A shark never swims backward…it only charges ahead”

Always be the shark is a self-help book that helps the reader to find true success and meaning to their life, it is a collection of common ideas for self-help and life changes.

To me always be the shark feels more like a manual that you can focus as little or as much time as you personally feel you need to with it. There is the perfect opportunity for the reader to highlight certain parts that they feel they need more assistance within their life, I know that there were a number of strategies that were new to me, and I have definitely taken them away with me to adapt and use in my life.

However, there were times that I felt that I couldn’t really relate much to the author and her own personal struggles, but we are in two completely different places so that is understandable. I really liked the ideas and strategies that she explored within this book, and it feels quite therapeutic in places, but I feel that the reader would benefit from going through the book with someone else to bounce their ideas of each other, that is exactly how it worked better for me.

I love the inclusion of embracing self-compassion and the reminder that is it okay to not be okay – you are allowed to be sad.

Plus, the quotes that were included throughout the book were powerful reminders, and the format of the book and the way the chapters and strategies are broken down was great, as well as the summary/checklist type parts at the end of each chapter and at the end of the book

This type of book and the strategies are really quite new to me and I found myself actively taking part in the questions and games that the book provided, and this did lead me to question things in my life, which to me means the book has completed its goal with me, it is a intriguing read and I would recommend it to those who feel a little hollow

This was a motivating read. I enjoyed being challenged to think through my mindset. There were 50 different strategies and these were all worth reading about. I particularly liked the parts about confidence. This book would be particularly good for someone who is stuck in a dead end job or stuck in a rut and is not sure how to move forward. I didn't think there was anything particularly new in this book, but it is laid out in a step by step logical way. Some of the questions asked were quite thought provoking.

Rating: 3

Stevie Dawn Carter has culminated a collection of common themes and ideals of self-motivation. I didn't learn anything particularly eye-opening, but the ideas strung together were structurally fluid and sound. It's a quick read too, clocking in under 200 pages at that, which could be an advantage for individuals in a rut or are in need of a quick pick-me-up.