Comments on: Review: The Renaissance Soul

By: Carol

Carol — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:45:16 +0000

Based on your review, I ordered the book. Many thanks to you as it has changed my life and I’ve only read the intro and the first chapter. Had a great cry releasing all the frustration of a lifetime of feeling like there was something wrong with me. I’m reading it with my Renaissance Soulmate who could well have written the book but I couldn’t believe her all these years. Thanks again.

By: David

David — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:32:39 +0000

Trent: Just finished the book on the way to CVG, and can’t thank you enough. (Though I hope to show you a little thanks and hit that “Donate” icon on the top left of this page.) Don’t know if I would have found this on my own; however, you pointed me to it first. Look forwared to recieving your e-mails every day. Peace.

By: Daisy

Daisy — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:28:57 +0000

I’ve been bookmarking this review until my exams are over, and let me just say that it’s a good review.

And it sounds exactly like me! :D Off to find the book now.

By: Vanessa Curney

Vanessa Curney — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:50:38 +0000

Careerwise, I do think there is some merit to honing one’s focus to one or two areas or skills at a particular time. Because I do want my favourite skills/interests to be the ones I use to earn a decent living. The author suggests four,I’m aiming for not more than three at any one time. Currently I’m interested/have profesional experience in: writing – articles, my website, novels…research, developing communication strategies, media relations,investing in property, creating a spa hotel, travel, international and sustainable development, CSR, working for the UN …phew that’s some list and I could probably add a whole lot more. I could probably do a couple of these in my spare time (the novel, travelling), but in order to actually work for a living, I’ve had to say: OK I’m going to stick with looking for freelance contracts that’ll use my writing and research skills, preferably in the areas of international and sustainable development, as well as my travel website on the side. My only fear is that if I narrow myself to a particular area, or insist on going after the work I really want to do, I’ll find it harder to build a successful ‘career’ because we don’t always get what we want – I’ve just finished writing a novella which isn’t exactly going to earn me JK Rowling’s salary, or make me the next Joseph Conrad (not at the moment anyway) or even pay my basic bills. Anyway ‘The Renaissance Soul’ is now on my must read list. In fact Trent, I’m going to post this review on my website: http://www.morethanoxfordstreet.com
(with a link to this site of course-don’t worry, I won’t make a habit of it)

By: billybob

billybob — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:37:35 +0000

Two words: Barbara Sher.

By: NED

NED — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:18:27 +0000

Good read. Your reviews are really engaging, you will make a damned good book salesman. :P

1 question: How highly will you rate this book as compared to the other similar books you have reviewed? I understand how this book is not for everyone, but I’m curious how you as a renaissance man feel. Will it be the 9th book that you buy to keep on shelf?

By: Another Marie

Another Marie — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:26:45 +0000

I’ve always called myself a generalist, but the book definitely fits me and I’m not even done with the intro – I saw your review last night and my husband picked it up at the library this morning.

I have found a great occupation – I’m homeschooling my kids. I get to teach math and science and Latin and history (lots of history) and literature and writing and it’s always something new (few textbooks, lots of real books) – even if I use the same book several years later, it’s with a different mix of kids.

At some point I will need to do something that makes some money. (What’s worse than 13 years of diapers averaging 2 in diapers at at time? 14 years of college tuition, averaging 2 in college at a time.) I’m hoping the book will help me start generating some ideas.

Thanks for the review, I never would have found the book without it.

By: Beck

Beck — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:10:47 +0000

WOW, this book is awesome. I went right out to buy one. After I read the review, I looked around my office/sewing room/library/study/gardening center, and realized that I had at least eleven different interests going at one time. Finally, a book that understands me. Now I can prove to my family that I DO NOT have adult ADD!!!!! Thanks.

By: Gabriela

Gabriela — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:46:36 +0000

I found this book and the author’s website years ago. When I took her online quiz and read her book it felt that someone finally understood me. It validated who I am and how diverse my interests are. I finally took the plunge… I’ve left the workforce and I am starting my own business in which I can do what I love to do on my own terms while being able to do other things that I love. I re-read sections of this book often, especially when I start doubts over how I am and the direction that my life is taking.

