This is a book that could stimulate a lively discussion about the leadership of Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Jessie Asya Kanzer begins with a note that his last name ends with a double “y” which he prefers as it’s the way it would be spelled in Ukraine, opposed to one “y” in Russia.

She also explains that for years, she called herself “Russian” until Vladimir Putin turned it into a “icky” word. Her family moved from Riga, Latvia to Brooklyn, NY when she was young. She describes herself as the Soviet “Asya Brofman” and Americanized “Jessie Kanzer.”

She writes about the leader, Zelenskyy, who had a law degree but decided to be a comedian actor. Then he was elected as the Ukraine President and became an inspirational leader. He calls himself the “servant of the people” appealing to “ordinary” folks.

He said, “You don’t need experience to be president. You just have to be a decent human being.” The author notes, “It doesn’t mean he didn’t make mistakes.” He was challenged by Trump when he was asked to help find dirt on Hunter Biden. He also figured early on that he could have a chat with Putin to settle the war. However, Zelenskyy has an exceptional talent for connecting with people. “We are not the ones who started this war…but we are the ones who have to finish it.”

Kanzer calls herself a “spiritual interpreter.” The book takes Zelenskyy’s wisdom and relates it to the reader sporadically with hope, faith, and love. This is where one finds their “inner Zelenskyy.” I wish she used his leadership to relate to our divided country and how powerful it would be to have a speaker that could unify the two parties.

The book is quick to read with some parts repeated in different ways. In closing, she said, “The bulk of us have not had a leader of Zelenskyy’s caliber in a very long time, if ever in our lifetimes.” This came across to me as a strong statement which would be debatable.

My thanks to St. Martin’s Essentials and NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy with an expected release date of October 24, 2023.

"Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky" is part biography and part self-help book. I continue to be amazed at what Volodymyr Zelensky has been able to do for his people and how he has led them through this unexpected-- and unwanted-- invasion.

Jessie Asya Kanzer wrote enthusiastically about her subject. She shared anecdotes about Zelensky that I certainly had not heard.

I think perhaps the book could be pared down a bit. Several chapters sounded to me as if I'd reached the end of the book. Maybe I just realized that I have no inner Zelensky-- only President Zelensky has one of those. I think history will remember him as an exceptionally gifted man.

a bit too superficial in its analyses of why Zelensky...(Ze) has been so potent as a leader. I THINK it ...therefore I do it....not my cup of tea.