Part self help book, part meditation on the number seven and the way that it has popped up time and again throughout the course of history, Jacqueline Leo’s new book is a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Leo covers a wide range of topics that try as I might to summarize leave my powers of summary in the dust. There is a wide variety of information that is offered in this book. Luckily I can share that she has divided the chapters among seven principles which she explores in a little more detail and offers fascinating cultural and historical information as well as informative lists pertaining to each principle and the number 7. The principles Leo explores are simplicity, happiness, love, learning, winning, life and wonder.
Leo had a lot of thoughts to offer on how much we are always on information overload, and the way that our brains are changing and adapting as we get used to the massive amounts of data that we encounter, and the new ways in which we process that information. I was particularly interested in her thoughts on multi-tasking and its influence on the functioning of our memories or the lack thereof.
It seems that people young and old are having more issues with short-term memory than ever before and information overload, overcommitment and multi-tasking are the likely culprits. The recommendation, which I took to heart, was simplifying our schedules and committing to “to-do” lists containing a maximum of seven items each day.
The book is interspersed with articles by other notable figures on how the number seven has played an integral part of their lives in some way, and I read with interest as Jerry Seinfeld, Kristin van Ogtrop (the editor of Real Simple), author Derek Bok, and others shared their connection to this mystical number. I also enjoyed the number seven based lists which were scattered throughout the book- like The Seven Keys To Good Luck, The Seven-Day Get Smarter Guide, and Confucius’ Seven Ways To The Good Life.
This book grabbed me and I was inspired and fascinated by a lot that I read. As I was reading through this book I thought of friends I knew who would enjoy certain parts. The section on winning was tailor made for one of my guy friends. I called my mother to share a few key passages with her and already she wants to read it. Though I’m willing to share my copy with her, at some point, if she likes, she will have to get her own because I need a copy of this to refer back to from time to time.
FTC Disclosure- Review copy provided by the publisher.
Other reviews and posts:
- Lost, by Jacqueline Davies – Book Review
- One Hundred Great French Books: From the Middle Ages to the Present, by Lance Donaldson-Evans – Book Review
- A Child’s Journey Out Of Autism, by Leeann Whiffen – Book Review
- Perfection, by Julie Metz – Book Review
- Diets for Healthy Healing, Linda Page – Book Review
This book sounds interesting. Cutting back on multi-tasking sounds good in principle but can be oh, so difficult to do for some people, like mothers of young children or people in certain jobs.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Review: Witch & Wizard =-.
What an unusual book. Sounds like one of those books that really makes you think!
.-= AmusedByBooks´s last blog ..Do I Dare? =-.
Very intriguing! Don’t think I could stop the multi-tasking, at least until my kids grow up and leave the house, but it is a nice goal! I just have to laugh and shake my head. YOu think you’ve seen a book on just about every topic on earth, but there is always one more to surprise you…this would be one of them!
.-= Sandy´s last blog ..You Lift Me Up! =-.
Oh, see now, I knew I should have grabbed this one up while I could. Now I’m going to have to pay for it!
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Sunday Salon – Happy Thanksgiving! =-.
Mutitasking is what’s causing my short term memory loss? That’s unfortunate since I’m not sure I can stop
This book sounds interesting and this is the first I’ve heard fo it. Great review!
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