By: Jules

Jules — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:59:03 +0000

That sounds like me, but I’m just not sure I could get it to pay off. I’d love to write science articles for a living (while working on my fiction), but alas, not having gone to school for writing really puts a damper in those plans…

By: Merlene Paynter

Merlene Paynter — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:07:49 +0000

I’ve borrowed The Renaissance Soul from my local library about 3 times over the past couple of years and it’s done a lot to help me sort out not only my many interests and passions but also to see ways that I can combine what seem to be very different interests into a satisfying career or hobby. I recommend The Renaissance Soul to anyone who’s been accused of flitting around from career to career and interest to interest.

As it says in the book… not everyone is a Mozart with one driving passion. Many of us are Ben Franklins with many diverse interests and passions and we shouldn’t be ashamed of it.

Great review, Trent!

By: mbkonef

mbkonef — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:12:41 +0000

I also read this book a few months ago after a reader mentioned it in the comments. I definitely found it to be useful but I am still struggling with my many passions. I think this is a book I will need to refer to and re-read occasionally so I have put it on my list of books I am willing to buy (but it will be thru e-bay, half.com, paperbackswap, or gifted). I also recommend “The Passion Test” by Janet and Chris Attwood. It is a little more like “The Secret” but I think the main message is still valid.

By: Sara

Sara — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:21:32 +0000

You know, I think most people are Renaissance souls and only a few lucky (unlucky?) birds have just one or two dedicated passions.

It seems the current job market is much friendlier to this persuasion than in the past. Instead of thinking that switching fields a few times has set back my career, I think that the time spent in each field is preparing for a bigger job.

And I wonder if there is a connection between library users and Renaissance souls: it seems like everyone who’s interested in this one is going to ILL it instead of buying!

By: JasonY

JasonY — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:32:43 +0000

Sounds a lot like Barbara Sher’s book about “scanners”. Not that it’s bad to come at it from a slightly different direction, but Sher’s stuff is much better.

By: Ryan McLean

Ryan McLean — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:35:53 +0000

I also write a financial blog and I am just trying to work out how you can do a book review EVERY WEEK. Do you read that much?
I struggle to read one whole book per month.

Also just a tip, why don’t you great your picture of the book you are reviewing to be an amazon.com affiliate link. Not only will this serve your readers as it means that if they like the review they can instantly go and purchase the book, but it will also make you a couple of dollars too.

This book sounds great by the way and you have done a great reveiw

By: Ann

Ann — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:33:21 +0000

My husband somehow found this book when he was in the middle of a (horrible!) career change crisis. I’m glad he did. It gave him some needed validation–that he’s not a freak, not lazy or uncommitted, but that he’s just not willing to limit himself to a narrow career that would merely pay the bills and do nothing else for him. The book also helped give him courage to go after a career that I think is perfect for many renaissance souls–a librarian. He gets to help people (something he deeply values) while learning a little bit about what each library patron needs help with–from birds to cheese-making to European politics. He’s so much happier now. And the churn through different passions continues– mosaics, chess, gardening. And so on. He wants to do it all. Maybe he can!

By: Jen K.

Jen K. — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:28:13 +0000

This book sounds really good and I’ll definately have to check it out soon.

I think it’s funny but today I was reflecting on my life and where it has gone since college and I can honestly say I am WAY more interested in learning now than I ever was 5 years ago. Like you, I read a vast array of subjects now and I’ve got a list of things that I would love to start pursuing, but are just in the preliminary stages of discovery. Foreign languages being one, sewing another. Two areas that have absolutely nothing to do with what I currently do (help run the family restaurant) and what I went to school for (Criminology).

So much to read, so little time . . .

By: L

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:21:19 +0000

I borrowed this book from the library a few months ago after a commenter on this site recommended it- I thought it was excellent. This review has inspired me to look at it again.

By: Kim

Kim — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:05:49 +0000

Trent – thanks for the (well-written) review!

I’ve ordered the book from the interlibrary loan and can’t wait to read it.

I’m one of these people for sure and have been my entire – sometimes difficult – life. My renaissance personality struggles even more these days since turning 50 this year. Sounds like this book may contain some relevant instruction.

By: That Saddity Chic

That Saddity Chic — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:32:27 +0000

I read this book a few months ago and I loved it. I still re-read chapters from time to time. It really helped me be ok with having a need to focus on alot of things instead of just one. I am no longer ashamed of “not knowing exactly what I want to do” and loving everything that is a culmination of what make me who I am. I highly reccommend this book :)