While there were a lot of good nuggets of information in this book, I felt that at times it lacked a bit of heart. I also didn't realize that this was a book deeply rooted in religion. It will probably be beneficial for most people, but as somebody who has consumed quite a few self-help books, it just lacked some new information for me. I appreciate the message that the author was discussing.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

This book was something I really needed to read and hear. I struggle with mental health and this was full of good advice!

Using a mix of practical advice and personal stories, the author gives helpful ways of working towards the life you truly want to live. It was such a motivator to help you, especially if you're in the stuck stage like I've been in.

Using examples from his own life, BJ Thompson outlines the steps to move from desperation to transformation. A compassionate tone & readable style pairs with practical steps to get readers from where they are now to where they want to go .We all want to make our lives better. This author gives you his perspective on how he did that for himself. An interesting read regarding the evangelical Christian culture Recommended.

Starting off I was really pulled into the book, and this continued for several pages. There was lots of practical nuggets of truth I found myself highlighting. Chapter 5, Awaken a Better Mental and Emotional You, was very helpful to me.

However, as with some books, there can be things we disagree with. That happened with this book particularly in Chapter 8. For example, I am not sure why it was necessary to speak of "greater lights" and "lesser lights"--the Bible is clear there are angels and demons and those who are influenced by both entities. Honestly, most of the chapter did not resonate with me. However, the book, as I said, did offer some helpful pieces of wisdom in other chapters.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from NetGalley (WaterBrook and Multnomah). All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Practical is a great word to describe this book. The 4 steps are easily (ish) implemented into your life. Though I have to say the authors life was one of my favorite parts. Hearing where he came from and where he is was a wonderful bonus.

Awaken A Better You

Awaken A Better You has many suggestions and steps to help bring out more of your potential.

Awaken a Better You: 4 Simple Steps to Create the Life You Want by BJ Thompson is a wonderful book for anyone looking to make meaningful change in their life. The author speaks from personal experience and he shares it with readers in this book. He deals with all parts of life and explains clearly what is needed to make a change. Overall, I think this book is a great resource, especially for young people starting out in life. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

We all want to make our lives better. This author gives you his perspective on how he did that for himself. An interesting read regarding the evangelical Christian culture.

Worth a read.

Disclaimer: I received a digital copy from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing with no expectation in return. The thoughts above are my own and I chose to share them.

Yesterday, BJ Thompson's new book Awaken a Better You: 4 Simple Steps to Create the Life You Want hit bookstore shelves. According to a commercial I keep seeing on YouTube, the most Googled term last year was "can I change", and with the new year having already begun, some of us are probably saying, "Yes, I can change" but wondering how to do it.

You don't have to be a Christian to read this book, although spirituality is one of the four "change areas" discussed in the book. And even if you are a Christian, you may find yourself walking through a spiritual desert, like Thompson did after the 2016 U.S. Presidential election. (I really appreciate hearing a Christian call out Donald Trump and his supporters.)

All you have to do is understand who you are and the influences that make you who you are so you can know your value and take charge of your life.

At the end of each chapter, there are a series of questions for you to answer. Some are designed for you to "talk it out" with your friends or whoever you are reading the book with. Others require you to spend five minutes freewriting your thoughts on a particular topic.

This is not a book that will automatically fix you. Instead, it guides you through making a plan and taking the appropriate steps to awaken the change you wish to see in yourself, whether that's to be better emotionally/mentally, spiritually, relationally, or physically, or some combination of the four.

Awaken a Better You is published by WaterBrook and is on bookstore shelves now. I received a free e-ARC.

It starts with a decision, Thompson says. It starts with deciding you want to change and not letting anything hold you back. But the book is not so much about change as it is releasing what is inside. The emphasis is unlocking greater mental, spiritual, relational and emotional health through growth. “God has already empowered you with everything you need to become the best version of yourself.” (203/2663)

Thompson helps us see ourselves as God sees us. He helps us recognize the lies others tell us and those we tell ourselves. He helps us with strategy suggestions. “Transformation is always the result of intentional action guided by a well-ordered plan.” (980/2662) He provides questions for reflection and discussion within a circle of trusted friends. He also provides prompts to help the process and brainstorm where to go.

Some evangelical Christians may be surprised at Thompson relating the tumble his faith took after the 2016 U.S. presidential election. He shares his wilderness experience, wondering where he belonged outside the Christian “bubble.” He also shares how his faith was reconstructed after leaving the American evangelical subculture.

This is a good book for believers who want to be all God has created them to be. Readers will find good teaching and encouragement. It's also a good book for people who feel uncomfortable with the current evangelical culture in the U.S. They will find encouragement to reconstruct their faith in Jesus Christ.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Thank you, WaterBrook & Multinomah, for the advance reading copy.

I wish this book gets read by the growing up generation as soon as this book gets out there in the bookstores.

I feel this is a must read for everyone else as well. We are brought up in a very conventional way of manner and are taught to talk alike, think alike and be alike with everyone else. And there comes the frustration with many and by that time we must have spent all our time and energy.

What this book will offer you is the basic bare minimum on what you can rely upon to not reach this stage and be frustrated with everything and everyone.

The book has two main parts which will talk about taking higher risk which will reap you more than you think (or for more than what you haven’t been thinking about), redefinition of your own self, better prepared mentally and emotionally, be a better rational self and a better spiritual self.

I am so happy to have read this book. I am adding this to my favourite shelf. Please don’t wait to add it to yours as well.

Beginning with a 5-Step Assessment, “Awaken a Better You” by BJ Thompson helps readers know their identity. When you assess your nature, evaluate your nurture, ponder your personal choices, and pinpoint your personality, you grow in your giftedness. This coaching model presented by Mr. Thompson helps people pivot from where they are now, to where they want to be in life. Self-examination and self-discipline are effective life skills when nurtured by the right coach. With transparency, Mr. Thompson testifies to a life story of transformation. His book motivates readers to awaken to a better version of yourself.

In his book “Awaken a Better You,” popular transformation coach BJ Thompson identifies your barriers to personal growth. What may seem like small inconveniences are actually roadblocks to your success. This message would be fantastic for graduation ceremonies, new employees, athletes, life coaching, and church leaders. Mr. Thompson writes with the voice of wisdom and authority, leading readers to their desired results.

Something I appreciated as a reader is how BJ Thompson writes for multi-generations, rich and poor, highly educated and less educated, victim and bully. He has the vision to look into the heart and awaken behaviors that add value to an entire generation. He lifts the veil of judging others and helps readers see themselves. He pushes back the performance-driven coaching and teaches heart-driven transformation. A timely book, with a message for everyone to self-examine and awaken the better version of you!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Netgalley.