One of my least favorite genres is the self-help book. Every time I read something from this category, I feel completely underwhelmed. Spark, by Jason Jaggard, is no different.
Full of forced optimism and predictable cliches, Spark left me with the unmistakable feeling that life is nothing but formulas: if you do this, then that will happen. If you want to go here, you must go there. I wasn’t impressed or encouraged at all; instead, I felt like I had little benefit to show for the time invested in reading the book.
While Jaggard seems to have built a successful business based on the premises laid out in this book, I continue to be skeptical about the formulaic strategy he describes. In my experience, very little in life can be continually maintained by such formulas.
Jaggard asks the question, “What is one thing I could do this week to have an impact on the world around me?” I agree that we can and should be attempting to answer this question in our day to day lives. And in order for that to happen, we have to be intentional about the things we do. I’m just not so sure that if I step out of my comfort zone, then the results will line up at my door as he suggests.
But that’s what this book seems to promise.
Jaggard’s goal is to motivate you to change your world, one small step, one small risk, at a time. The problem is that his suggestions feel forced and stilted.
As I mentioned, I wasn’t impressed. I wouldn’t recommend this book if you are trying to grow in your faith and impact your world. Instead, simply start reaching out to those around you in love. You’ll see sparks of transformation soon enough.
In the meantime, spend your time reading something more worth your time.
Have you read Spark? If so, what did you think? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received this book free from Multnomah Books as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.“