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Review of The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life

Posted: 05 Nov 2024, 03:28
by Priya Murugesan
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life" by David m Williams.]
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4 out of 5 stars
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The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life by David M. Williams is a unique self-awareness book especially meant for young adult readers. It is designed as an interactive journal that encourages the readers to pen down their thoughts and document their growth in their journal log, making them the protagonists of their own stories. This book's basis is curiosity, which aims to ignite the innate curiosity within us to navigate our life journey successfully. The author, a proud grandfather, shares valuable life lessons that he learned throughout his experiences.

First, readers should begin by reading the introduction and then select an interesting topic from the table of contents that resonates with them. The topics are not required to be read in order. There is a topic for every letter of the alphabet, and each topic has a journal log where readers can jot down their thoughts. The author also provides an example of a journal log. I liked how the author refers to the written contributions of the reader as the "best half-book." Additionally, the book contains links and QR codes that offer extra information related to each topic. 

I loved the book title; it was the first thing that caught my attention. I also liked the font. The dedication section was unique. I loved the parts about Rebound, the World Wide Web, Savings, Teams, and Vigor. The Z part about the cost of respect resonated with me; it reflects what I often teach my kids. The quotes in the provided links struck a chord with me. I appreciated the author's statement: "A goal without a plan is a wish." Also, I loved the quote by Warren Buffet cited by the author: “Do not save what is left after spending; rather, spend what is left after saving.”

Many links require us to sign up, which the author mentions at the beginning. While reading the book, I noted some shortcomings. I found the book to be quite concise. The chapter on discovery could have been explained more clearly. Some chapters, like the one on health, were too brief to make a significant impact on readers. Additionally, topics such as faith and integrity were vague, and I found writing journals for those topics difficult. It would be beneficial to include more examples of journal logs. Alternatively, the author could pose questions to prompt readers to think critically and write their responses. This approach would provide readers with a starting point, preventing confusion about what to include in their logs. Also, including a comical touch here and there would keep the young readers engaged. That is my personal opinion. The introduction to the book was written well, but I found the first half somewhat confusing. In contrast, the latter part was better crafted. While linked videos and articles were enjoyable, I found some of the links requiring sign-ups distracting. I also noted a few errors while reading. For these reasons, I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars

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The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life
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Re: Review of The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life

Posted: 14 Nov 2024, 13:34
by Anu Anand
This book sounds like a meaningful resource for young adults to explore their curiosity and growth. I appreciate your detailed thoughts on both the book's strengths and areas for improvement, especially the ideas for more journal prompts and examples. Great review as always!

Re: Review of The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life

Posted: 15 Nov 2024, 12:30
by Mary John 10
The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life by David M. Williams is an interactive journal aimed at young adults. It encourages readers to explore their curiosity and document their personal growth. Through valuable life lessons, the author—drawing from his own experiences—helps readers navigate their journey and discover more about themselves.

Re: Review of The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life

Posted: 15 Nov 2024, 21:40
by Priya Murugesan
Anu Anand wrote: 14 Nov 2024, 13:34 This book sounds like a meaningful resource for young adults to explore their curiosity and growth. I appreciate your detailed thoughts on both the book's strengths and areas for improvement, especially the ideas for more journal prompts and examples. Great review as always!
Thanks a lot!

Re: Review of The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life

Posted: 15 Nov 2024, 21:41
by Priya Murugesan
Mary John 10 wrote: 15 Nov 2024, 12:30 The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life by David M. Williams is an interactive journal aimed at young adults. It encourages readers to explore their curiosity and document their personal growth. Through valuable life lessons, the author—drawing from his own experiences—helps readers navigate their journey and discover more about themselves.
Thanks for reading my review!

Re: Review of The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life

Posted: 03 Dec 2024, 10:37
by Gerry Steen
This book is a great initiative by the author to enable young-adult readers reflect upon a variety of real-life issues. I hope that the author takes your critiques into account so that this book can be elevated to 5-star status.

Re: Review of The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life

Posted: 03 Dec 2024, 10:56
by Priya Murugesan
Gerry Steen wrote: 03 Dec 2024, 10:37 This book is a great initiative by the author to enable young-adult readers reflect upon a variety of real-life issues. I hope that the author takes your critiques into account so that this book can be elevated to 5-star status.
I too hope!

Re: Review of The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life

Posted: 03 Dec 2024, 21:23
by Adrian Bouknight
Another solid review! Thank you for sharing, Priya!

I've never heard of a book having QR codes for further information aside from maybe one leading to the author's bio or something of that nature. That's an interesting style. It sounds like you've given some meaningful feedback to the author while still highlighting the strengths of the book. This review is well-balanced and succinctly written.

Thank you, Priya!

Re: Review of The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life

Posted: 04 Dec 2024, 00:17
by Priya Murugesan
Adrian Bouknight wrote: 03 Dec 2024, 21:23 Another solid review! Thank you for sharing, Priya!

I've never heard of a book having QR codes for further information aside from maybe one leading to the author's bio or something of that nature. That's an interesting style. It sounds like you've given some meaningful feedback to the author while still highlighting the strengths of the book. This review is well-balanced and succinctly written.

Thank you, Priya!
Thanks a lot!

Re: Review of The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life

Posted: 04 Dec 2024, 02:43
by Neha Panikar
Love how your review is concise and your reasons for a star deduction also seem well-founded and objective. I like self-help which allows me to know myself better. This seems that kind of a book. Looking forward to reading it. Thankyou for the review!

Re: Review of The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life

Posted: 04 Dec 2024, 03:00
by Priya Murugesan
Neha Panikar wrote: 04 Dec 2024, 02:43 Love how your review is concise and your reasons for a star deduction also seem well-founded and objective. I like self-help which allows me to know myself better. This seems that kind of a book. Looking forward to reading it. Thankyou for the review!
Thank you!

Re: Review of The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life

Posted: 04 Dec 2024, 08:14
by Mona Alves
Considering this is such an interactive book, an detailed review such as this one is really great. I really like the idea of the book, a shame about the downsides tho.

Re: Review of The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life

Posted: 04 Dec 2024, 08:21
by Priya Murugesan
Mona Alves wrote: 04 Dec 2024, 08:14 Considering this is such an interactive book, an detailed review such as this one is really great. I really like the idea of the book, a shame about the downsides tho.
I too felt the same.. Thanks for reading my review!

Re: Review of The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life

Posted: 11 Dec 2024, 22:21
by Julie Marie Basil
The idea of this book sounds very interesting, but it seems like the execution leaves something to be desired. I can understand your frustrations with the numerous links that had additional material behind a paywall. Thank you for your honest review.

Re: Review of The ABCs (Always Be Curious) of Life

Posted: 12 Dec 2024, 01:34
by Priya Murugesan
Julie Basil wrote: 11 Dec 2024, 22:21 The idea of this book sounds very interesting, but it seems like the execution leaves something to be desired. I can understand your frustrations with the numerous links that had additional material behind a paywall. Thank you for your honest review.
Thanks for your appreciation!