Genre: Non-Fiction
Pages: 208
Publisher: Penguin Books
Published: August 2017
Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary:
The people of Japan believe that everyone has an ikigai – a reason to jump out of bed each morning. And according to the residents of the Japanese island of Okinawa – the world’s longest-living people – finding it is the key to a longer and more fulfilled life.
Inspiring and comforting, this book will give you the life-changing tools to uncover your personal ikigai. It will show you how to leave urgency behind, find your purpose, nurture friendships and throw yourself into your passions.
Bring meaning and joy to your every day with ikigai.
Review:
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia Puigcerver and Francesc Miralles had been on my shelf for the longest time. What better pick to kick off the new decade and the #TBRCHALLENGE2020.
We all look to combine passion and profession. To be able to do what we love, and get paid for it. I found my Ikigai about two decades back and am living my dream. This book attempts to help readers find their own Ikigai.
Before we dive into the review, let us understand what Ikigai is. Ikigai is a Japanese term meaning the reason to live. The one thing that has us all raring to go each morning.
The book is divided into three primary sections – Anti-aging secrets, logotherapy, and finding flow. It does not speak of anything out of the box. Just the things we are already aware of. A good diet, daily exercise, active participation in the community are all secrets to a long and successful life. The language is simple and easy to grasp. It does include statistics, but not the usual jargon.
What appealed to me the most was logotherapy, particularly the case studies. Human psychology intrigues me (When The Soul Heals by Pulkit Sharma is a favorite). I enjoy reading about the different psychotherapeutic approaches. The book is peppered with quite a few case studies that made an interesting read.
Going by the blurb, you too would probably have expected that the book was about finding your reason to live. It is, but not in the way one would expect. It does not really provide you tools to help find your Ikigai. It is a discussion about how you can lead a fulfilling life.
Also, I did find the structure of the book a bit confusing. It does not really flow well. I feel the authors could have devoted a few more pages (the book is barely 208 pages long) going into detail on topics that were barely touched upon.
I had a hard time rating the book. Anything 3-stars would not do justice since I did like the book. Just that it was not a “path-breaking” one for me. Maybe I had too many expectations, going by all the hype surrounding it. It is a good book nonetheless, and I would recommend reading it once. Maybe it could work better for you.
Anti-aging secrets, logotherapy, and finding flow. Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life #BookReview #BohoPonderings #TBRCHALLENGE2020 Share on X
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
Linking up for the #TBRCHALLENGE2020 with Shalzmojo & Lifeofleo . Prompt #10: Free hit.
February 4, 2020 @ 8:30 pm
I have heard many great things about this one, and even read a few more balanced reviews like yours. And so this book is on my TBR, but I don’t think I would be able to get to it any time soon. And after reading your review, it looks like it’s okay if I don’t rush.
February 4, 2020 @ 10:25 pm
Thanks for stopping by, Shantala. I too have seen people raving about the book. It is not a bad book. Just that it has way too much emphasis on longevity and the interviews.
February 7, 2020 @ 1:27 pm
Your review is pretty balanced and I can say that as I have read the book. I enjoyed reading this book and as you said it, it doesnt give you tools to employ but rather discusses ways to live a fulfilling life. I loved the message in the book and would recommend it as a definite read.
Thanks for joining in the #TBRChallenge2020 and love the fact that you have inserted the badge too 🙂
February 7, 2020 @ 7:05 pm
Thanks for stopping by, Shalini. It is a good read. I had heard so many great things about the book, I just went in with a lot more expectations.
February 8, 2020 @ 12:54 pm
This is the most balanced review of the book that I’ve read. Weirdly enough none of the glowing reviews made me want to pick it up but yours does make me want to give it a shot.
February 8, 2020 @ 5:30 pm
I am glad to hear that, Tulika. Do pick it up. It is a good book. Thanks for stopping by.
No Limits by Mukesh Bansal Book Review - Bohemian Bibliophile
February 24, 2020 @ 10:32 am
[…] couldn’t help comparing it to Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life that I read last month. The two books are quite similar in […]
October 3, 2020 @ 9:52 pm
This is really a very good book. I am still in the process of reading it and it is insightful.
October 4, 2020 @ 12:16 am
I think the reason I have avoided picking this one is because it has become too much of a fad. You are right, sometimes when people speak too much about a book, it raises our expectations which invariably fall short when we actually read the book!
October 4, 2020 @ 10:54 am
Like you said, I have heard some great reviews and a few more tempered down realistic reviews of this book. even though i love the idea behind it , I have not bought the book yet
October 4, 2020 @ 2:10 pm
I really loved this book and this review does total justice to it. In fact very rare does it happen that you want the book to go on and on especially if it belongs to this genre. Great writing Ritu ji. I like the presentation also. So much to learn from you.
