Reviewed by DECILLIS: A writer, editor, reviewer, and researcher with a Ph.D. in literature, with a specialty in narratology

“This is a somewhat atypical philosophical book that uses a combination of poetry and personal anecdotes to discuss free will versus determinism. Although not structured like a typical spiritual self-help book, the loosely concatenated series of discussions- is nonetheless thought-provoking and draws on various sources. The language is polished.

There is, in effect, one core question:- free will or causality, and determinism? The book circles this question in multiple ways; fundamentally, it’s an unanswerable question, and the conclusion acknowledges that there isn’t a firm answer in the text. However, just because something can’t be answered definitively doesn’t mean humans won’t spend much time trying to figure it out. It’s a reasonably central principle affecting one’s worldview, so thinking about it seems a worthwhile use of our time.”

The book is an exciting validation of the art form of memoir as a means of exploring and experiencing the world. Likewise, the anecdotes taken from the author’s life are not centered on major epiphanies or milestones in his path to the present but on events that can be used as starting points for discussion. It’s an interesting approach, especially given the initial discussion about how people reshape the narratives of their lives over time.

Overall, the text is different from what I expected. Still, itt thoughtfully discusses some thorny existential issues and leaves the reader with broad action items for living a more fulfilling life.