happiness and food

A self-help book addressing a topic that most of the professionals even don’t talk about is not easy to find. Mid Career Crisis(MCC) is a usual phenomenon and the book provides no solution yet makes the reader aware of the possible causes and changes one could make to keep progressing in their careers. No, progressing here does not mean moving up the ladder but learning what one should do with his/her career.

The genre of self-help is never an easy read but the author through his writing style and blending the near real life stories with an analysis has made the book a great read. The author’s experience and interactions throughout his career has made this book enriching and most of the readers like me will be able to relate to the examples shared in the book.

The book is divided into two sections – while first talks about facing MCC and shares stories of corporate professionals, the second section comprises of personal stories of ten leaders who in their own words have described their successes, struggles and learnings. Through some known and some not so known names, this section comes across as honest and to-the-point.

Positives: The best thing about this book is the way it is written. Unlike others in the genre, this is not preachy and it’s hard to get bored while reading it. Through the almost real life stories, I really liked the author’s approach on presenting the topic. It is very easy to get swayed when attempting a subject like this and the author’s effort is commendable.

The scenarios touched upon have a good mix of possible issues, what could have been better and how to think differently. The author’s openness about accepting that he is not providing a solution is good to set expectations with the reader. The way the book is written, readers can learn a lot – all needed is an open mind and personal commitment towards the issue.

The language is simple and the editing is good. Conversations be it one on one or meeting scenarios have been narrated in a good manner and almost take you to board rooms at some places. Though the book is about MCC, people who have just started their careers will also find the book meaningful. The author’s personal experience on the subject comes across throughout the book.

The ten personal stories in the second section of the book bring a sort of validation to the first section. It is good that the stories have not been edited and hence the essence is intact. The language and style of story narration changes with every story bring a lot of truth to the issues and how people turn it around for their good.

What could have been better: I think that the author has done a great job with this book. At very few places in the leaders’ stories, there are a bit of errors but to me it also means that the author has let the leaders write their own stories which is a brave effort.

Tactical Details: The book’s organization is good – a background in the beginning and what to expect in the preface and the acknowledgments later. a blue paper boat and the title on the cover page are creatively done. I liked the shaky upward arrow in “CRISIS” which is symbolic to the fact that the journey to the top is not a cake walk and there are challenges.

The font is easy on the eyes and the shaded text for stories is a great way to distinguish the stories from the explanation.

Overall Verdict: If you are looking for a change in your book shelf and want to read something that will make you introspect, this book is a great read. I will certainly recommend this one with a 4/5 rating.

Book Details:  

Name:  Mid-Career Crisis – Why some sail through while others don’t

Authors: Partha Sarathi Basu

Genre: Self help

Publisher: Collins Business

Publication Year: 2015

Number of pages: 170

Price: 299 INR

My rating: 4/5

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 Thank you Writer’s Melon for sending the book across!