How do you identify personally with this book?

Use this forum to discuss the January 2018 Book of the Month, "And Then I Met Margaret" by Rob White
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londonmartine
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Re: How do you identify personally with this book?

Post by londonmartine »

CommMayo wrote: 01 Jan 2018, 23:31 I grew up in a small, blue collar town where I judged success by a person's ability to leave and be more successful elsewhere. I went to college and graduate school and ended up back working in that town after the death of a parent. I felt like a failure for ending up back where I started. White really made me stop and reexamine that attitude.

Did any of his stories make you draw similarities to your own life and experiences? Did it make you think differently about your preconceived ideas or judgements?
Success is such a personal thing, related to how you perceive your life in comparison to others - or whether you think about it at all. This book sums up the personal journey - I think for most people the expectations they have for themselves change as they grow to adulthood.
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rcarr13
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Post by rcarr13 »

I was actually the opposite of the original poster. I grew up in a large city where "success" was defined by a person's career and the money that they made. As the daughter of a single mother who was working and going to school at the time, I was made to feel like a complete failure and outsider by my peers. As a teen, I was able to move in with my dad in a much smaller town, and everything changed for me. I realized that relationships are more important than money and things, and found a place where I fit in. This book is a good reminder that lessons can be learned from any person or experience we encounter.
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crediblereading2
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Post by crediblereading2 »

The contents of this book are aimed at character-building. I can see where my personality will be strengthened by the virtues taught in this book.
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Post by Amanda Nixon »

I personally really liked the message that came from not thinking about the black cat. I am a generally positive and energetic person and I try to pass that on to others. Whenever I found myself or others thinking negative, I try to acknowledge it and change the attitude
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Post by mamalui »

Yes I do identify with the author on the fact that the success of a person starts with positive thoughts and outlook on life. It doesn't matter what the background of a person is, I have seen people stay in small towns and succeed in life without ever leaving. At the end of the day each to their own.
No idea is a bad idea.

Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.
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Post by Jgideon »

Just like that author, I believe that the most important lessons in life are not from the conference halls of big hotels but are learned from our everyday life. We just have to have an open mind to pick up the lessons whenever we come across them.
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Post by CinWin »

I wrote down every "myth" and "counter myth" at the beginning and end of each chapter. They make really good intentions to have posted around your house. I really loved and related to this whole book. He doesn't call it this, but it really was about the Law of Attraction.
----"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."----
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Post by DustinPBrown »

I personally take this book with a grain of salt. Some of his lessons were good, but some were just common sense things, or related to situations I could never imagine myself in (the racing car chapter, anyone?). The lessons are what they are, but I wish the stories hadn't progressively become less compelling as the book went on.
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Shrabastee Chakraborty
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Post by Shrabastee Chakraborty »

Since I was born in a city where pretty much everything is available and managed to get fairly good grades all my student life (success has so far been judged mostly by my academic qualifications), I did not exactly have the struggles the author had to deal with. But I have come across some scenarios in which his life experiences sounded relatable. For example, the one where he describes his college experiences- I have also struggled in a crowd of people who were supposedly from some upper class families or studying in famous schools. I used to feel intimidated, but then I managed to make my mark. Another one related to this situation is where the author urges us to believe we are smarter than we think we are- this actually works! Also, the stories which show us the power of honesty, kindness and forgiveness are something which I can relate to.
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Surabhi Rani
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Post by Surabhi Rani »

Human evolution has been my cause of concern, in life! The book speaks about the unexpressed parts of our consciousness! The author's writing style is my future model!
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Post by HanElizabeth397 »

I felt that I could identify with him in his younger years but as he got older and his experiences became more associated with wealth I struggled to relate as well
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Post by Favy Moses »

For me personally this book gave a more positive insight on life in general like being positive and confident in my self.
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Post by Samuel Okoye 2 »

I am encouraged to measure success by my own standards, stay always positive, and always try to put a smile on people's faces.
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