Beginner's Pluck by Liz Forkin Bohannon

What an interesting combination of memoir and encouragement to pursue purpose and impact. It's a fun book for millennials as Bohannon's writing style is right up their alley. She's bold, a little irreverent, has a wacky sense of humor, and certainly speaks her mind. I mean, who else would call Benjamin Franklin Benny Boo Bear?

Her principles for building an extraordinary life of passion, purpose and impact certainly turn lots of inspirational books on their heads. “Own your average,” she says. What? We are not supposed to think of ourselves as extraordinary? Rather, she suggests owning our average is freeing. We don't have to compare ourselves with achievers. We average people can build extraordinary lives, facing our average fears and insecurities. Another one is “dream small.” What? She suggests we dream so small we have no excuse for doing it.

I like her ideas about passion and purpose. They are not something we “discover.” “You don't find your passion and purpose. You build it.” (Loc 804/6236) That's good news for those of us waiting around for that epiphany and sudden insight for our meaning in life. She and her husband built their passion and purpose slowly and with intention. Success and impact didn't just happen. It took living out of their car for six months and lots more.

This is a good book for people wanting to know how their lives can matter to others. Bohannon suggests dream of bridging the gap between what is and what ought to be. Then take a small step. Then another and another.

Food for thought: “If you live your life trying to distance yourself from failure and protect yourself from rejection, you're going to also distance yourself from the life you are created to live, the impact you are made to make, and the unspeakably precious bonds you will create with those who join you.” (Loc 4738/6236)

More food for thought: “You have everything you need to go build an extraordinary life of purpose and impact.” (Loc 5600/6236)

You can read an excerpt here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Liz Forkin Bohannon is the co-founder, along with her husband, of the socially conscious fashion company Sseko Designs. She leads a global team of Dreamers and Doers, including international artisan partners, staff in Portland, and the entrepreneurs all across the US who are building the brand alongside her. She is a sought after speaker traveling the world, and has several speaking and leadership awards. She and her husband live in an international community in Portland, Oregon, where they raise their two sons. Photo Credit: Caroline Lee / Woodnote Photography

Baker Books, 240 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.