Ariel Bloomer

I adore Ariel and Icon For Hire, so when I found out that she wrote a book, I ordered it without hesitation. The same passion that is present in her lyrics is also very much present in this book, and I loved getting to read her life story and hear the ways that she balances her life. I really, really wish that teenage me had had a copy of this book (or something similar!) I think hers is a powerful story, and particularly inspiring to anyone who has a dream that may seem a bit out of reach.

While I really did enjoy the book and want to be able to give it five stars, I have to admit that the self-help portion of the book did not resonate with me. Her techniques have very obviously worked for her, and may very well also work for much of her target demographic, but I also feel like some of them could unintentionally bring people down. People who are suffering from clinical depression or other illnesses may not be able to just go out and do things like clean their house (or sometimes even leave their house at all). Some things, like going to yoga or having a cappuccino, generally assume a certain amount of money that some people don't have. I understand that the things she mentions are not meant to be an all-inclusive list, and are things that have worked for her and may well work for many reading the book, but it also comes from a place of privilege. But I know her heart is in it, and I do think that the self-help portion will resonate with many of her readers.

Overall, I'm really happy that I was able to get and read a copy of this book, and it will hold a place on my tiny bookshelf for years to come. If she ever writes another book, I'd almost certainly pick it up without hesitation!… (meer)