jungles of the amazon with areas destroyed by drug companies seeking new drugs to a car accident victim to people India, you will be kept “on the edge of your seat.”

This book makes you feel grateful to be alive no matter what has happened to you in your life. It has a lovely conversational style but is also “chock full” of important medical information and documented studies. The photos in each chapter added to the overall enjoyment of the book.

"From Drift to Shift" is a fantastic book that is as enjoyable to read as it is educational. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to be inspired and educated.

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From Drift to SHIFT
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Like jamesokunmd's review? Post a comment saying so!

[MarisaRose]

I'm not usually one to read self-help books, but the conversational tone and overall content of this one sounds unique. Great review!

[Jaime Lync]

Great review. I read this and I totally agree with everything you said.

[jamesokunmd]

Thank you MarisaRose and Jaime Linc for your kind words and feedback. They are most appreciated.

[Jeremie Mondejar]

Change comes in various ways, sometimes unnoticeable but when you knew it, it's painful. I like the review.

[jamesokunmd]

Thank you Jem. Very true!

[Jeremie Mondejar]

When changes come ,fears and worries may increase but it will overcome by faith .

[jamesokunmd]

Thanks Jem, Faith is stronger than any fear. Excellent comment!

[Jeremie Mondejar]

Exactly! Without faith, it is impossible to achieve all our goals in life.

[jamesokunmd]

Absolutely! Thanks again and Happy July 4th!