The Life Audit - Handbook for Life: book review

Author: Caroline Righton
Price: £7.99
Publisher: Hodder Mobius
Pages: 362
ISBN: 9780340839386

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I confess that this is not the sort of book I normally read. When I opened it and Righton suggested that " this book should become a hypothetical jumper it should make you personally more resourceful and responsible in trying to solve your own life's dilemmas", I was concerned that I would be asleep before page five.

I read on reluctantly, but soon realised I was getting this all wrong. This was not a 'read through from start to finish' sort of book, rather it was, as the author puts it: " up to you to decide whether fish knives or fellatio are your bag or not". However, once familiar with the general content, you can pick up and search for the relevant chapter as and when needed.

Righton's style is chatty and very easy to read, and she presents her received wisdom in simple, digestible chunks. The book is well structured and covers everything from relationships, health and money to mortality.

Unlike similar books, the author avoids attempting to concentrate on measuring every aspect of our daily lives. Instead, she provides straightforward advice, often in a humorous style, which makes this book addictive.

Righton ends the book by suggesting that: "Life can be really quite simple - it's just us that make it complicated."

Useful? Five out of five stars
Well-written? Four out of five stars
Practical? Five out of five stars
Inspirational? Three out of five stars 
Value for money? Five out of five stars 
Overall? Four out of five stars 

Reviewed by Scott McArthur, executive consultant, Atos Consulting

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Personnel Today will soon be launching a new Careerwise slot profiling HR professionals' best books and training products that have helped them in their careers. Send us your favourites and tell us how you were inspired. E-mail natalie.cooper@rbi.co.uk