Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky by Jessie Asya Kanzer Book Review

About the Book:

Volodymyr Zelensky captivated the world when his country was invaded by Russia in February 2022. His appearances were accompanied by countless inspiring statements. But there's a single one that informs Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky: "We are all simple people."

Jessie Kanzer sees Zelensky as a Spiritual Leader for Our Times. As a native Russian speaker (like Zelensky himself), she picks up on the deep philosophical ramifications behind his words. Rich and yet easy-to-read, the life lessons in Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky are accessible and wise, and are more about starting where you are than about war.

Kanzer herself has a bit part in Zelensky's life story, acting in one of his movies filmed in the States. She's a self-described "spiritual nerd" who followed Zelensky long before he stood before a blue and yellow backdrop on the national stage. She writes, "What is so incredible about our man Volodymyr is that his belief in himself stems not from seeing himself as special, but from seeing himself as ordinary and from knowing there is great power in this ordinariness."

My Review:

I was amazed at the sudden and powerful image of leadership Zelensky exhibited on the world stage. Who was this man and how did he, a comedian, possess such strong leadership skills?

Kanzer says we can learn many valuable life lessons from Zelensky, lessons that do not depend on a positive outcome. His moral clarity is remarkable, she says, and his example can serve us no matter what is happening in our lives. She explores a number of topics, giving Zelensky's view and how they are meaningful to life. Identity based on what you do and not on your ethnicity, for example. Using your ability, not letting others stop you by setting limits. Having faith in yourself, believing an ordinary person can achieve great things. Serving others with humility, living your purpose, and speaking truth are a few more.

I like this book. While the focus is on one individual, to message is to all of us. Ordinary people can be extraordinary when called upon. I do wish there had been more information about Zelensky's formative experiences and possible mentors.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

JESSIE ASYA KANZER is the award-winning author of Don’t Just Sit There, DO NOTHING and Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky. She was born in the Soviet Union and left at age eight. A former reporter and actress, she once found herself on the set of a Zelensky film and has been following his story ever since. Kanzer’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, USA Today, the Washington Post, and many other publications. She's been interviewed on podcasts and TV programs across the country. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and two cats in Dobbs Ferry, NY.

St Martin's Essentials, 240 pages.

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

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)