#MyFriendAlexa #ContemplationOfaJoker #Jokerophilia
October 4, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
This gives me an overall unbiased perspective about the book. I’ve read many reviews of the book and most of them glorified it. The book seems inviting but I’m extremely confused.
October 4, 2020 @ 4:07 pm
I have read so much about this book but your review helped me truly whether to pick it up or not.
October 4, 2020 @ 4:12 pm
Wonderful review as always. Your reviews really help to decide whether to pick up a book or not. I haven’t picked up this one yet but this is on my tbr for a long time.
October 4, 2020 @ 4:15 pm
I have still not read this book though it has been on my TBR list for a long time. Now your review will help me quickly order this book and give it a thorough read. Very nicely presented Rituji,
October 4, 2020 @ 4:36 pm
Loved reading this book. It has some very good life lessons. Loved your review.
October 4, 2020 @ 7:51 pm
I read this book and had felt that it is a very well marketed book and so there was so much buzz around it. However, as you said it had nothing path-breaking. I wanted to know if its only me who felt like this because I had only heard over the top reviews about the book and chose to read your post.
October 4, 2020 @ 8:06 pm
there is nothing wrong with enjoying life’s pleasures as long as they do not take control of your life as you enjoy them
October 4, 2020 @ 8:11 pm
I like your honest review on this book. Would love to give it a try as anything which brings positivity is always good.
October 4, 2020 @ 8:36 pm
Looks like an interesting book. I understand your feeling when you like a book but it simply doesn’t leave up to the hype. On a different note, congratulations on finding your Ikigai in blogging
October 4, 2020 @ 11:00 pm
Logotheraphy and Psychology seems important points for us to look at and more importantly finding ways to relate to real life case studies gives us better perspectives to find our IKIGAI!
October 5, 2020 @ 12:35 am
A great review of a great book. This book and the word ‘Ikigai” has left a great impact on me.
October 5, 2020 @ 1:49 pm
Lovely review, been on my list of a long time to check. Your review has inspired me to buy one today
October 5, 2020 @ 7:18 pm
Yeah so much hype. I was thinking whether to buy or not this book, but ur review gave me idea.
Thanks
October 5, 2020 @ 7:25 pm
This is in my TBR, I loved the concept of Ikigai. Thanks for sharing your review, Ritu. I’ve read them before and I think you’re a good reviewer.
October 6, 2020 @ 4:28 pm
I did read a part of this book sometime back but since self help books are not something that keeps me hooked longer i thought to read it later. I have read quite a few mixed reviews too…
Yours too give me an idea what the book actually is about… Thanks for this indepth review..
October 5, 2020 @ 10:56 pm
I agree with you about the structure. I had this on audible but I just couldn’t finish it. I do have an e-book too because of the popular reviews but I doubt I would pick it up again.
October 6, 2020 @ 2:19 am
What resonated most with me was that it talks of nothing new, but of things we are already aware of but don’t pay attention to. When we become more aware, we will fall into alignment and naturally move towards our life’s passion. Sounds so simple, but requires conscious efforts:)
October 6, 2020 @ 7:55 pm
I have seen this book in many places and always wondered what this book is all about. Your short but informative review answered my questions. Thank you for this review. Now I will try to find my Ikigai through this book. Though I am taking into consideration of your warning that the book doesn’t give direct instructions or anything of that sort. Well, I can understand that there can’t be any step by step procedure to find your life purpose. If there was, how wonderful that would be!!
October 14, 2020 @ 6:30 pm
“Ikigai” is one of my favorite books and I find myself picking it up when I’m not in the best of my moods. That’s why I excitedly clicked on your post as soon as I saw the book being reviewed. Loved reading your take on the book, Ritu.
October 14, 2020 @ 7:14 pm
I wouldn’t call myself as a reader as I don’t read many books, however I did read this book. And like you mentioned, it wasn’t pathbreaking. It was a good read though especially the experience each individual they interviewed has to share.
October 14, 2020 @ 7:24 pm
I have read this book and somehow it touched me. I liked the way the things flow about doing something that u really love.
October 14, 2020 @ 9:42 pm
Been waiting to get my hands on this book. Heard quite a lot about it. After such a detailed review i am definitely gona grab a copy.
October 15, 2020 @ 4:38 pm
Heard a buzz around the book. With so many books of the similar genre, wasn’t too sire of picking it. Am glad you reviewed it and can come back here for more detailed and personalised reviews