The Holy Shit Moment is a humorous self help book. The book was entertaining and is a fun read. I am not sure there is new information that is earth shattering in here.

Can you really "create a life-changing epiphany"? I say no. After reading James Fell's book, I still hold the same opinion. An epiphany happens suddenly and most often, unexpectedly, and I don't think you can 'plan' it. I understand Fell's thoughts here and can see how some people might benefit from this self-help book. I think Fell would have better billing this book as a path to self discovery and/or recreating your self or finding that ideal path for a better future.

Lots of common sense thoughts here. I guess if you are not one to examine and reexamine your life's 'how and why' already, this might help you focus on being a better you. Holy Sh!t moments DO happen. But if you could make it happen whenever you wanted, there wouldn't be anything extraordinary about it, would there?

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4/5 Lightning Strikes of Awesomeness

This is an amazing book and a wonder. Fell combines pop culture phraseology, movie references, serious scientific research and encouragement all with the goal of making you – you, me, anyone – open to your own epiphany. Fell does NOT promise miracles, or cure-alls, or quack mumbo jumbo. Throughout the book is the reminder that change is completely personal, and it may happen in the next five seconds, or in five years – and either is fine if it provokes your “Holy Sh!t!” moment. Fell’s message is if you want to change, there are things you can do to bring on the catalyst, and to make it rock your world.

I’m not sure what I was expecting in beginning “The Holy Sh!t Moment”, but it certainly wasn’t the frank honesty, humour and extensive scientific research underpinning every page. It is entertaining as hell – even if you are comfortable in your own utter perfection in this very moment you’ll have a blast reading – and so casually educational that it doesn’t feel like an endurance race or drinking from a fire hose.

While not quite casual in style, “The Holy Sh!t Moment” is incredibly personal in tone, approach and delivery. There is – among so many other treasures – swearing, references to Wonder Woman, Star Wars and the Muppets, personal anecdotes and a deft ability to simplify scientific research and arguments into compelling ideas, simple summaries and scaffolding for mental exercises and imaginings. Fell does not pretend or claim perfection – in sharing that he made an omelette for his kid solely to keep the Indian left-overs for himself there is a frankness, a camaraderie that entices the reader closer, and to better identify with the motives discussed in the chapter. Fell shares his favourite quotes, movies and jokes, all wrapped in science and an encouragement to consider making the life you want happen.

I can’t narrow down my favourite quote; some are “ordinary” sentences that, in isolation, are just a collection of words, but they sparked some level of epiphany or deeper thinking. That being said, I’ve highlighted 86 different notes (some page-long, some a few words), most of which made me laugh, or are excellent quotes from others, or studies I want to read for myself. A definite highlight was nearly laugh-choking on my drink reading “Well, that’s just great, I thought. I drowned his ass brain.”

Definitely have a pen or the note function on your reading device ready – you’ll want to mark this treasure up bigtime.

Source/Version: Netgalley copy for honest review

Recommended to:
• Anyone who has some measure of discontent with the life they are currently living
• Those wondering how they can change their lives
• Anyone who appreciates some science in their humour, or humour in their science (and prefers both well seasoned with clever pop culture references)

Not recommended for:
• Those who believe self-improvement should be painful and boring
• Anyone who doesn’t want some swearing or lots of humour in their non-fiction

The book description was really exciting but I felt the book didn't really live up to it. It was stretched out a bit and full of anecdotes and stories but it was difficult to work out how to actually use it, and put the advice into action. It went off on a lot of tangents and the variety of aha moments made it a little baffling. Having said that it was a good read, very conversational. The writers style is easy and pleasant, and quite humorous. I think if you are just looking for an interesting read on the subject looking at other peoples experiences then it is a great resource. However if you want something more practical that will enable you to take action I would probably look for something else. Many Thanks

The premise of this was interesting, but the actual advice offered was a bit far fetched. However, I do admire the writer’s enthusiasm!

I've known change to take time and while this book questions that or rather puts it to the test, I did find the stories shared herein intriguing.
I got an eARC from Netgalley to read and offer an honest review and it's a good read for a conversation and the need to act. I think anyone who is tired of procrastinating and is looking to believe in changing in the spur of the moment, would love this! Anyone who is cautious would also love to read this from beginning to end to try and disagree with it!

Have you ever managed to make an instantaneous change? Do you want to? Then Holy Shit Moment is for you!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author. All opinions are my own.